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PHD in Humanities Social Sciences Liberal Arts Public Administration International Relations Political Science Economics at Pandit Deendayal Energy University
Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities & Social Sciences (Liberal Arts, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Economics) at Pandit Deendayal Energy University Gandhinagar?
This PhD program in Humanities & Social Sciences at Pandit Deendayal Energy University focuses on advanced research across Liberal Arts, Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, and Economics. Rooted in critical inquiry and interdisciplinary perspectives, it fosters innovative scholarship addressing complex societal challenges within the dynamic Indian context, preparing scholars for academic and policy-making spheres.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master’s degree in relevant humanities or social science disciplines seeking rigorous academic research. It also suits working professionals, academics, or policy analysts aiming to deepen their expertise, contribute to knowledge creation, and influence public discourse or policy, particularly those interested in India’s developmental trajectory and global standing.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect careers as university professors, research scientists, or policy advisors in Indian think tanks and government. Starting salaries for researchers average INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced academics earning 15-30+ LPA. This program offers significant growth trajectories within India''''s expanding knowledge economy and public sector leadership roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Rigorously engage with the core Research Methodology course, focusing on developing a strong understanding of research paradigms, quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis tools, and ethical considerations. Actively participate in discussions and workshops.
Tools & Resources
PDEU Library resources, NPTEL courses on research methods, Online statistical software tutorials (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), Academic journals
Career Connection
Essential for designing robust research, ensuring academic integrity, and producing high-quality publishable work, which forms the bedrock of an academic or research career.
Strategic Elective Course Selection & Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Carefully choose an elective course that aligns with your intended research area. Simultaneously, begin an extensive literature review in your chosen specialization, identifying key scholars, theoretical debates, and research gaps. Utilize bibliographic management software like Mendeley or Zotero.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Mendeley, Zotero
Career Connection
Builds foundational knowledge for your thesis, helps in refining your research question, and positions you as a budding expert in your niche, crucial for future specialization.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 2)
Work closely with your supervisor to transform your literature review and preliminary ideas into a well-structured and feasible research proposal. Focus on articulating clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, preparing for successful proposal defense and securing necessary approvals.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Research proposal templates, Peer feedback sessions, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
A strong proposal is the first critical step toward a successful PhD, demonstrating your capability to undertake independent research, essential for any future research-oriented role.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Data Collection- (Year 1-3 (post-coursework))
Systematically execute your research design by undertaking fieldwork, surveys, interviews, or archival research as per your methodology. Adhere strictly to ethical guidelines and maintain meticulous data records, ensuring the integrity and validity of your primary data.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Interview transcription software, Institutional ethics committee guidelines, Field journals
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in data collection is vital for applied research roles in think tanks, NGOs, or policy analysis, enhancing your practical research skills.
Master Advanced Data Analysis & Interpretation- (Year 2-3)
Apply advanced statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to process and interpret your collected data. Seek guidance for complex analyses and participate in data analysis workshops. Focus on drawing meaningful insights and critically engaging with your findings.
Tools & Resources
R, Python (Pandas, NumPy), SPSS, NVivo, Atlas.ti, Workshops by PDEU faculty or research centres
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are highly valued across academia, market research, and policy analysis roles, enabling you to extract actionable intelligence from complex datasets.
Present Research at Conferences & Publish Papers- (Year 2-3)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and international conferences. Begin writing and submitting research papers to peer-reviewed journals, even early findings. This enhances visibility, receives valuable feedback, and builds your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Academic conference listings, Journal submission guidelines, Peer review platforms, University funding for travel
Career Connection
Publications and conference presentations are crucial for academic career progression and demonstrate research output, essential for faculty positions and research grants.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Writing and Revision- (Year 3-5)
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis, ensuring logical flow, coherent arguments, and adherence to academic standards. Engage in multiple rounds of revision based on supervisor feedback, focusing on clarity, precision, and originality of contribution.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Thesis formatting guidelines, Grammar/plagiarism checkers (e.g., Turnitin), Continuous supervisor meetings
Career Connection
A well-written thesis is your ultimate research output, showcasing your ability to conduct sustained, high-level research and argumentation, a cornerstone for any advanced academic or research position.
Prepare for Viva Voce & Thesis Defense- (Year 4-6)
Thoroughly prepare for your viva voce examination by anticipating potential questions, practicing your presentation, and being ready to defend your research contributions. Engage in mock defense sessions with peers and faculty to refine your responses and build confidence.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer), Review of thesis, Supervisor coaching
Career Connection
A successful defense is the final academic hurdle, validating your research and enabling you to earn the PhD degree, unlocking advanced career opportunities.
Network and Plan Post-PhD Career- (Year 3-6 (ongoing, intensified in final year))
Actively network with senior academics, industry professionals, and alumni in your target fields (e.g., academia, policy, research). Attend career workshops, prepare your CV/résumé for academic or non-academic roles, and explore postdoctoral opportunities or job openings.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job boards, Career services at PDEU, Professional association memberships, Mentor relationships
Career Connection
Proactive networking and strategic planning are critical for securing desired positions post-PhD, leading to impactful careers in India’s diverse research and policy landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Phil. Degree or a 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 grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved or recognised by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years
Credits: 8 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
