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PHD-SLS-PUNE in Law at Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Law at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This Ph.D. in Law program at Symbiosis International University focuses on advanced legal scholarship and interdisciplinary research. Situated in Pune, a hub for legal education and practice, the program encourages critical inquiry into contemporary legal issues, contributing to jurisprudence and policy development in India. Its rigorous framework aims to produce original research. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and researchers with a Master''''s degree in Law or equivalent, seeking to pursue in-depth scholarly work. It caters to those passionate about theoretical legal frameworks, judicial reforms, public policy, and constitutional law, aiming to contribute new knowledge to the Indian legal landscape. Prior research experience is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading legal scholars, policy advisors, and experts in their chosen fields. Career paths include university professorships, research roles in think tanks, legal consultancy, and positions in international organizations. This qualification enhances credibility and opens avenues for significant impact within India''''s evolving legal system, offering competitive salary ranges.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Foundations- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Diligent engagement with the coursework on research methodology, focusing on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches relevant to legal studies. Attend workshops on academic writing, citation styles, and software for literature review (e.g., Mendeley, Zotero).
Tools & Resources
SIU Library resources, UGC CARE List of Journals, Research Methodology textbooks, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Strong foundational research skills are paramount for conducting rigorous doctoral research, publishing in reputed journals, and succeeding in academic or policy research roles in India.
Deep Dive into Domain-Specific Literature- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Beyond the compulsory coursework, immerse yourself in extensive reading of scholarly articles, landmark judgments, and theoretical texts within your chosen area of law. Actively participate in faculty seminars and department discussions to refine your understanding of current legal debates.
Tools & Resources
SCC Online, Manupatra, Westlaw India, LexisNexis, Institutional journal subscriptions
Career Connection
Developing deep domain expertise is crucial for formulating a novel research problem, positioning oneself as an authority, and contributing meaningfully to legal scholarship within India and globally.
Cultivate a Research Proposal Early- (Semester 1 (Coursework Phase))
Even during coursework, begin outlining potential research questions and a preliminary research proposal. Seek early feedback from faculty mentors or potential supervisors. This proactive approach helps in transitioning smoothly from coursework to actual thesis work.
Tools & Resources
Ph.D. guidelines document, Sample research proposals, Supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A well-articulated and timely research proposal is the bedrock of successful doctoral research, significantly accelerating the path towards thesis submission and subsequent career opportunities in academia or legal policy.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with the Research Advisory Committee (RAC)- (Post-coursework, typically 2nd year onwards)
Regularly meet with your assigned Research Advisory Committee to discuss research progress, methodology challenges, and refine your research questions. Actively incorporate their feedback to strengthen your proposal and subsequent research direction.
Tools & Resources
RAC meetings, Institutional guidelines for PhD progress reports
Career Connection
Effective engagement with the RAC ensures academic guidance, adherence to institutional standards, and fosters a collaborative research environment essential for timely completion and quality research, enhancing credibility.
Present at National/International Conferences- (2nd-4th year of PhD)
Prepare and present your evolving research at relevant legal conferences and workshops. This provides valuable feedback from peers and experts, helps in networking, and refines presentation skills. Focus on events within India and South Asia initially.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers, Professional legal associations (e.g., ILI, SLS academic events), Travel grants
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds an academic profile, establishes connections within the legal research community, and can lead to publication opportunities, significantly enhancing employability in academia and policy research.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals (UGC CARE Listed)- (3rd-5th year of PhD)
Convert parts of your research (literature review, methodology, preliminary findings) into publishable articles for UGC CARE listed journals or other reputed legal journals. This is often a mandatory requirement for PhD completion at SIU.
Tools & Resources
SIU library, Journal submission platforms, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Publications are critical for academic careers, significantly boosting prospects for faculty positions and research grants. They demonstrate research capability and scholarly contribution, which are highly valued in the Indian academic landscape.
Advanced Stage
Systematize Thesis Writing & Structuring- (4th-6th year of PhD)
Develop a strict writing schedule, breaking down the thesis into manageable chapters and sections. Focus on coherent argumentation, meticulous referencing, and adhering to institutional formatting guidelines. Seek feedback on drafts from your supervisor regularly.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, Academic writing software, Grammarly, Turnitin for plagiarism checks
Career Connection
Efficient and structured thesis writing ensures timely completion and a high-quality final product, which is vital for a successful thesis defense and subsequent career progression in any research-intensive role.
Prepare for Viva Voce & Defense- (Final year of PhD)
Thoroughly prepare for your final viva voce examination. Practice articulating your research findings, defending your methodology, and answering potential questions from external examiners. Understand the broader implications of your work for the legal field.
Tools & Resources
Mock defense sessions, Supervisor guidance, Past viva questions
Career Connection
A strong viva performance is the final hurdle to receiving the PhD degree and demonstrates your mastery of the subject, crucial for any academic or research leadership role in India''''s legal institutions.
Explore Post-Doctoral & Career Opportunities- (Final year of PhD)
Towards the final stages, actively research post-doctoral fellowships, academic positions, and other career opportunities in law and allied fields. Network with senior academics and industry leaders. Prepare your CV and research statements tailored to specific roles.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Career guidance cells, Research grants databases
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from PhD completion to gainful employment or further research, maximizing the return on investment in your doctoral journey and establishing you as an expert.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master’s degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade ‘B’ in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever the grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved or recognized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country for the purpose of assessing, accrediting or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions. A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates as per UGC norms. UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship holders or M.Phil. pass candidates are exempted from the entrance test.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
