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PHD in Social Work at St Aloysius College (Autonomous)
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Social Work at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Dakshina Kannada?
This PhD in Social Work program at St. Aloysius University focuses on advanced research and scholarly inquiry into complex societal issues and welfare practices. It addresses the growing need for specialized knowledge and evidence-based interventions in India''''s dynamic social sector, fostering critical thinking and ethical leadership to drive positive social change.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates aspiring for careers in academia, advanced social policy research, or leadership roles in non-governmental organizations and government agencies. It also suits experienced social work professionals seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding, contribute to social theory, or influence policy through rigorous research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as university professors, senior researchers in think tanks or government bodies, social policy analysts, or consultants for national and international NGOs. Salary ranges in India typically vary from INR 4-7 LPA for entry-level research roles to INR 8-20+ LPA for experienced academics and senior policy experts, depending on the sector and designation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Ethical Practices- (First year (especially during coursework semester))
Actively engage with coursework on research design, qualitative/quantitative methods, and statistical tools. Attend university workshops on academic writing and research ethics. Develop a robust understanding of responsible conduct of research (RCR) essential for credible scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for statistical analysis, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Online courses on research ethics (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), University library resources
Career Connection
Essential for conducting credible research, critical for academic and research roles, ensures ethical integrity in all professional outputs and publications.
Develop a Focused and Feasible Research Proposal- (First year, post-coursework)
Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question, conduct a thorough literature review, and design a feasible study. Participate in departmental seminars to present and receive constructive feedback on your proposal, ensuring its academic rigor and practical relevance.
Tools & Resources
Access to academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), University research colloquiums, Regular supervisor meetings, Departmental review panels
Career Connection
A well-defined proposal is the blueprint for successful research, demonstrating critical thinking, analytical prowess, and project management skills highly valued in academia and policy research.
Build Academic Reading & Writing Proficiency- (Throughout the first year)
Dedicate consistent time to reading academic journals and books in your chosen area of specialization. Practice writing concisely and academically through summary assignments, critical reviews, and early drafts of your literature review chapter, adhering to established academic conventions.
Tools & Resources
University writing center support, Grammarly Premium, Academic style guides (e.g., APA for Social Work), Peer review groups for feedback
Career Connection
Strong academic writing is fundamental for publishing, thesis completion, grant applications, and effective communication in any research-intensive or academic role.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Fieldwork & Data Collection Ethically- (Second to third year)
Plan and execute your data collection phase meticulously, adhering to all ethical guidelines and obtaining necessary institutional and community permissions. Maintain detailed field notes and ensure data integrity and confidentiality throughout the process. Seek continuous guidance from your supervisor for any challenges.
Tools & Resources
Survey platforms (Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), Interview recording devices, Transcribing software, Institutional ethics review board (IRB) forms and guidelines
Career Connection
Develops practical research skills, problem-solving abilities, and ethical conduct vital for field-based research, consultancy, and program evaluation roles in the social sector.
Master Data Analysis & Interpretation- (Second to third year)
Learn and apply advanced qualitative (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis) or quantitative (e.g., regression, ANOVA) data analysis techniques relevant to your research. Utilize appropriate software to rigorously analyze your collected data and critically interpret the findings in the context of existing literature.
Tools & Resources
NVivo/ATLAS.ti for qualitative data, SPSS/R/Stata for quantitative data, University statistics workshops, Online tutorials (e.g., DataCamp, Coursera)
Career Connection
Highly sought-after analytical skills are developed, crucial for research positions, data-driven policy making, program effectiveness assessment, and publishing in academic journals.
Present Research at Conferences & Seminars- (From second year onwards)
Prepare and present your research findings (preliminary or advanced stages) at national or international academic conferences, departmental seminars, or research colloquia. Actively use the feedback received to improve your research and presentation style, fostering intellectual growth.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Canva for presentations, Conference call for papers (CFP) alerts, Networking events, University travel grants for paper presentations
Career Connection
Builds strong presentation and communication skills, expands professional network within your field, helps refine arguments, and enhances visibility for academic and research career opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Systematically Write & Revise Thesis Chapters- (Third year onwards)
Set realistic writing goals for each chapter of your thesis, adhere strictly to university and academic formatting guidelines, and regularly submit drafts to your supervisor for detailed feedback. Be prepared for multiple rounds of revision to ensure clarity, coherence, and academic excellence.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Microsoft Word with citation management tools (Mendeley, Zotero), University thesis guidelines and templates, Academic editing services (if necessary), Peer review circles
Career Connection
The ability to complete a large-scale, complex writing project demonstrates perseverance, scholarly communication, and commitment—qualities essential for any high-level professional or academic role.
Prepare for Viva Voce & Defense- (Final year, leading up to defense)
Practice articulating your research clearly and concisely, highlighting your unique contributions and findings. Anticipate potential questions from examiners and prepare robust responses. Understand the scope and limitations of your work thoroughly. Conduct mock defenses with peers or mentors to refine your presentation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental viva voce guidelines, Mock defense sessions, Review of your own thesis, Practice explaining complex concepts simply to diverse audiences
Career Connection
Develops strong oral communication and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for interviews, public speaking engagements, and successfully defending academic positions or project proposals.
Publish Research & Build Academic Portfolio- (Throughout PhD, intensifying in final years and post-defense)
Aim to publish at least one or two peer-reviewed research papers from your thesis in reputed national or international journals before or shortly after your defense. Actively network with scholars in your field and present at relevant forums to build your academic profile and disseminate your work.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Academic social media (ResearchGate, Academia.edu), ORCID ID, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Association of Social Work)
Career Connection
Publications are vital for academic job applications, securing research grants, and establishing expertise, significantly boosting career prospects in research, higher education, and policy advocacy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or an equivalent recognized degree with at least 55% marks (or 50% for SC/ST/Category-I candidates). Candidates must qualify in an Entrance Examination conducted by the University.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years
Credits: 8 (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDSW101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Objectives and Scope of Research, Types and Approaches of Research, Review of Literature and Research Problem Formulation, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection (Qualitative and Quantitative), Data Analysis, Interpretation and Report Writing |
| PHDSW102 | Advanced Topics in Social Work Research | Core (Specialization) | 4 | Theoretical Frameworks in Social Work, Contemporary Issues and Challenges in Social Work Practice, Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Community Development and Intervention Strategies, Social Justice, Human Rights, and Ethical Dilemmas, Programme Evaluation and Impact Assessment |
