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PHD in Yoga And Holistic Wellness at National Institute of Technology Calicut
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Yoga and Holistic Wellness at National Institute of Technology Calicut Kozhikode?
This Yoga and Holistic Wellness program at National Institute of Technology Calicut focuses on advanced research into the scientific principles and practical applications of yoga and holistic health practices. It integrates traditional Indian wisdom with contemporary scientific methodologies, preparing scholars for cutting-edge investigations in wellness. The program is designed to meet the growing demand in India for experts who can bridge ancient practices with modern healthcare and lifestyle solutions, contributing to preventive health and overall well-being. This specialized research area differentiates itself through an engineering institution''''s rigorous research approach, often incorporating technological and analytical perspectives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for individuals holding Master''''s degrees in Physical Education, allied health sciences, psychology, or even engineering/science disciplines with a keen interest in holistic wellness research. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring to contribute to wellness research and development, and working professionals seeking to specialize and innovate in areas like yoga therapy, public health, or lifestyle management. Candidates with a strong foundational understanding of yoga or health sciences, coupled with strong research aptitude, will find this program deeply rewarding. It also appeals to those seeking to blend traditional Indian knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to emerge as leading researchers and educators in the burgeoning field of holistic wellness in India. Career paths include roles in academic institutions as professors, researchers in wellness and healthcare industries, consultants for corporate wellness programs, or developers of evidence-based yoga and lifestyle interventions. With India''''s significant focus on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy), graduates are uniquely positioned for high-impact roles, potentially commanding competitive salaries (e.g., INR 8-15 Lakhs annually for research scientists/academicians, growing significantly with experience) in both public and private sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently complete mandatory coursework in Research Methodology, focusing on understanding diverse research designs, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. Simultaneously, conduct an exhaustive literature review specific to Yoga and Holistic Wellness, identifying key scholars, seminal works, and existing research gaps. This stage builds a robust theoretical and methodological base.
Tools & Resources
NITC Library resources (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar), Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python libraries)
Career Connection
A strong foundation in research methodology is crucial for designing credible studies, obtaining ethical clearances, and publishing high-impact papers, which are essential for academic and research careers in India and abroad.
Engage with Departmental Research Colloquia and Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, colloquia, and research presentations, especially those related to Physical Education, Biomedical Engineering, or interdisciplinary health sciences. Present initial research ideas or literature reviews to gain early feedback and refine your research direction, fostering critical thinking and effective presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules and notices, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, LaTeX Beamer), Constructive feedback from faculty and peers
Career Connection
Networking with faculty and senior researchers, combined with early presentation experience, enhances academic visibility, refines communication skills, and prepares scholars for future conference presentations and thesis defense.
Build Interdisciplinary Connections for Holistic Perspective- (Semester 1-2)
Given the ''''Holistic Wellness'''' aspect, proactively seek interaction with faculty and researchers from diverse NITC disciplines like Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science (for data analytics), and Management (for public health management). This broadens your research perspective, identifies potential collaborators, and enables multi-faceted studies on wellness.
Tools & Resources
NITC departmental websites, Faculty profiles and research interests, Interdisciplinary research forums and clubs
Career Connection
Developing interdisciplinary skills and networks is invaluable for innovative research, securing grants, and provides a competitive edge in integrated health initiatives and research funding in India.
Intermediate Stage
Define and Refine Research Problem and Methodology- (Semester 3-5)
After coursework, dedicate intensive effort to clearly define your specific PhD research problem within Yoga and Holistic Wellness. Develop a detailed research proposal outlining objectives, hypotheses, detailed methodology (experimental design, data collection, analysis plan), and expected outcomes. Work closely with your supervisor and Doctoral Committee to refine your approach.
Tools & Resources
NITC PhD Research Proposal guidelines, Mentorship from Doctoral Committee, Specialized software for data collection or analysis (e.g., biomechanics software, physiological signal processing tools) relevant to your topic
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem and robust methodology are the backbone of a successful PhD, leading to impactful publications and a strong thesis, which are critical for establishing research credibility and future grant applications.
