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PHD in Education at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Education at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This PhD Education program at SASTRA Deemed to be University focuses on advanced research and scholarly inquiry into various facets of education. In the Indian context, this program is crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in pedagogy, curriculum, policy, and educational technology, contributing significantly to the nation''''s human resource development. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodology and interdisciplinary approaches to foster innovation in educational practices.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in education or related social sciences who aspire to become researchers, university professors, educational policymakers, or curriculum developers. It also caters to experienced educators seeking to deepen their academic expertise and contribute innovative solutions to India''''s dynamic educational landscape. Candidates with a strong research aptitude and a passion for advancing educational theory and practice are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as Assistant Professors in Indian universities and colleges, educational consultants, research scientists in government and private organizations, or contribute to NGOs working in the education sector. Entry-level academic salaries for PhD holders typically range from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth for experienced professionals. The program also prepares individuals for leadership roles in educational administration and policy development.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on understanding diverse research paradigms (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) and ethical considerations. Concurrently, begin a comprehensive literature review in your chosen area of interest, identifying gaps and potential research questions to guide your study.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Central Library (e-journals, databases), Mendeley/Zotero (reference management), SPSS/R/Python (statistical analysis), NVivo/Atlas.ti (qualitative data analysis)
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is critical for any research career, ensuring the validity and reliability of your work, making you highly employable in academic and research roles.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal- (Semester 1-2 (after coursework))
Collaborate closely with your supervisor to refine your research question, objectives, and methodology. Attend departmental seminars and workshops on proposal writing. Seek feedback from peers and senior researchers to strengthen your theoretical framework and proposed research design before the comprehensive examination.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor mentorship, Departmental research colloquia, Academic writing centers (if available), Examples of successful PhD proposals
Career Connection
A well-articulated proposal demonstrates your ability to conceive and plan independent research, a core skill for academic grants, project leadership roles, and securing post-doctoral positions.
Engage in Departmental Research Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the School of Education''''s research activities, including attending faculty presentations, student colloquia, and guest lectures. Offer to assist faculty members with their ongoing research projects to gain practical experience in data collection, analysis, and academic writing, broadening your exposure.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, SASTRA event calendars, Networking with faculty and senior PhD scholars
Career Connection
Builds your academic network, provides practical research experience, and opens doors for co-authorship on papers, significantly enhancing your curriculum vitae for future academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Present Research at Conferences & Workshops- (Year 2-3 (Semesters 3-5))
As your research progresses, prepare abstracts and papers for national and international conferences, especially those focusing on educational research in India. Present your preliminary findings to receive critical feedback and establish your presence in the academic community, refining your communication skills.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List journals, Conference websites (e.g., AERA, Indian Education Research Association conferences), SASTRA''''s research support office
Career Connection
Builds your publication record and professional network, both crucial for academic hiring and establishing yourself as an expert and thought leader in your chosen field.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 2-3 (Semesters 3-5))
Aim to publish at least one or two research papers from your thesis work in UGC-CARE List journals or other reputed peer-reviewed publications. Focus on high-quality writing and rigorous analysis, working closely with your supervisor for manuscript preparation and revision to meet scholarly standards.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science (for journal identification), SASTRA''''s research ethics committee, Grammar and plagiarism checkers (e.g., Turnitin)
Career Connection
Publications are paramount for securing academic positions (Assistant Professor), attracting research grants, and demonstrating significant scholarly impact in your area of expertise.
Develop Advanced Pedagogical Skills- (Year 2-3 (Semesters 3-5))
Seek opportunities to teach undergraduate or postgraduate courses, if permitted by the university, or lead tutorial sessions and workshops. This practical experience refines your communication, presentation, and teaching abilities, which are essential for an academic career and future faculty roles.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching opportunities, SASTRA''''s faculty development programs, Online teaching resources and methodologies
Career Connection
Enhances your teaching portfolio, a key component for academic job applications, and builds confidence in conveying complex educational concepts to diverse student groups.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Year 4-6 (Semesters 6-8))
Systematically consolidate your research findings, write and meticulously edit your thesis, ensuring it meets scholarly standards. Conduct mock viva-voce sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to prepare for challenging questions and refine your presentation for the final defense.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guidelines (SASTRA regulations), Grammar and style guides, Departmental mock defense panels and feedback sessions
Career Connection
A strong thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to graduation and validating your readiness for independent research and scholarly contributions in the field of education.
Network with Academic & Research Community- (Year 4-6 (Semesters 6-8))
Proactively attend national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars relevant to educational research. Engage with leading scholars, build professional relationships, and explore potential post-doctoral opportunities or academic collaborations to expand your professional circle.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic social media platforms (e.g., ResearchGate), University career services, conference proceedings
Career Connection
Essential for identifying job opportunities, gaining mentorship, and fostering long-term career growth within academia, research institutions, and policy-making bodies.
Explore Post-Doctoral & Career Opportunities- (undefined)
Begin actively searching for academic job openings (Assistant Professor), post-doctoral fellowships, or research positions in NGOs/government organizations well before thesis submission. Tailor your CV and cover letters, highlighting your research expertise, publications, and teaching experience for specific roles.
Tools & Resources
University job portals, Dedicated academic job sites (e.g., UGC website, Current Jobs), Individual university websites, career counseling services
Career Connection
Strategic job search and application preparation are crucial for a smooth transition from PhD candidate to an employed professional in research or academia, leveraging your advanced qualifications.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., M.Ed., M.A. Education) with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade), and successful qualification in SASTRA Entrance Examination or a national level test such as UGC-NET (JRF), GATE, SLET, GPAT, DBT, ICMR, CSIR, DST-INSPIRE.
Duration: Full-time: 3-6 years; Part-time: 4-7 years
Credits: Minimum 4 credits (for Research Methodology), maximum 12 credits (including additional courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: Thesis evaluation by external examiners, Viva-Voce conducted by an external examiner
