.png&w=1920&q=75)
PH-D in Law at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University
Nanded, Maharashtra
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Law at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University Nanded?
This Ph.D. in Law program at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University focuses on advanced legal research, fostering critical inquiry into complex legal issues prevalent in India. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing significantly to jurisprudence, legal reform, and policy-making within the national context. The program emphasizes a rigorous academic approach to contemporary legal challenges and their societal impact.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for LL.M. graduates seeking to pursue academic careers, legal practitioners aspiring to deeper theoretical understanding, and professionals in allied fields like public policy or advocacy. It caters to individuals committed to rigorous research, those looking to influence legal discourse, and academics aiming to contribute to higher education in Law in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as university professors, legal researchers in prominent think tanks, consultants for government bodies, or expert advisors in leading law firms across India. The Ph.D. enhances expertise for senior roles, commands higher academic recognition, and opens avenues for significant contributions to legal scholarship and professional practice, often leading to leadership positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Ethics- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with the coursework on Research Methodology and Computer Applications. Develop a strong foundation in qualitative, quantitative, and legal research methods. Pay critical attention to research ethics, citation standards, and plagiarism prevention to ensure academic integrity from the outset of your Ph.D. journey.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List for Journals, Plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin), Reference management tools (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
A robust methodological understanding is crucial for conducting credible research, a fundamental skill for any academic or research role, significantly enhancing your profile for future opportunities.
Identify Research Area and Conduct Extensive Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Begin exploring potential research topics within your Law specialization. Conduct an extensive and systematic literature review to identify significant gaps in existing scholarship and define your specific research problem. Engage with faculty advisors early to refine your research proposal and conceptual framework.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, HeinOnline, SCC Online, Manupatra, Google Scholar, LexisNexis India
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem and comprehensive literature review are essential for developing a strong thesis, which is the primary credential for academic and research positions in India.
Build a Strong Rapport with Supervisor and Peers- (Throughout the program, especially Semester 1-2)
Establish regular, productive communication with your Ph.D. supervisor for consistent guidance and feedback on your research progress. Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and peer discussion groups. Collaborative learning and constructive feedback from both faculty and peers can significantly enrich your research journey and academic network.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, University research forums, Ph.D. student mentorship programs
Career Connection
Effective collaboration and networking within academia are vital for future research partnerships, co-authored publications, and professional growth in the Indian academic landscape.
Intermediate Stage
Present Research at National and International Conferences- (Semester 2-5)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. This helps in receiving diverse feedback, refining your arguments, and gaining exposure to the broader academic community. Aim for at least one presentation annually to build your academic presence.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (e.g., Conference Alerts), University travel grants/funding, Departmental presentation series
Career Connection
Conference presentations are crucial for building an academic profile, networking with experts, and enhancing visibility, directly supporting academic career progression in India.
Publish Research Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 3-5)
Transform sections of your research into publishable articles for reputable, peer-reviewed journals, ideally those listed in UGC CARE. Early and consistent publications significantly strengthen your resume for academic positions and research grants, demonstrating your scholarly contributions and research output.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List, SSRN, Academia.edu, Relevant Indian Law Journals (e.g., Indian Bar Review)
Career Connection
Publications are a key metric for academic hiring and promotion in India, showcasing your research productivity, impact, and expertise to potential employers.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Studies and Collaborations- (Semester 3-5)
Explore interdisciplinary aspects of your legal research by collaborating with scholars from other faculties (e.g., social sciences, public administration, environmental studies). This broadens your perspective and can lead to more impactful and innovative research outcomes, particularly relevant for addressing complex legal issues in contemporary India.
Tools & Resources
University inter-departmental research groups, Joint seminars and workshops, Online interdisciplinary research platforms
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in modern research, opening up diverse research funding, collaboration opportunities, and broader appeal for academic and policy-oriented roles.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Dissertation Defense Preparation- (Semester 6 onwards (Final 12-18 months))
Dedicate significant time to systematically writing and refining your Ph.D. thesis. Work closely with your supervisor on each chapter, ensuring clarity, coherence, rigorous argumentation, and adherence to academic standards. Prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce examination by conducting mock defenses with peers and faculty, anticipating potential questions.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing workshops, Grammar and style checking tools (e.g., Grammarly, Hemingway App), Mock viva panels
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and a confident defense are the final steps to earning your Ph.D., directly impacting your credibility and readiness for academic and research roles, and signifying your mastery of the subject.
Network for Post-Doctoral Opportunities and Career Planning- (Final year of Ph.D.)
Actively network with established academics and researchers to identify potential post-doctoral fellowships, research positions, or faculty roles. Attend career fairs specific to academia and research. Prepare your CV and cover letters meticulously, tailoring them for academic job applications and considering the specifics of the Indian higher education market.
Tools & Resources
UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowships, ICSSR Research Grants, University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., Times Higher Education, jobs.ac.uk)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking are essential for securing desirable academic or research positions immediately after graduation, aligning with India''''s competitive academic job market.
Contribute to University and Community Legal Engagement- (Throughout the advanced stage, particularly post-submission)
Participate actively in departmental and university activities, mentor junior research scholars, and engage in community outreach related to legal awareness or policy advocacy. This demonstrates leadership, service, and a broader commitment to the academic and societal impact of your research beyond your thesis, which is highly valued in Indian academia.
Tools & Resources
Legal aid clinics, Public lecture series on legal topics, University mentorship programs
Career Connection
Beyond research, academic roles often require contributions to university service and community engagement, enhancing your overall profile for leadership and faculty positions in India''''s higher education institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (LL.M.) in Law or an allied subject with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) or an equivalent grade point average (GPA) from a recognized university.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including one semester of coursework)
Credits: 12 (for the mandatory Ph.D. coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCL-RM | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and Types of Research, Formulating Research Problem and Research Design, Methods of Data Collection in Research, Data Analysis Tools and Interpretation, Research Report Writing and Presentation, Ethics in Research and Plagiarism |
| PCL-CA | Computer Applications (for Research) | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Computer and Operating Systems, MS-Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for Academic Use, Internet and Web Resources for Research, Basics of Statistical Software Packages (e.g., SPSS, R), E-resources, Databases, and Reference Management Tools, Cyber Security and Data Protection in Research |
| PCL-LS | Subject Specific Paper (Law) | Core | 4 | Contemporary Legal Research Areas, Emerging Challenges in Indian Legal Framework, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Legal Studies, Legal Policy Analysis and Reform, Advanced Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, Comparative Legal Systems and International Law |
