PHD in Humanities at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This PhD in Humanities program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced research across diverse fields such as literature, philosophy, cultural studies, history, and social sciences. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and critical inquiry into complex societal issues, contributing significantly to India''''s burgeoning academic and cultural landscape. The program distinguishes itself by fostering independent research capabilities and contributing original knowledge. There is a growing demand for nuanced perspectives and deep analytical skills across policy-making, education, and cultural heritage sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates with a strong academic record in any Humanities discipline, aspiring academics, researchers, and professionals seeking to contribute original scholarship. It also suits working professionals in education, media, or policy who aim to deepen their expertise and critical thinking. Candidates typically possess a profound curiosity, analytical mindset, and a commitment to rigorous scholarly inquiry, often with prior research experience or publications.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, independent researchers, cultural policy advisors, journalists, or content strategists in India. Entry-level academics in India can expect starting salaries from INR 5-8 LPA, growing significantly with experience and publications. This PhD provides a strong foundation for leadership roles in academic institutions and think tanks, enabling engagement with national and international research communities and shaping critical discourse.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the compulsory coursework, focusing on theoretical foundations of research, diverse methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), and ethical guidelines. Participate in workshops on research software like NVivo or SPSS if relevant to your study, and regularly discuss ethical dilemmas with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
MAHE Central Library resources, UGC Care List journals, Online courses on research ethics, NVivo/SPSS workshops
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology ensures the rigor and credibility of your research, crucial for academic publications and thesis defense, directly impacting future academic and research career prospects.
Build a Robust Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to an exhaustive literature review, identifying gaps in existing scholarship in your chosen area. Use reference management tools effectively and maintain a systematic review process. Regularly present summaries to your Doctoral Advisory Committee (DAC) for feedback.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero, JSTOR, Project MUSE, Google Scholar, MAHE library databases
Career Connection
A comprehensive literature review is the bedrock of original research, demonstrating scholarly engagement and intellectual depth, essential for academic credibility and securing research grants.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, reading groups, and PhD cohort meetings. Engage in intellectual discussions with faculty members beyond your supervisor to broaden perspectives. Seek out opportunities for peer-reviewing early drafts of work within your department.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Research colloquia, Inter-departmental workshops
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network provides mentorship, potential collaborations, and exposure to diverse research paradigms, which can be invaluable for job opportunities and professional growth in academia.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Refine Research Proposal- (Year 2-3)
Work closely with your supervisor and DAC to develop a well-defined and feasible research proposal. This involves clearly articulating your research questions, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Be open to critical feedback and iterative refinement.
Tools & Resources
MAHE PhD Handbook, Supervisor guidance, DAC meetings, Proposal writing workshops
Career Connection
A strong proposal is fundamental for securing research approvals, grants, and demonstrating your capability to conduct independent, high-quality research, which is crucial for subsequent career stages.
Engage in Early Publication and Presentations- (Year 2-3)
Transform aspects of your literature review or early findings into research papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals (UGC Care List journals in India) or conference presentations. Attend and present at national and international conferences to gain feedback and build your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care List, Calls for papers (CFPs) from relevant academic associations, MAHE research grants for conference travel
Career Connection
Publications and presentations are vital for academic job applications, demonstrating research productivity and engagement with the scholarly community, enhancing your CV for faculty positions.
Seek Interdisciplinary Collaborations- (Year 2-3)
Explore potential collaborations with scholars from related disciplines within or outside MAHE. This can enrich your research, offer new perspectives, and lead to joint publications or projects, particularly beneficial for Humanities research in India tackling complex societal issues.
Tools & Resources
MAHE research clusters, Inter-departmental seminars, Research collaborations with other Indian universities
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary work expands your methodological toolkit and research network, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate for diverse academic and research roles, including those in think tanks or policy bodies.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Data Analysis- (Year 4-6)
Allocate dedicated time for continuous writing and rigorous data analysis, maintaining consistent communication with your supervisor. Break down the thesis into manageable chapters and set realistic deadlines. Ensure your arguments are coherent, well-supported, and contribute original insights.
Tools & Resources
Writing groups, Academic writing workshops, Grammarly/Turnitin for editing and plagiarism checks
Career Connection
A well-written and rigorously argued thesis is the ultimate output of your PhD, leading to successful defense and demonstrating your scholarly maturity, directly impacting your ability to secure academic positions.
Prepare for Comprehensive Examination and Viva Voce- (Year 3-5 (Comprehensive Exam), Final Year (Viva Voce))
Thoroughly revise your coursework material and research proposal for the comprehensive examination. For the viva voce, practice presenting your research concisely and prepare to defend your arguments and methodology to a panel of experts.
Tools & Resources
Previous coursework materials, Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors, MAHE PhD Regulations for examination protocols
Career Connection
Successfully clearing these examinations is a prerequisite for degree conferral. Strong performance showcases your deep understanding and critical thinking, which are highly valued in academic and research roles.
Plan Post-PhD Career Paths- (Final Year)
Start exploring post-doctoral fellowships, academic job market trends, and non-academic career opportunities well before thesis submission. Prepare your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statements. Attend career development workshops and leverage university career services.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Academic job boards (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, specific Indian university sites), Postdoctoral fellowship databases
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smoother transition post-PhD. Understanding the job market and preparing relevant application materials increases your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions in India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master''''s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ''''B'''' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency). A relaxation of 5% marks is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories as per UGC guidelines.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time); Minimum 4 years, Maximum 7 years (part-time)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD1001 | Research Methodology | Compulsory Coursework | 4 | Philosophy of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Thesis and Research Report Writing |
| PHD1002 | Research and Publication Ethics | Compulsory Coursework | 2 | Introduction to Research Ethics, Scientific Conduct, Publication Ethics, Open Access Publishing, Publication Misconduct, Intellectual Property Rights |
| PHDELECTIVE | Departmental Elective Courses | Elective Coursework | 6 | Advanced Topics in Specific Humanities Discipline, Theoretical Frameworks, Critical Studies, Specialized Research Methods, Interdisciplinary Approaches, Contemporary Debates in Humanities |