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DOCTOR-OF-PHILOSOPHY in Political Science at Mohanlal Sukhadia University
Udaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Mohanlal Sukhadia University Udaipur?
This Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program at Mohanlal Sukhadia University focuses on advanced research and critical analysis of political systems, theories, and contemporary issues. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing original knowledge to the field, addressing India-specific political challenges, and engaging with global political dynamics. The program emphasizes rigorous methodology and in-depth study, responding to the growing demand for expert political analysis in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic background in Political Science, particularly those aspiring to academic and research careers. It also suits professionals in government, NGOs, think tanks, and journalism who seek to deepen their understanding, conduct independent research, and enhance their analytical capabilities for policy-making and public discourse in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, research fellows in institutions, policy analysts for government bodies or international organizations, and political consultants. In India, a Ph.D. in Political Science opens doors to prestigious academic positions and contributes to shaping public policy, with potential salary ranges varying significantly based on role and experience, from entry-level research positions to senior academic roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Coursework Phase (typically Semesters 1-2))
Thoroughly engage with the coursework in Research Methodology (Paper I) to build a strong foundation in research design, data analysis, and report writing. Concurrently, initiate an exhaustive literature review in your chosen area of Political Science to identify research gaps and refine your research question. Utilize university library resources and online academic databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Shodhganga.
Tools & Resources
University Library (physical & digital), JSTOR, Google Scholar, Shodhganga (for Indian theses), Reference management software like Zotero/Mendeley
Career Connection
A robust methodological foundation is crucial for conducting credible research, which is paramount for academic publications and thesis defense, directly impacting future academic and research positions.
Active Engagement with Departmental Seminars and Peers- (Coursework Phase and early Research Stage)
Participate actively in departmental seminars, workshops, and colloquia. Present your initial research ideas and engage in critical discussions. Form a study group with fellow Ph.D. scholars to discuss readings, methodologies, and provide feedback on each other''''s work. Seek regular guidance from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Peer study groups, Supervisor meetings
Career Connection
Networking with peers and faculty fosters a collaborative research environment, leading to potential co-authorships, interdisciplinary projects, and exposure to diverse research perspectives, invaluable for academic career building.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Throughout the Ph.D. program, especially after coursework)
Focus on improving academic writing by regularly drafting sections of your literature review or research proposal. Practice presenting your research concisely and effectively in departmental forums. Seek feedback on both written and oral presentations from faculty and peers to refine your communication skills.
Tools & Resources
University writing centers (if available), Grammarly/QuillBot, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Google Slides)
Career Connection
Strong academic writing and presentation skills are essential for publishing research papers, delivering conference presentations, and ultimately for a successful thesis defense and securing teaching/research positions.
Intermediate Stage
Attend & Present at National/International Conferences- (Year 2-3 of Ph.D. (after significant research progress))
Once research progresses, actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing work at national and international conferences related to Political Science. This provides valuable feedback, helps refine your arguments, and builds your academic network. Look for calls for papers from reputable organizations in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts (e.g., AllAcademia), Departmental travel grants/funding, Professional associations like IPSA India
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences establishes your scholarly presence, leads to networking with experts, and can be a stepping stone for journal publications, significantly boosting your academic CV and job prospects.
Target Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications- (Year 2-4 of Ph.D.)
Aim to publish at least one or two research papers in UGC-CARE approved or other reputable peer-reviewed journals before thesis submission. This demonstrates your ability to produce original, high-quality research that stands up to scrutiny. Work closely with your supervisor to identify suitable journals and revise your manuscripts.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE list, Journal finders (e.g., Elsevier Journal Finder), Publication workshops
Career Connection
Publications are a critical requirement for academic positions (Assistant Professor onward) and a strong indicator of research productivity and impact, directly enhancing your employability in universities and research institutions.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research & Workshops- (Year 2-4 of Ph.D.)
Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary research by collaborating with scholars from related fields like Sociology, Public Administration, or Economics, if relevant to your topic. Attend specialized workshops on advanced research techniques, data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R for qualitative/quantitative methods), or specific theoretical frameworks.
Tools & Resources
University research centers, Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL for advanced methods), Software trials
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary work broadens your research scope and makes you a more versatile scholar. Expertise in advanced tools enhances your skillset, making you more competitive for research grants and diverse academic/policy roles.
Advanced Stage
Systematic Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Final 1-2 years of Ph.D.)
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis, adhering strictly to academic standards and university guidelines. Plan chapter-wise completion targets. Once drafted, engage in multiple rounds of revision with your supervisor. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-submission presentation and the final viva voce, anticipating potential questions and refining your arguments.
Tools & Resources
University Ph.D. thesis guidelines, Supervisor feedback, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
Successful thesis completion and defense are the ultimate requirements for degree conferral. A well-written thesis and confident defense are vital for showcasing your research competence to potential employers and academic peers.
Develop a Post-Ph.D. Career Strategy- (Last year of Ph.D. and post-submission)
Actively explore various career paths beyond academia, such as policy research, government roles, journalism, or international organizations. Network with professionals in these sectors. Update your CV/resume, highlight your research skills, publications, and teaching experience. Prepare for job interviews and academic presentations.
Tools & Resources
Career services at university (if available), LinkedIn, Job portals (e.g., Govt. job sites, academicjobsonline), Informational interviews
Career Connection
A proactive career strategy ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D. and helps secure desirable positions, whether in academia, think tanks, or government, maximizing the return on your extensive research investment.
Seek Funding for Postdoctoral Research or Projects- (Final year of Ph.D. and immediately after completion)
Explore opportunities for postdoctoral fellowships, research grants, or project funding from national (e.g., ICSSR, UGC) and international agencies. This demonstrates initiative and allows for continued research growth, often leading to independent research careers or more senior academic positions.
Tools & Resources
ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research), UGC research schemes, International fellowship portals
Career Connection
Securing independent funding is a strong indicator of research leadership potential and is highly valued in academic and research institutions, opening pathways to long-term research careers and faculty positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Political Science or an allied subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/MBC/PH candidates) or equivalent grade from a recognized university. Successful clearance of Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) or UGC/CSIR-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship holder.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Coursework phase typically 1-2 semesters)
Credits: 8 credits (4 credits per coursework paper) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM-P1 | Paper I: Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research: Types, Methods, Hypothesis, Research Design: Problem Identification, Sampling, Ethics, Data Collection: Primary/Secondary Sources, Methods, Data Processing & Analysis: Statistical Measures, Hypothesis Testing, Research Report Writing: Format, Referencing, Plagiarism |
| PHD-PS-P2 | Paper II: Subject Specific (Political Science) | Core | 4 |
