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PHD in Law at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Law at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This PhD Law program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced legal research, fostering critical thinking, and contributing to the jurisprudence. It equips scholars with sophisticated analytical tools and in-depth knowledge of specific legal domains relevant to contemporary societal challenges in India. The program emphasizes original research that can influence policy, legal practice, and academic discourse, addressing pressing issues within the Indian legal landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academicians, and researchers holding an LL.M. degree, seeking to delve deeper into specific areas of law. It attracts individuals passionate about contributing new knowledge to legal theory and practice, pursuing a career in legal scholarship, policy analysis, or specialized legal advisory roles, and those aiming for leadership positions in legal education or public service in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as legal scholars, university professors, policy advisors to government bodies, researchers in think tanks, or specialized legal consultants. In India, demand is high for experts in areas like cyber law, environmental law, corporate law, and human rights. PhD holders can command competitive salaries, often starting from INR 8-15 LPA in academia or research, with significant growth potential based on publications and impact.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with coursework on research methodology, legal writing, and research ethics. Utilize university library resources, online legal databases (e.g., Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis India), and attend workshops on academic integrity and citation styles (e.g., Bluebook, OSCOLA India).
Tools & Resources
Manupatra, SCC Online, LexisNexis India, SRMIST Library databases, Plagiarism detection software (Turnitin)
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures robust research output, avoids academic misconduct, and builds credibility, essential for publishing in top-tier journals and for a career in academia or legal research.
Identify and Refine Research Niche- (Semester 1-2)
Actively work with your supervisor to identify a novel, significant, and researchable area within Law. Attend departmental colloquia, present initial ideas, and solicit feedback. Read widely in your chosen domain to understand existing literature and identify gaps relevant to the Indian legal context.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via JSTOR, HeinOnline, Legal journals (Indian Journal of Law and Technology, Economic and Political Weekly), Supervisor consultations
Career Connection
Developing a clear research niche early on positions you as a specialist, increasing your attractiveness to research institutions and universities seeking experts in specific legal fields.
Build a Strong Academic Writing Habit- (Semester 1-2)
Start writing regularly, even short pieces. Focus on clear, concise, and academically rigorous writing. Seek feedback from peers and supervisors on drafts of literature reviews or research proposals. Participate in writing workshops offered by the university or external legal writing academies.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, University writing center services
Career Connection
Proficient academic writing is crucial for publishing, thesis submission, and future grant applications, directly impacting career progression in academia and research.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research and Conferences- (Year 2-3)
Explore connections between law and other disciplines (e.g., economics, sociology, technology) relevant to your research. Attend and present papers at national and international conferences, especially those hosted in India or focusing on Indian legal developments. Network with scholars from different fields.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts (e.g., India Conferences), Academic social networks (ResearchGate, Academia.edu), SRMIST research grants for conference travel
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary work broadens your research scope and appeal, making you a more versatile candidate for academic positions and policy roles. Conference participation enhances visibility and networking.
Seek Publication Opportunities- (Year 2-3)
Aim to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed UGC CARE-listed journal or a reputable international journal based on your coursework or early research findings. Collaborate with your supervisor or other scholars on publications. Understand the publication process, including peer review and ethical considerations.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List, Journal submission portals (e.g., Scholastica), Open access legal journals
Career Connection
Publications are the bedrock of an academic career. Early publications demonstrate research capability and are critical for faculty positions and promotions in Indian universities.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Year 2-3)
If interested in academia, seek opportunities to assist professors in undergraduate/postgraduate courses, lead tutorials, or guest lecture on your specialization. Mentor junior researchers or participate in departmental academic support initiatives. Attend pedagogy workshops.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistantships, Faculty development programs, SRMIST Centre for Learning and Teaching (if available)
Career Connection
Practical teaching experience is highly valued for academic positions, particularly in Indian law schools. It refines your understanding and communication skills.
Advanced Stage
Finalize Thesis and Prepare for Viva Voce- (Year 4-6)
Dedicate focused time to complete your thesis manuscript, ensuring it adheres to institutional guidelines and academic standards. Conduct thorough self-review and multiple rounds of revisions based on supervisor feedback. Practice presenting your research findings and defending your methodology for the final viva voce examination.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guidelines (SRMIST), Mock viva sessions with peers/faculty, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to advanced research positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and faculty appointments.
Strategize for Post-PhD Career Transition- (Year 4-6)
Actively network with potential employers, attend career fairs, and prepare a strong academic CV and cover letters. Explore post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, or specialized roles in legal firms/organizations. Tailor your job applications to specific requirements of Indian legal institutions or industry bodies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., HigherEdJobs, specific university career pages), Professional legal associations
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into your desired role, whether in academia, policy, or industry, maximizing the return on your PhD investment.
Build a Professional Online Presence- (Ongoing, intensified in Year 4-6)
Create and maintain an updated academic profile on platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn. Highlight your publications, presentations, and research interests. This enhances your visibility and helps in attracting collaborations and job opportunities within the Indian and global legal research community.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar profile, ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Personal academic website/blog
Career Connection
A strong online presence is crucial for establishing reputation, demonstrating scholarly impact, and being discovered by recruiters or collaborators in the modern academic and professional landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (LL.M.) with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade from a recognized university. A relaxation of 5% marks (to 50%) is allowed for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and other categories as per UGC guidelines. UGC NET/JRF/SLET/GATE qualified candidates may be exempted from the entrance examination as per university norms.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (with possible one-year extension based on Doctoral Committee/Research Advisory Committee recommendation)
Credits: Minimum 4 credits (for mandatory coursework). Additional credits if optional courses are chosen. Credits
Assessment: Internal: Coursework is evaluated by the respective supervisors/faculty experts and the Doctoral Committee. Specific percentage splits are not publicly specified for coursework., External: The final PhD assessment involves the evaluation of the thesis by external examiners, followed by an open viva voce examination.
