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PHD in Political Science at Shree J. M. Patel Institute of Studies and Research in Humanities, Arts and Commerce
Anand, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Shree J. M. Patel Institute of Studies and Research in Humanities, Arts and Commerce Anand?
This Political Science PhD program at Shree J. M. Patel Institute of Studies and Research focuses on advanced academic inquiry and original research into various facets of political phenomena. It delves into Indian political thought, governance, international relations, and public policy, offering a critical understanding of the country''''s unique socio-political landscape. The program aims to produce scholars capable of contributing to academic discourse and policy formulation within the Indian context and globally, addressing contemporary challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in Political Science or related disciplines aspiring to academic careers, research positions in government think tanks, or advanced roles in public administration and policy analysis. It suits individuals with a strong aptitude for critical thinking, independent research, and a deep interest in understanding and influencing political processes and policy frameworks in India and internationally.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as university professors, researchers at national institutions, policy analysts, and advisors to government and non-governmental organizations. In India, opportunities abound in institutions like ICSSR, NITI Aayog, and various state-level policy bodies. While initial salaries for fresh PhDs might range from INR 6-12 LPA in academia, growth trajectories are significant, leading to senior research and policy leadership roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Theoretical Foundations- (undefined)
Thoroughly grasp research methodology concepts by attending workshops, reading foundational texts, and actively participating in coursework discussions. Focus on building a strong theoretical base in political science to effectively frame research questions and analyze complex political issues relevant to India. This stage is critical for developing robust research proposals.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R (for quantitative analysis), NVivo (for qualitative analysis), JSTOR, Google Scholar, ICSSR journals
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for designing credible research, leading to strong publications and successful thesis defense, critical for academic and research career entry.
Develop a Focused Research Proposal- (undefined)
Engage deeply with faculty mentors to identify a specific, researchable topic within Political Science, with a clear focus on its relevance to Indian politics, society, or global implications for India. Conduct an exhaustive literature review, articulate clear research questions, and outline a feasible methodology. Regularly present progress to peers and faculty for constructive feedback.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley (for reference management), SPU Library resources, Departmental PhD seminars
Career Connection
A well-structured and relevant research proposal is the first step towards an impactful thesis, opening doors to funding, national research projects, and academic positions.
Cultivate Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (undefined)
Devote significant time to reading diverse scholarly articles, books, and policy papers, focusing on critical evaluation of arguments and methodologies. Practice academic writing regularly, aiming for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Seek feedback on drafts from peers and supervisors to refine argumentation and expression, crucial for scholarly communication.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Turnitin (for originality check), University Writing Center (if available)
Career Connection
Strong analytical and writing skills are indispensable for publishing in reputable journals, presenting at conferences, and effective communication in any research or policy role.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork and Data Collection Ethically- (undefined)
Once the proposal is approved, meticulously plan and execute fieldwork, respecting ethical guidelines and obtaining necessary permissions, especially when dealing with sensitive political data or communities in India. Adapt research methods as needed based on ground realities, ensuring data validity and reliability. Maintain detailed research logs.
Tools & Resources
Interview recording devices, Survey platforms (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), Ethical Clearance Committees
Career Connection
Direct field experience and ethical data handling enhance the credibility and impact of your research, making you a more attractive candidate for research grants and positions requiring practical engagement.
Present Research at National Conferences- (undefined)
Actively seek opportunities to present preliminary findings or refined literature reviews at national and regional political science conferences in India. This exposes your work to a wider academic audience, provides valuable feedback, and helps in networking with senior scholars and potential collaborators across the country.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE listed journals, Indian Political Science Association (IPSA) events, Academic conferences
Career Connection
Presenting builds your academic profile, hones presentation skills, and facilitates networking, crucial for future collaborations and securing academic positions in Indian universities.
Seek Publication in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (undefined)
Transform research chapters or significant findings into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals, especially those indexed in UGC-CARE list or reputed international databases. Collaborate with supervisors on co-authored papers. The process of peer review is invaluable for improving research quality and visibility.
Tools & Resources
Journal Finder tools, Open Access repositories, Departmental publication support
Career Connection
Publications are the bedrock of an academic career. High-quality publications significantly boost your CV, enhancing prospects for postdoctoral fellowships, faculty positions, and research grants.
Advanced Stage
Refine and Write the Thesis for Submission- (undefined)
Dedicate focused time to consolidate all research findings, structure the thesis coherently, and write with rigorous academic precision. Pay close attention to arguments, evidence, logical flow, and formatting guidelines. Engage in multiple rounds of revision based on supervisor''''s feedback to ensure a high-quality, original contribution to knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Thesis template guidelines, Plagiarism detection software, Professional editing services (optional)
Career Connection
A well-written and robust thesis is the ultimate output of a PhD, directly impacting the quality of your degree and your subsequent career opportunities in academia or research.
Prepare for Thesis Defense (Viva Voce)- (undefined)
Anticipate potential questions and critiques from internal and external examiners. Practice presenting your research findings concisely and confidently. Be prepared to defend your methodology, interpretations, and conclusions effectively. Understand the broader implications of your research for the field of political science in India and globally.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with faculty/peers, Reviewing previous viva questions
Career Connection
A strong viva performance demonstrates mastery of your subject and research abilities, bolstering your academic reputation and opening doors to advanced research roles or faculty positions.
Actively Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (undefined)
Attend job fairs, academic conferences, and alumni events to network with potential employers and mentors. Proactively apply for academic positions, postdoctoral fellowships, and research roles in India. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your specific research skills and contributions to the field of political science.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, current academic vacancies in India), University Career Services
Career Connection
Strategic networking and proactive job searching are crucial for securing desired positions post-PhD, translating your academic achievements into a fulfilling professional career in India or internationally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Political Science or an allied discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for reserved categories), passing the university''''s PhD Entrance Test (PET) or holding UGC-NET/SLET/GATE qualification.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (inclusive of an initial coursework semester/year)
Credits: 12 (specifically for the coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for coursework papers, as per general SPU norms), External: 70% (for coursework papers, as per general SPU norms)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS-PHD-C1 | Research Methodology in Political Science | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Science Research, Research Design and Types, Methods of Data Collection (Quantitative and Qualitative), Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| PS-PHD-C2 | Contemporary Political Studies | Core | 4 | Political Concepts and Theories, State, Governance, and Public Policy, Indian Political System and Processes, International Relations and Global Politics, Political Thought (Western and Indian) |
| PS-PHD-CR | Research Proposal and Review of Literature Seminar | Core/Seminar | 4 | Identifying Research Problem, Formulating Research Questions and Objectives, Extensive Literature Review, Developing Research Design and Methodology, Presentation and Viva Voce of Research Proposal |
