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PHD in Humanities And Social Science at National Institute of Technology Rourkela
Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Science at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This PhD program in Humanities and Social Sciences at NIT Rourkela focuses on interdisciplinary research within various facets of human society, culture, and thought. In the Indian context, this specialization addresses critical societal challenges and cultural narratives, making it highly relevant for policy formulation, academic leadership, and cultural preservation efforts. The program uniquely combines rigorous research methodologies with diverse theoretical perspectives, preparing scholars for impactful contributions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for candidates holding Master''''s degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, and related fields, seeking to contribute original research to their disciplines. It attracts fresh postgraduates aiming for academic careers, research positions in think tanks, or leadership roles in NGOs. Working professionals in education, policy analysis, and social development looking to deepen their expertise and acquire advanced research skills will also find it beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, independent researchers, policy analysts for government bodies, or cultural consultants. In India, there is a growing demand for nuanced HSS research in areas like public policy, social development, and digital humanities. Potential salary ranges can vary from INR 6-12 LPA for entry-level researchers to 15-30+ LPA for experienced academics or senior policy roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Ethics- (First 1-2 semesters (during and immediately after coursework))
Thoroughly engage with the mandatory Research Methodology course (HS8000), understanding diverse quantitative and qualitative approaches. Actively participate in workshops on research ethics and responsible conduct of research. This foundational knowledge is crucial for designing a robust thesis proposal and ensuring academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on research methods, NIT Rourkela Library''''s research databases, ethical guidelines from UGC/ICSSR
Career Connection
Essential for any research-based career, ensuring the credibility and impact of future publications and projects, crucial for academic and policy-oriented roles.
Engage with Departmental Seminars & Workshops- (Throughout the initial coursework and early research proposal development phase)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, colloquia, and guest lectures. This exposes students to ongoing research, diverse perspectives, and builds a scholarly network. Present initial research ideas in informal settings to gather feedback from peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, email lists, research group meetings
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, critical thinking, and networking opportunities that are vital for academic conferences, job interviews, and future collaborations.
Develop Advanced Academic Writing Skills- (Continuously from the first semester, intensifying during coursework and proposal writing)
Focus on refining academic writing skills beyond basic essays. Take advantage of elective courses like ''''Critical Thinking and Academic Writing'''' (HS8004) or utilize writing center resources. Practice structuring arguments, literature reviews, and empirical reports effectively for thesis and publications.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Purdue OWL, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, peer review groups
Career Connection
High-quality academic writing is indispensable for thesis submission, journal publications, grant applications, and professional communication in any HSS-related field.
Intermediate Stage
Formulate a Robust Research Proposal & Committee- (Semesters 3-5 (or once coursework is completed))
Work closely with your assigned supervisor to develop a clear, original, and feasible research proposal. Actively seek input from potential committee members and departmental faculty to refine the research question, methodology, and scope. Understand and adhere to the institutional guidelines for proposal submission.
Tools & Resources
NITR PhD Regulations, supervisor meetings, departmental faculty consultations, research methodology texts
Career Connection
A strong proposal demonstrates research acumen and is a crucial step towards successful thesis completion, directly impacting future academic and research positions.
Build Domain-Specific Expertise & Literature Review- (Semesters 3-6)
Beyond coursework, delve deeply into the literature specific to your research topic. Identify key scholars, theoretical frameworks, and research gaps. Utilize advanced search techniques and interlibrary loan services to comprehensively review existing scholarship and conceptualize your unique contribution to the field.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar, NITR Library''''s specialized databases, EndNote/Zotero for literature management
Career Connection
Establishes you as an expert in your niche, critical for engaging with other scholars, publishing, and securing specialized roles in academia or research.
Seek National and International Conference Exposure- (Semesters 4-6, once initial research or literature review is substantial)
Present initial findings or literature reviews at national (e.g., ICSSR sponsored) or, if possible, international conferences. This provides invaluable feedback, networking opportunities with experts, and experience in academic discourse, enhancing your scholarly profile.
Tools & Resources
Conference call for papers databases, departmental funding for travel, mentorship from supervisor
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, enhances academic visibility, and adds significant value to your CV for academic job applications and future collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Proactive Data Collection & Methodological Rigor- (Semesters 5-7)
Execute the approved research methodology diligently, ensuring proper ethical clearances for human subjects research and meticulous data integrity. For qualitative research, focus on rapport building; for quantitative, ensure valid statistical analysis. Maintain regular check-ins with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey/Google Forms, interview recording tools, qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo), statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS)
Career Connection
Demonstrates practical research skills and commitment, leading to credible findings that are essential for impactful publications and a strong thesis defense.
