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PHD in Design at RK University
Rajkot, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Design at RK University Rajkot?
This Design PhD program at RK University focuses on advanced research across various design disciplines like Product, Fashion, Interior, Industrial, and Communication Design. It addresses complex real-world challenges, fostering innovation relevant to India''''s burgeoning design industry. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations, rigorous methodologies, and practical applications within the Indian context, preparing scholars to contribute to academic knowledge and industrial advancement.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master''''s degree in Design or related fields who aspire to a career in academia, advanced research, or leadership roles in design-driven industries. It also suits working professionals seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding, develop cutting-edge research skills, and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of design practices and policy within India and globally.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as design academics, research scientists, innovation consultants, or lead design strategists in Indian and multinational corporations. They are equipped to conduct independent research, publish in top-tier journals, and influence design education and industry best practices. Potential salaries for PhD holders in India can range from INR 8-15 LPA for entry-level academic/research roles, growing significantly with experience.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Ethics- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Engage deeply with the Research Methodology and Research & Publication Ethics coursework. Actively participate in seminars, complete assignments meticulously, and seek clarification on complex concepts. Focus on understanding the philosophical underpinnings of research and ethical guidelines to build a strong foundation for future scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
Scribbr, ResearchGate, Mendeley, Zotero
Career Connection
A solid grasp of research methodology is crucial for designing credible studies, a key skill for any researcher or academic role. Adherence to ethics prevents retractions and builds a reputation of integrity.
Identify a Focused Research Area- (Semester 1-2)
During and after coursework, engage in extensive literature reviews within your chosen Design specialization. Consult with your supervisor and faculty mentors to narrow down a specific, novel, and feasible research problem. Attend departmental research presentations to gain insights into ongoing projects and potential gaps.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, RKU Library Databases
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem is the cornerstone of a successful PhD and demonstrates analytical rigor, attracting potential collaborators and funding for future projects.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (End of Semester 2 / Beginning of Semester 3)
Work closely with your research advisory committee (RAC) to articulate a detailed research proposal, outlining your objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Prepare for the comprehensive viva-voce examination by clearly defending your proposal and demonstrating a thorough understanding of your chosen field.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Word/LaTeX for proposal writing, Presentation software, RAC meetings
Career Connection
A strong proposal and successful viva are critical milestones that demonstrate readiness for independent research, essential for academic positions and grant applications.
Intermediate Stage
Master Advanced Data Collection & Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond coursework, delve into advanced qualitative or quantitative data collection techniques relevant to your Design research. Familiarize yourself with specialized software for data analysis (e.g., NVivo for qualitative, SPSS/R for quantitative) and practice interpreting complex datasets to extract meaningful insights.
Tools & Resources
NVivo, ATLAS.ti, SPSS, R/Python for data science, Research workshops
Career Connection
Expertise in advanced analytical tools enhances the rigor of your research and makes you a highly valued asset in data-driven design and research roles within industry and academia.
Actively Engage in Academic Discourse- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and present your research at national and international conferences. Seek opportunities to publish initial findings in peer-reviewed journals. Network with fellow researchers and senior academics to gain feedback, build collaborations, and stay updated on the latest developments in Design research.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, Journal submission portals, LinkedIn, Academia.edu
Career Connection
Presenting and publishing builds your academic profile, establishes you as an expert in your field, and opens doors for post-doctoral positions, research grants, and faculty appointments.
Seek Interdisciplinary Collaboration- (Semester 4-6)
Explore opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines (e.g., engineering, computer science, psychology) if relevant to your design problem. Interdisciplinary perspectives can enrich your research, broaden your skill set, and lead to more impactful and innovative solutions.
Tools & Resources
University research centres, Inter-departmental seminars, Collaborative project platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary research is highly valued in modern academia and industry, fostering innovative solutions and expanding your professional network beyond traditional design boundaries.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Refinement- (Semester 6-8 (Final Year))
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis, ensuring clarity, coherence, and rigorous argumentation. Regularly submit chapters to your supervisor for feedback and be prepared to revise extensively. Pay meticulous attention to formatting, citations, and language quality.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Turnitin, LaTeX/Thesis Templates, Writing workshops
Career Connection
A well-written, high-quality thesis is your ultimate academic output, directly impacting your degree award and serving as a crucial portfolio piece for future academic or research positions.
Prepare for Thesis Defense (Pre-Submission & Final Viva)- (Semester 7-8)
Practice presenting your research findings concisely and effectively, anticipating potential questions from examiners. Participate actively in the pre-submission seminar to receive constructive criticism and refine your work before the final submission and viva-voce examination.
Tools & Resources
Practice presentations, Mock vivas with mentors, Feedback from peers
Career Connection
A confident and articulate defense demonstrates your mastery of the subject and research process, vital for academic credibility and securing desirable roles.
Strategize Post-PhD Career Path- (Semester 7-8)
Even while writing your thesis, begin exploring post-doctoral opportunities, academic job applications, or industry research roles. Tailor your resume/CV and cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Network with potential employers and mentors to explore suitable career trajectories.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed), Academic job boards (Inside Higher Ed)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-PhD, leveraging your advanced research skills and doctoral degree for impactful roles in your chosen sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Design or an allied discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade B in UGC 7-point scale, 50% for reserved categories). Candidates must pass the RK University Ph.D. Entrance Test and Interview, or be exempted if they have qualified UGC/CSIR-NET/JRF, SLET, GATE, GPAT, Teacher Fellowship holder, or M.Phil.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-time), Minimum 4 years (Part-time)
Credits: 10-12 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM01 | Research Methodology | Core (Coursework) | 4 | Research Problem Identification and Formulation, Research Design and Approaches, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Ethics in Research |
| RPE01 | Research and Publication Ethics | Core (Coursework) | 2 | Ethical Principles in Research, Plagiarism and Academic Integrity, Good Publication Practices, Intellectual Property Rights and Patents, Responsible Conduct of Research |
| DDR01 | Advanced Topics in Design Research | Elective (Coursework) | 4 | Emerging Paradigms in Design Research, User-Centred Design Methodologies, Design for Sustainability and Social Impact, Innovation and Strategic Design Thinking, Critical Studies in Design Theory |
