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PH-D-LAW in European Union Law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is European Union Law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune Pune?
This European Union Law program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune, focuses on advanced research and critical analysis of the evolving legal framework of the European Union. In the Indian context, understanding EU law is crucial due to significant trade ties, bilateral agreements, and its influence on international legal norms, making expertise in this area highly relevant for cross-border legal practices, foreign policy analysis, and international trade law in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academicians, and researchers with a Master''''s degree in Law who seek in-depth knowledge of EU jurisprudence. It caters to those aspiring to contribute to legal scholarship, policy-making, or advisory roles in international organizations, multinational corporations, or government bodies dealing with India-EU relations. A strong interest in international law and comparative legal systems is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue niche career paths in India such as legal advisors for companies engaged in India-EU trade, consultants for government agencies, or researchers in international law think tanks. Salary ranges for such specialized roles can start from INR 8-15 LPA for entry-level researchers and go significantly higher with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and advanced research skills, positioning scholars for leadership in their chosen field.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently engage with coursework in Research Methodology, Law & Social Transformation, and Research & Publication Ethics. Focus on building a strong theoretical and practical foundation for academic inquiry, critical analysis, and ethical conduct in research, which are paramount for Ph.D. success.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for data analysis, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Turnitin for plagiarism checks, UGC CARE List for journal identification
Career Connection
A solid grounding in methodology ensures the rigor and credibility of future research, making the scholar a reliable expert in their field, crucial for academic positions and policy advisory roles.
Deep Dive into EU Law Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the elective course opportunity to thoroughly explore foundational and advanced concepts of European Union Law. This involves extensive reading of treaties, secondary legislation, and landmark judgments, going beyond classroom discussions and aligning with your proposed research area.
Tools & Resources
Official Journal of the European Union (EUR-Lex), Curia (Court of Justice of the European Union), Academic databases (JSTOR, Westlaw India, SCC Online)
Career Connection
Developing a comprehensive understanding early on forms the bedrock for a strong research proposal and thesis, establishing credibility as an EU Law expert for future academic or legal practice roles.
Engage in Peer Learning & Academic Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in Ph.D. colloquia, seminars, and informal study groups with fellow research scholars. Present preliminary ideas, critique others'''' work, and engage in intellectual debates to refine your research questions and perspectives, crucial for an interdisciplinary field like EU law''''s impact on India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Research scholar forums, Online academic communities (e.g., LinkedIn groups for international law scholars)
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, critical thinking, and networking, preparing scholars for collaborative research environments and academic presentations globally.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Post coursework, leading up to Synopsis Submission)
Work closely with your Ph.D. supervisor/guide and Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to formulate a precise, original, and impactful research proposal specifically within European Union Law. Focus on identifying a critical research gap and outlining a clear methodology for your doctoral thesis.
Tools & Resources
Regular one-on-one meetings with supervisor, RAC meetings, Proposal writing workshops, Existing Ph.D. theses as examples
Career Connection
A well-structured proposal demonstrates research acumen and the ability to define and execute complex projects, vital for academic grants and independent research roles.
Publish Early Research Papers- (After coursework completion, during initial thesis writing phase)
Transform parts of your literature review or preliminary findings into publishable articles for peer-reviewed national and international journals, especially those focusing on international law or India-EU relations. This helps in building a strong research profile early in your Ph.D. journey.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE listed journals, Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals, Academic writing centers, Publication ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Early publications enhance academic reputation, increase visibility, and are strong indicators for securing post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, or expert roles in India and abroad.
Attend & Present at Conferences- (Throughout the research phase, especially after proposal acceptance)
Seek out and participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia focused on European Union Law, international law, or comparative legal studies. Present your ongoing research to receive feedback and network with leading scholars in your field.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites, Professional associations (e.g., Indian Society of International Law, European Law Journal), Departmental funding for travel
Career Connection
Builds presentation skills, provides exposure to diverse academic perspectives, and creates opportunities for collaborations and job prospects within the global academic and policy community.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Rigorous Thesis Writing & Refinement- (Final 1-2 years of the program)
Dedicate significant time to the systematic writing, editing, and refinement of your Ph.D. thesis. Ensure argumentative coherence, meticulous citation, and strict adherence to academic standards. Regular self-assessment and consistent supervisor feedback are critical for a high-quality output.
Tools & Resources
Grammar and style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), Academic editing services (if permissible), Continuous feedback loop with supervisor, Thesis submission guidelines
Career Connection
A high-quality thesis is the ultimate testament to research capability, directly impacting future academic appointments, research grants, and expert positions where scholarly rigor is paramount.
Prepare for Comprehensive Examination & Viva Voce- (Leading up to comprehensive exam and final thesis defense)
Systematically revise your coursework, research methodology, and the entirety of your thesis content in anticipation of the comprehensive examination and final viva voce. Practice articulating your research contribution, methodology, and findings clearly and concisely to diverse academic audiences.
Tools & Resources
Previous comprehensive exam papers (if available), Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors, Presentation software practice and feedback
Career Connection
Excelling in these oral defenses demonstrates intellectual command and confidence, which are highly valued in academic interviews, expert panels, and high-level advisory roles in both India and international settings.
Strategic Career Planning & Networking- (Last year of the program)
Towards the end of the Ph.D., actively engage in career planning tailored to your specialization. Network with professionals in academia, government, international organizations, and multinational corporations specializing in EU Law. Explore post-doctoral opportunities, teaching positions, or policy analysis roles globally.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Academic job portals (e.g., E-IR Jobs), Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from Ph.D. to employment, leveraging your specialized knowledge in European Union Law for impactful roles in India or internationally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (LL.M.) in Law or equivalent with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled). Must clear SIU Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) or be UGC-NET/JRF/equivalent exempt, followed by Research Proposal Presentation and Personal Interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time). Relaxation for women/PwD.
Credits: 16 (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDL RM | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Legal Research, Research Design and Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Referencing Styles |
| PHDL LST | Law and Social Transformation | Core | 4 | Sociology of Law and Legal Pluralism, Law as an Instrument of Social Change, Social Justice and Human Rights Perspectives, Impact of Globalisation on Legal Systems, Role of Legal Reforms in Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDL RPE | Research and Publication Ethics | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research Ethics, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism, Responsible Conduct of Research, Best Practices in Publication Ethics, Copyright, Intellectual Property, and Conflicts of Interest |
| PHDL EUL | Elective Course (European Union Law Research Focus) | Elective | 4 | Foundations and Institutions of European Union Law, Internal Market and Four Freedoms, EU External Relations and Trade Policy, European Human Rights Protection System, Challenges to EU Legal Order and Sovereignty, Comparative Aspects of EU and Indian Law |
