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PH-D in Human Rights Law at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
Kamrup, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Human Rights Law at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam Kamrup?
This Ph.D. in Human Rights Law program at National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam, focuses on advanced scholarly inquiry into the evolving landscape of human rights, both nationally and internationally. The program delves into theoretical underpinnings, practical challenges, and policy implications within the Indian context, preparing researchers to contribute significantly to advocacy, policy, and academia. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to complex human rights issues.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and researchers holding an LL.M. or an allied Master''''s degree, seeking to specialize in human rights. It attracts individuals passionate about social justice, policy formulation, and academic contributions, including fresh graduates aspiring to research careers and working professionals from NGOs or government bodies aiming to deepen their expertise and influence policy in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as legal academics, human rights policy advisors, researchers in international organizations, or advocates for social justice within India. Potential salary ranges for Ph.D. holders can vary from INR 8-15 lakhs annually for academic roles to higher for specialized policy or international assignments. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills essential for high-impact research and leadership.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Legal Theories- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Thoroughly engage with coursework in Research Methodology and Advanced Research in Law. Focus on understanding diverse legal research methods (doctrinal, empirical, critical) and foundational legal theories. Actively participate in seminars, presentations, and discussions to solidify conceptual understanding and develop a strong theoretical base for your Human Rights Law research.
Tools & Resources
University Library databases (JSTOR, Westlaw, SCC Online), Legal research software (e.g., Mendeley for referencing), Academic journals on human rights
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures rigorous, defensible research, critical for academic publications and policy influence in human rights.
Identify a Niche Research Area in Human Rights Law- (Semester 1 - End of Semester 2)
Begin exploring potential research gaps and topics within Human Rights Law, especially those with relevance to India''''s socio-legal context. Consult with faculty and potential supervisors to refine your research question and conceptualize your optional paper, laying the groundwork for your thesis proposal. Attend university research colloquia to gain insights.
Tools & Resources
NLUJA Assam faculty expertise, UGC CARE List journals, International human rights reports (UN, Amnesty International)
Career Connection
Developing a focused research area early enhances thesis quality and aligns your expertise with specific career paths in academia or policy research.
Cultivate Critical Reading & Academic Writing Skills- (Throughout the coursework and early research phase)
Dedicate significant time to critical analysis of scholarly articles, case law, and international human rights instruments. Practice academic writing through assignments and by drafting preliminary literature reviews. Seek feedback from supervisors and peers to continuously improve clarity, coherence, and argumentation, essential for Ph.D. level scholarship.
Tools & Resources
NLUJA Assam Writing Centre (if available), Online academic writing courses (e.g., Coursera), Grammarly for initial proofreading
Career Connection
Exceptional writing and analytical skills are paramount for publishing in reputable journals, securing research grants, and effective communication in academic and policy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research & Collaboration- (Years 2-3 of Ph.D.)
Explore interdisciplinary connections for your Human Rights Law research, collaborating with scholars from sociology, political science, or public policy departments. This broadens perspectives, strengthens your analytical framework, and can lead to richer research outcomes and joint publications. Attend relevant conferences outside law.
Tools & Resources
NLUJA Assam research centers, Inter-departmental seminars, Research collaboration platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary research is highly valued in contemporary academia and policy-making, opening diverse career opportunities and making your research more impactful.
Present Research at National & International Forums- (Years 2-4 of Ph.D.)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing Human Rights Law research at national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. This provides valuable feedback, enhances your presentation skills, and builds your academic network. Aim to publish at least one peer-reviewed paper based on your research.
Tools & Resources
Call for papers from legal and human rights conferences, NLUJA Assam funding for conference travel, Platforms like Academia.edu or ResearchGate
Career Connection
Presenting and publishing are crucial for academic career progression, establishing your profile, and attracting post-doctoral or faculty positions.
Develop Data Collection & Ethical Research Practices- (Years 2-4 of Ph.D.)
If your research involves empirical methods, diligently plan and execute data collection, ensuring strict adherence to research ethics and data privacy protocols. Obtain necessary ethical clearances and familiarize yourself with institutional guidelines. Maintain meticulous records of your research process and data analysis.
Tools & Resources
NLUJA Assam Ethics Committee guidelines, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for qualitative data analysis), Consent forms and anonymization techniques
Career Connection
Ethical and robust data practices enhance the credibility of your research, crucial for contributing to evidence-based policy making and high-quality publications.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis & Prepare for Viva-Voce- (Final 6-12 months before submission)
Focus intensely on refining your Ph.D. thesis, ensuring logical flow, rigorous argumentation, and impeccable referencing. Engage in multiple rounds of review with your supervisor. Prepare thoroughly for the Viva-Voce examination by anticipating questions, practicing concise explanations of your research, and defending your contributions to the field of Human Rights Law.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor feedback and revisions, Mock viva sessions with faculty/peers, NLUJA Assam Ph.D. thesis submission guidelines
Career Connection
A well-defended thesis is the culmination of your doctoral journey, directly impacting your academic reputation and opening doors to faculty appointments or senior research roles.
Network Strategically for Post-Ph.D. Opportunities- (Final year of Ph.D.)
Leverage your academic network, built through conferences and collaborations, to explore post-doctoral fellowships, academic positions, or roles in human rights advocacy/policy. Attend career workshops, update your CV with publications and presentations, and prepare teaching statements if aiming for academia.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., Times Higher Education), NLUJA Assam Alumni Network, LinkedIn for professional connections
Career Connection
Proactive networking is vital for securing desirable post-Ph.D. positions, whether in leading universities, research institutions, or international organizations working on human rights.
Develop a Post-Doctoral Research/Career Plan- (Final 6 months of Ph.D. and beyond)
Formulate a clear plan for your post-Ph.D. trajectory, whether it involves continued research, teaching, or transitioning into policy roles. Identify potential funding sources for post-doctoral work or target institutions. This forward-looking approach ensures a smooth transition and maximizes the impact of your Ph.D. degree in Human Rights Law.
Tools & Resources
UGC post-doctoral fellowships, International fellowship databases, Career counseling services (if offered by NLUJA Assam)
Career Connection
A well-defined career plan helps you strategically apply your advanced knowledge and research skills to achieve your long-term professional aspirations in human rights law.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks, OR Master''''s Degree in an allied subject with at least 55% marks and a Bachelor''''s Degree in Law (LL.B.), OR M.Phil. in Law/allied subject. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PWD/EWS candidates.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (with relaxation for women/PWD candidates)
Credits: 12 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for coursework papers), External: 70% (for coursework papers, End Semester Exam)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCL 001 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory) | 4 | Nature and Significance of Legal Research, Methods of Legal Research (Doctrinal, Empirical, Interdisciplinary), Research Problem, Hypothesis, and Design Formulation, Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation, Legal Drafting, Plagiarism, and Ethical Issues in Research |
| PCL 002 | Advanced Research in Law | Core (Compulsory) | 4 | Theoretical Frameworks in Legal Research, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Law and Society, Critical Legal Theories and Jurisprudence, Comparative Legal Research Methodologies, Law and Social Change Perspectives and Analysis |
| PCL 003 | Optional Paper (Specialization Specific - Human Rights Law) | Elective / Specialization Core | 4 |
