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PH-D-LAW in Advanced Technology Law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Advanced Technology Law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune Pune?
This Advanced Technology Law program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, focuses on the intricate legal challenges and regulatory frameworks arising from rapid technological innovation. India''''s burgeoning digital economy and IT sector necessitate a deep understanding of cyber law, data governance, artificial intelligence ethics, and intellectual property in the technological landscape, preparing scholars for cutting-edge research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academicians, and researchers holding an LL.M. degree, seeking to specialize in the evolving domain of technology law. It caters to those passionate about critical legal analysis of emerging technologies and contributing to policy discourse, including those from IT and legal consulting backgrounds aiming for advanced research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as legal scholars, policy advisors, technology law consultants, or regulatory experts in India''''s technology sector. They will be equipped to shape legal frameworks for AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and data protection, commanding competitive salaries in specialized roles within tech companies, law firms, and government agencies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Research Methodology and Legal Epistemology- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with the coursework on Research Methodology, focusing on diverse legal research methods (doctrinal, empirical, comparative). Develop strong academic writing skills specific to legal scholarship, understand citation standards, and cultivate ethical research practices essential for high-quality Ph.D. work.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, SCC Online, Manupatra, LexisNexis for legal databases, Dedicated SIU research workshops
Career Connection
Builds the foundational skills for independent research, publication, and critical analysis, crucial for academic positions, policy research, and advanced legal consulting.
Intensive Literature Review and Gap Identification- (Semester 1-2)
Conduct an exhaustive review of literature in Advanced Technology Law, systematically identifying key debates, theoretical frameworks, and, most importantly, critical research gaps. Actively participate in in-course seminars to present review findings and refine the research problem, establishing the novelty and significance of your proposed work.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar for academic search, Specific journals in technology law (e.g., Indian Journal of Law and Technology)
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a chosen niche, essential for becoming a thought leader and subject matter expert, highly valued in specialized law firms and tech policy think tanks.
Engaging with Emerging Technology Law Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the ''''Area of Specialization'''' course, attending all seminars and guest lectures focused on Advanced Technology Law. Proactively engage with the faculty and peers, presenting preliminary ideas, and seeking guidance on refining the research topic and framing research questions within this dynamic field.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, SIU lecture archives, Industry webinars on AI, blockchain, data law
Career Connection
Directly informs the core research topic, ensuring its relevance and rigor, and building foundational knowledge for future specialization in the tech law domain.
Intermediate Stage
Developing a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 2-3)
Based on coursework and literature review, formulate a comprehensive research proposal outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Seek regular feedback from the supervisor and peers, presenting the proposal in departmental colloquia to strengthen its academic rigor.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor meetings, Internal departmental review panels, Ph.D. colloquiums and workshops
Career Connection
A well-defined proposal demonstrates structured thinking and project management skills, crucial for academic grants, research roles, and leading complex legal projects.
Engaging in Scholarly Publications and Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Begin transforming research insights into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals in technology law or presenting papers at national/international conferences. Early publication enhances academic visibility, provides valuable feedback, and strengthens the research profile.
Tools & Resources
Reputable law journals (e.g., Journal of Intellectual Property Rights), National/international legal conferences (e.g., NALSAR, NLSIU conferences)
Career Connection
Builds a strong publication record, essential for academic career progression and establishing credibility as a subject expert in the legal technology domain.
Cultivating an Interdisciplinary Research Network- (Semester 2-5)
Connect with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in law, technology, and ethics through workshops, webinars, and professional bodies. Engage in discussions on cross-cutting issues like AI ethics, cyber governance, and data privacy, leveraging these interactions to enrich the research perspective and identify potential collaborations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional associations (e.g., Cyber Law Association of India), Institutional research collaboration platforms
Career Connection
Expands professional network, leading to potential collaborations, mentorship, and opportunities in policy advocacy or specialized legal consulting.
Advanced Stage
Systematic Thesis Writing and Chapter Development- (Semester 5-6 onwards)
Dedicate consistent effort to writing the doctoral thesis, breaking it down into manageable chapters. Maintain regular communication with the supervisor, submitting drafts promptly, and incorporating feedback to ensure logical flow, coherence, and originality of arguments.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing software (e.g., Scrivener), Institutional writing centers for academic support, Plagiarism check tools (e.g., Turnitin)
Career Connection
Demonstrates ability to undertake large-scale, independent research, synthesize complex information, and present coherent arguments, critical for any senior research or academic role.
Preparing for Pre-Submission and Viva Voce- (Semester 6 onwards)
Meticulously prepare for the pre-submission seminar and the final viva voce examination. Practice articulating the research contribution, defending methodological choices, and responding to critical questions. Seek mock viva sessions with internal faculty to build confidence and refine presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides), Institutional guidelines for viva voce, Mock defense panels with faculty
Career Connection
Essential for successful completion of the Ph.D., providing experience in public speaking, critical defense of ideas, and intellectual resilience, valuable in academia and high-stakes legal environments.
Exploring Post-Doctoral and Career Opportunities- (Semester 5-6 onwards)
Actively network with potential employers, post-doctoral institutions, and research centers. Tailor CVs and research statements to specific opportunities in legal academia, technology policy, or specialized legal practice, leveraging the Ph.D. as a strong credential for leadership roles in the field.
Tools & Resources
Career services at SIU, Academic job portals (e.g., HigherEdJobs, Academickeys.com), Professional networking platforms and job fairs
Career Connection
Facilitates a smooth transition into desired career paths, maximizing the return on investment of the doctoral study, by strategically positioning oneself for advanced roles in technology law.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M.) with at least 55% marks or equivalent grade (50% for SC/ST category candidates).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years
Credits: 56 (16 for coursework, 40 for thesis) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for coursework), External: 50% (for coursework)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDL RM | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Ethics and Integrity, Academic Writing and Publication |
| PHDL RL | Review of Literature | Core | 6 | Purpose and Scope of Literature Review, Identification of Research Resources, Critical Analysis of Existing Scholarship, Synthesis and Interpretation of Findings, Identification of Research Gaps, Referencing and Citation Styles |
| PHDL AOS | Area of Specialization (Advanced Technology Law) | Core | 4 | Critical analysis of emerging technology laws and policies, Jurisprudential foundations of technology regulation, Comparative study of international technology law frameworks, Ethical and societal implications of advanced technological developments, Research methodologies applied to specific technology law challenges, Interdisciplinary perspectives on law, science, and technology |