Attend and Present at National/International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to attend and present your preliminary research findings or literature reviews at national (e.g., ICMR, AYUSH-sponsored) and relevant international conferences related to Yoga, Wellness, Sports Science, or Public Health in India. This exposes you to peer review, current research trends, and networking with experts in your field.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (e.g., India Conferences, relevant professional bodies like Indian Association of Yoga), ''''Call for Papers'''' alerts, NITC travel grants and departmental funding for conference participation
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds your academic profile, provides valuable feedback, and opens doors for collaborations, ultimately enhancing your post-PhD employment prospects in academia, research institutions, or government health bodies.
Develop Advanced Analytical and Practical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Based on your research topic, acquire advanced skills in specific areas, such as advanced statistical modeling, qualitative data analysis techniques, physiological data acquisition (e.g., HRV, EEG, fMRI if relevant), or advanced yogic practices under expert guidance. This ensures you are equipped to execute your chosen methodology effectively.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL for advanced statistics/AI in healthcare), Workshops on specific techniques (e.g., biofeedback, yoga therapy), Expert practitioners/collaborators within or outside NITC
Career Connection
Specialized, cutting-edge skills make you a valuable asset in research projects and industry, particularly in roles requiring data-driven insights into health and wellness interventions, and designing evidence-based programs.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Publication and Dissertation Writing- (Semester 6-8 (or final years))
Prioritize publishing your research findings in reputable, peer-reviewed national and international journals (UGC-CARE list, Scopus, Web of Science indexed), aiming for at least 2-3 publications before thesis submission. Concurrently, meticulously structure and write your doctoral dissertation, ensuring clarity, rigor, and strict adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission guidelines and impact factors, NITC thesis writing guidelines and plagiarism policies, Grammar and plagiarism check software (e.g., Grammarly, Turnitin)
Career Connection
A strong publication record significantly boosts your chances for faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and leadership roles in research organizations. A well-written, impactful thesis is paramount for successful defense and degree completion, establishing your expertise.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva Voce and Thesis Defense- (Semester 6-8 (or final years))
Systematically prepare for the comprehensive examination and final viva voce, reviewing your entire research journey, understanding its implications, and anticipating potential questions. Conduct mock defenses with your doctoral committee and peers to refine your presentation, communication of complex research findings, and ability to address critiques effectively.
Tools & Resources
Previous research proposals and reports, Guidance from supervisor and committee members, Practice presentation sessions with critical feedback
Career Connection
A confident and articulate defense demonstrates mastery of your subject and advanced research abilities, which is critical for securing academic and research positions where public speaking, scientific communication, and independent thought are essential.
Network for Post-PhD Opportunities and Career Planning- (Semester 6-8 (or final years))
As you approach completion, actively network with potential employers, senior researchers, and alumni in academia, the wellness industry, public health, or policy-making sectors in India. Attend job fairs, explore postdoctoral fellowships, and tailor your CV and research statement to target specific career goals, solidifying your transition from scholar to expert.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn, ResearchGate), Career services at NITC, Mentors and industry contacts within the wellness and health research ecosystem
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking are crucial for securing desired positions post-PhD, whether in academia, government research bodies, or the burgeoning private wellness sector in India, ensuring a smooth and successful transition and maximizing career impact.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.Tech/M.E/M.Arch/M.Plan/MBA/MCA) or equivalent in a relevant discipline with a CGPA of at least 6.5/10 (or 60% marks). For SC/ST/PwD, CGPA of 6.0/10 (or 55% marks). OR Bachelor''''s degree (B.Tech/B.E/B.Arch/B.Plan) or equivalent in a relevant discipline with a CGPA of at least 8.0/10 (or 75% marks). For SC/ST/PwD, CGPA of 7.5/10 (or 70% marks). Specific relevance to ''''Yoga and Holistic Wellness'''' research area would be assessed by the Department of Physical Education or an interdisciplinary committee.
Duration: Typically 3 to 6 years (Minimum residence period of 2-3 years, maximum 6 years as per regulations)
Credits: Minimum 100 credits beyond B.Tech/M.Tech (including coursework and research credits) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDRCS | PhD Research Work / Thesis | Research | 70 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Survey and Gap Analysis, Development of Research Methodology, Data Collection and Experimentation, Analysis, Interpretation, and Discussion of Results, Thesis Writing and Defense |
