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PHD in Law at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Law at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This PhD in Law program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy focuses on fostering advanced legal scholarship and original research contributions. It aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills to address complex legal issues relevant to contemporary Indian society. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodology and ethical considerations within various domains of law, preparing scholars for high-level academic and research roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academicians, and researchers holding an LL.M. degree who aspire to contribute significantly to legal theory, policy, and practice. It suits individuals seeking to specialize deeply in specific legal areas, influence legislative reforms, or join prestigious academic institutions as faculty members. Candidates with a strong research aptitude and a passion for legal inquiry are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths as legal researchers, university professors, policy advisors, and consultants for government bodies or international organizations. Entry-level salaries for PhD holders in academia in India typically range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program aligns with the demand for highly specialized legal expertise in India''''s evolving legal landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Semester 1)
Actively engage with the compulsory coursework on Research Methodology and IPR, and Research & Publication Ethics. Focus on understanding diverse legal research approaches, data analysis techniques, and stringent ethical guidelines to build a strong foundation for your doctoral work. Participate in workshops and seminars on academic writing and citation.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Library databases (Manupatra, SCC Online), Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, UGC Care List Journals, Workshops on legal research by SASTRA School of Law
Career Connection
A robust understanding of research methodology is crucial for conducting credible research, ensuring the academic rigor of your thesis, and enhancing your publishability in esteemed legal journals, which is vital for academic careers.
Identify and Refine Research Area- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to identify a novel and impactful research problem within your chosen legal specialization. Conduct extensive literature reviews to understand existing scholarship, identify gaps, and articulate a clear research question and objectives. This early clarity prevents scope creep and strengthens your research proposal.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor consultations, Scopus, Web of Science for literature search, SASTRA institutional repository, Legal databases like J-STOR, HeinOnline
Career Connection
A well-defined research area leads to a focused and high-quality thesis, which is a significant credential for academic positions and opens doors to specialized research projects or policy roles.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly write and refine sections of your research proposal and initial literature review. Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Attend institutional workshops on academic writing, effective presentation, and public speaking to articulate your research clearly and concisely. Participate in departmental colloquia.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA writing center (if available), Grammarly/Turnitin for academic integrity checks, Internal PhD student colloquia, Mock presentations with peers
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are indispensable for presenting your research at conferences, publishing papers, and teaching effectively, all critical for academic and research roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning and Workshops- (Year 2-3)
Beyond your core legal domain, explore interdisciplinary perspectives relevant to your research (e.g., economics, sociology, public policy). Attend workshops and training programs on advanced analytical tools, qualitative/quantitative research methods, or specific legal software to enrich your methodology and broaden your insights. Engage with faculty from other SASTRA departments.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on research skills, Workshops by Indian Law Institute or other national law universities, Conferences focusing on interdisciplinary legal studies
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills enhance the depth and relevance of your research, making you a versatile scholar highly valued by research institutions and think tanks, particularly for policy-oriented roles in India.
Present Research at National Conferences- (Year 2-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and regional legal conferences in India. This provides valuable feedback from peers and experts, helps refine your arguments, and builds your academic network. Start with smaller, specialized conferences before aiming for larger, more prestigious ones.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts from legal academic bodies, SASTRA faculty network for conference recommendations, Funding support from SASTRA for conference travel
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences establishes your presence in the academic community, attracts potential collaborators, and is essential for building a publication record and reputation, crucial for securing faculty positions.
Initiate Journal Publications and Article Writing- (Year 3-5)
Convert sections of your literature review, methodology, or preliminary findings into publishable articles. Target UGC Care List journals or other peer-reviewed legal periodicals in India. Learn the submission process, handle reviewer comments, and understand journal ethics to enhance your publication record during the PhD tenure.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care List Journal finder, Indian legal journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly, Indian Journal of Law and Technology), Guidance from SASTRA faculty on journal selection and submission
Career Connection
A strong publication record before thesis submission significantly boosts your profile for post-doctoral fellowships, academic recruitment, and research grants, demonstrating your independent research capabilities.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Final Year (Year 4-6))
Thoroughly review and refine your complete thesis, ensuring coherence, methodological rigor, and robust arguments. Conduct mock viva voce sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to anticipate questions and practice articulating your research findings and contributions clearly and confidently. Focus on defending your originality and impact.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Research Office guidelines for thesis submission, Mock viva panels organized by the School of Law, Feedback from peers and mentors
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to degree conferment and validating your expertise, which is fundamental for any advanced career in law or academia.
Network Strategically for Post-PhD Opportunities- (Final Year (Year 4-6))
Leverage your academic network, built through conferences and collaborations, to explore post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, or research roles. Attend career fairs, departmental recruitment drives, and alumni events. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your research expertise and teaching philosophy relevant to Indian institutions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for academic networking, Recruitment portals of Indian universities and research institutions, SASTRA Alumni Network
Career Connection
Strategic networking is crucial for identifying and securing suitable career opportunities in academia, legal policy, or research within India, facilitating a smoother transition post-PhD.
Develop Teaching and Mentorship Skills- (Year 3-6)
If aspiring for an academic career, seek opportunities to assist professors in undergraduate or postgraduate courses, deliver guest lectures, or mentor junior research scholars. Participate in faculty development programs focused on pedagogy and curriculum design. This practical experience is highly valued by Indian universities during faculty recruitment.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA''''s internal teaching assistant programs, Workshops on higher education pedagogy, Mentoring junior PhD/LL.M. students
Career Connection
Demonstrated teaching experience and mentorship capabilities enhance your attractiveness for faculty positions and enable you to contribute effectively to the educational mission of a university.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) from a recognized university. Candidates with M.Phil. or UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship are often preferred or exempted from entrance exams.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Full-time)
Credits: 10 (for mandatory coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
