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PH-D in Behavioral And Social Sciences Psychology at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Behavioral and Social Sciences (Psychology) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This Ph.D. program in Behavioral and Social Sciences (Psychology) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research focuses on advanced research in human behavior, cognition, and societal dynamics. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing significantly to psychological science and its applications in the Indian context, addressing critical mental health and social challenges. The program emphasizes a robust research methodology foundation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an M.Sc./M.Phil. in Psychology or related social/behavioral sciences who aspire to academic careers, advanced research roles, or leadership positions in clinical practice and public health. It targets individuals passionate about exploring complex psychological phenomena and contributing evidence-based solutions to societal issues in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as professors, independent researchers, clinical psychologists (with additional licensure requirements), and consultants in academic institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and NGOs across India. They are equipped to conduct high-impact research, influence public policy, and contribute to mental health reforms, often commanding competitive salaries starting from INR 6-10 LPA for entry-level researchers to 15+ LPA for experienced academics.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Statistics- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp the principles of research design, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations during the coursework phase. Actively participate in seminars and workshops on advanced statistical tools like SPSS or R, and practice data interpretation with real datasets. This foundational knowledge is crucial for designing a robust Ph.D. thesis.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER Library Resources, NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, SPSS/R software tutorials, Statistical workshops
Career Connection
A strong grasp of methodology ensures research integrity and credibility, essential for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and securing research grants, directly impacting academic and research career prospects.
Identify and Refine Research Interest- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with academic literature to identify an unmet research gap within Behavioral and Social Sciences (Psychology) relevant to the Indian context. Discuss potential topics extensively with faculty mentors and explore interdisciplinary areas. This early focus helps in formulating a clear research question and accelerates thesis progression.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, SRIHER Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
A well-defined and impactful research area establishes your expertise, making you a desirable candidate for specialized academic positions or research roles aligned with your niche.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental colloquia, research group meetings, and inter-departmental discussions. Present your nascent research ideas to peers and faculty to receive constructive feedback and explore collaborative opportunities. Building a strong academic network in India can open doors to future collaborations and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Seminars, Research Group Meetings, Academic Conferences in India (e.g., NCSP, ICP)
Career Connection
Networking often leads to co-authorship opportunities, recommendations, and insights into job openings, significantly enhancing visibility and career progression in academia and research.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Specialization Skills- (Year 2-3)
Beyond core coursework, pursue certifications or specialized training in areas directly relevant to your thesis, such as advanced psychometric modeling, specific therapeutic interventions, or qualitative data analysis software. Seek out opportunities for hands-on experience in clinical or community settings if applicable to your research.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX), Workshops by professional psychology associations (e.g., IAHP, RCI), Departmental labs and clinics
Career Connection
Deep specialization enhances your unique value proposition, making you an expert in your sub-field, highly sought after for specific research projects or clinical roles.
Present Research at National Conferences- (Year 2-3)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and state-level academic conferences in India. This refines your presentation skills, exposes you to broader academic discourse, and helps gather diverse feedback, which is crucial for thesis improvement. Aim for at least one presentation annually.
Tools & Resources
Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) conferences, Psychological Society conferences, University research symposia
Career Connection
Conference presentations boost your academic profile, attract potential collaborators, and demonstrate your capability to disseminate research findings effectively, which is vital for academic positions.
Initiate Manuscript Writing and Publication- (Year 2-3)
Start converting chapters of your thesis or pilot study results into publishable manuscripts. Aim for at least one or two publications in peer-reviewed national or international journals before thesis submission. This demonstrates research productivity and builds your publication record.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Academic writing workshops, Journal submission guidelines
Career Connection
A strong publication record is paramount for securing faculty positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and competitive research grants in India and globally, significantly influencing career trajectory.
Advanced Stage
Engage in Grant Writing and Project Proposals- (Year 3-4)
Collaborate with your supervisor or senior researchers to assist in writing research grant proposals to funding bodies like ICMR, DBT, or UGC. Understanding the grant application process early is vital for establishing an independent research career in India.
Tools & Resources
ICMR/DBT/UGC grant guidelines, Institutional research development office, Successful grant examples
Career Connection
Successful grant writing is a key skill for becoming an independent researcher and principal investigator, enabling you to secure funding for your own research projects and build a research team.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Year 4-5)
Rigorously prepare for your pre-submission colloquium and final Viva-Voce examination. Practice presenting your research findings, anticipating challenging questions, and defending your methodology and conclusions. Seek mock viva sessions with your committee members and peers to refine your defense strategy.
Tools & Resources
Thesis committee members, Mock viva sessions, Presentation software
Career Connection
A confident and articulate thesis defense showcases your expertise and readiness to contribute independently to the academic community, crucial for securing desirable academic appointments.
Explore Post-Doctoral and Career Opportunities- (Year 4-6)
Actively search for post-doctoral fellowships, research positions, or faculty roles in India and internationally. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your research expertise, publications, and teaching potential. Network with senior faculty for recommendations and guidance on career pathways.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education, Indian university websites), Professional association job boards
Career Connection
Proactive job searching and strategic application during the final stages of your Ph.D. ensures a smooth transition into your desired professional role, leveraging your specialized research skills and credentials.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences or a related discipline with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade B in UGC 7-point scale). Candidates must qualify in the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Entrance Test (SRIHER-RET) and subsequent interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years
Credits: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDRM01 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Foundations of Research, Research Designs (Qualitative & Quantitative), Sampling Techniques & Data Collection, Ethical Considerations in Research, Literature Review & Scientific Writing, Hypothesis Formulation |
| PDPS02 | Advanced Behavioral and Social Sciences (Psychology) | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Advanced Theories in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior, Psychometric Principles and Test Construction, Contemporary Issues in Behavioral Research, Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions, Cross-Cultural Psychology and Global Health |
| PDBC03 | Biostatistics and Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Parametric and Non-parametric Tests, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Introduction to Statistical Software (SPSS/R), Data Management and Visualization, Scientific Presentation Tools |