Prioritize Academic Publishing & Dissemination- (Semesters 6-8, parallel with thesis writing)
Aim to publish at least 1-2 research papers in Scopus/WoS indexed journals based on your PhD work before thesis submission. This validates your research, contributes to the academic community, and significantly boosts your academic profile for future opportunities. Actively engage in the revision process based on peer feedback.
Tools & Resources
Journal databases, academic writing workshops, supervisor guidance on journal selection
Career Connection
Publications are the lifeblood of an academic career, crucial for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and research grants in India and globally.
Strategic Thesis Writing & Defense Preparation- (Semesters 7-8, leading up to the final defense)
Dedicate focused time to writing the thesis, adhering strictly to institutional formatting guidelines. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and committee. Practice your thesis defense presentation extensively, anticipating potential questions and refining your arguments for a successful oral examination.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word, reference management software, mock defense sessions, NITR thesis submission guidelines
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of PhD, opening doors to all advanced HSS careers. A well-written thesis serves as a comprehensive portfolio of your research capabilities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., English, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, History, Archaeology) with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or 6.5 CGPA out of 10) from a recognized University/Institute. Relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates as per Govt. of India norms. Specific eligibility for B.Tech/M.Tech degrees in relevant disciplines may apply as per institutional PhD regulations.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 7 years (regular students)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 8000 | Research Methodology | Core (Mandatory) | 3 | Research Design and Planning, Methods of Data Collection, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, Data Processing and Analysis, Academic Writing, Ethics in Research |
| HS 8001 | Interdisciplinary Approach to Humanities and Social Sciences | Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary Theories & Concepts, Areas of Interdisciplinary Research, Cross-cultural Studies, Transdisciplinary Research, Research Applications |
| HS 8002 | Advanced Theories in Social Sciences | Elective | 3 | Critical Social Theories, Postmodernism & Post-structuralism, Feminism & Gender Studies, Post-colonialism, Development Studies, Social Movements |
| HS 8003 | Advanced Theories in Literary and Cultural Studies | Elective | 3 | Literary Criticism, Cultural Theories, Postmodernism & Post-structuralism, Post-colonialism, Gender Studies, Media & Communication Studies |
| HS 8004 | Critical Thinking and Academic Writing | Elective | 3 | Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning & Argumentation, Academic Reading, Research Paper Structure, Citation Styles, Plagiarism & Ethics |
| HS 8005 | Pedagogy and Curriculum Development in Higher Education | Elective | 3 | Theories of Learning, Teaching Approaches, Curriculum Design, Assessment & Evaluation, Educational Technologies, Professional Development |
| HS 8006 | Data Analysis for Social Science Research | Elective | 3 | Data Types & Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Regression Analysis, Qualitative Data Analysis, Use of Software (SPSS/R) |
| HS 8007 | Philosophy of Science and Ethics in Research | Elective | 3 | Philosophy of Science, Epistemology & Ontology, Ethics in Research, Research Integrity, Ethical Dilemmas |
| HS 8008 | Advanced Topics in Indian Philosophy and Culture | Elective | 3 | Indian Epistemology and Metaphysics, Ethics in Indian Thought, Indian Aesthetics, Cultural Heritage, Contemporary Debates |
| HS 8009 | Public Policy and Governance in India | Elective | 3 | Policy Cycle & Policy Analysis, Governance Theories, Public Administration, Social Welfare Policies, Policy Reforms in India |
| HS 8010 | Media and Communication Studies | Elective | 3 | Communication Theories, Media Landscape & Digital Media, Journalism Ethics, Media Effects, Indian Media Context |
| HS 8011 | Psychology of Human Development and Behavior | Elective | 3 | Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology |
| HS 8012 | Environmental Humanities and Sustainable Development | Elective | 3 | Environmental Ethics, Eco-criticism, Climate Change, Sustainability, Environmental Justice, Policy Implications |
| HS 8013 | Globalisation and Social Change | Elective | 3 | Theories of Globalisation, Cultural & Economic Globalisation, Social Inequality, Global Governance, Social Movements |
| HS 8014 | Advanced Economic Theory and Policy | Elective | 3 | Macroeconomic Theory, Microeconomic Theory, Public Economics, Development Economics, International Economics, Indian Economic Policy |
| HS 8015 | Sociology of Science and Technology | Elective | 3 | Science & Society, Technology & Society, Innovation Studies, Ethics of Technology, Social Shaping of Technology, Contemporary Issues |
| HS 8016 | Gender, Society and Culture | Elective | 3 | Gender Theories, Feminist Perspectives, Patriarchy & Power, Gender Identity & Sexualities, Gender & Development in India |
