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PH-D-LAW in Law Gender at Symbiosis Law School, Pune
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Law & Gender at Symbiosis Law School, Pune Pune?
This Law & Gender program at Symbiosis Law School, Pune focuses on exploring the intricate intersections of legal frameworks, gender identity, and societal dynamics within the Indian context. It delves into how law shapes and is shaped by gender, addressing issues of equality, discrimination, and justice. The program aims to foster critical legal research skills to analyze gender-based challenges in areas like family law, criminal law, human rights, and constitutional law in India, contributing to a more equitable society. Industry demand in India for legal experts with gender studies acumen is growing in advocacy, policy, and social sector roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for legal professionals, academics, and researchers holding an LL.M. degree, eager to conduct advanced, interdisciplinary research on gender and law. It attracts individuals passionate about social justice, human rights, and policy advocacy. Fresh graduates seeking entry into legal academia or policy think tanks, as well as working professionals from NGOs or government bodies looking to specialize and contribute to gender-sensitive legal reforms, will find this program deeply enriching. Candidates with a strong foundational understanding of legal theory and a commitment to rigorous research are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as legal scholars, policy advisors, human rights advocates, and specialized consultants in India. Career paths include roles in universities, national and international NGOs, government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Women and Child Development), and legal think tanks. Entry-level salaries for Ph.D. holders in academia can range from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals and policy experts earning upwards of INR 15-25 lakhs annually. Growth trajectories involve leading research projects, shaping legal education, and influencing national gender policies and legislation. The research skills acquired align with needs in social development and public sector research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Ethics- (Coursework Phase (typically 1-2 semesters))
Actively engage with the coursework on Research Methodology and Research & Publication Ethics. Focus on understanding diverse legal research paradigms, ethical considerations, and academic integrity. Develop strong foundations in literature review, data collection, and legal writing. Attend workshops on research software and citation management.
Tools & Resources
Legal databases (Manupatra, SCC Online, Westlaw India), Referencing tools (Zotero, Mendeley), UGC-CARE List journals for publication ethics
Career Connection
A solid grasp of research ethics and methodology is fundamental for credible academic work, ensuring your thesis meets scholarly standards and enhancing your employability in research roles and academia.
Identify and Refine Research Question in Law & Gender- (Coursework Phase and Initial Research Phase)
From day one, start exploring diverse themes within Law and Gender. Read extensively on Indian jurisprudence, socio-legal studies, and critical gender theories. Engage in discussions with your supervisor and peers to critically evaluate potential research gaps and refine a unique, impactful, and feasible research question that aligns with the ''''Law & Gender'''' specialization. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures.
Tools & Resources
Library resources, academic journals on gender studies and law, discussions with faculty mentors, Symbiosis Law School Research Centre for guidance
Career Connection
A well-defined research question is the cornerstone of a successful Ph.D. thesis, demonstrating intellectual rigor and setting the stage for significant contributions to the field, crucial for academic and policy-oriented careers.
Build a Strong Foundational Literature Review- (Coursework Phase and throughout the first year of research)
Beyond coursework, systematically conduct a comprehensive review of existing scholarship related to your chosen ''''Law & Gender'''' research area. Identify key theories, seminal works, and ongoing debates in both Indian and international contexts. Organize your findings and critically analyze them to position your research contribution effectively.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, HeinOnline, Google Scholar, institutional library databases, Review articles and annotated bibliographies
Career Connection
An exhaustive literature review showcases your depth of knowledge and analytical skills, essential for establishing your credibility as a scholar and laying the groundwork for publishable research.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Seminars and Workshops- (Year 2-3 of Ph.D. program)
Actively participate in university-wide research seminars, particularly those related to social sciences, humanities, or public policy, to gain interdisciplinary perspectives on gender. Attend workshops on advanced statistical analysis or qualitative research methods if relevant to your research, broadening your methodological toolkit.
Tools & Resources
SIU inter-departmental seminar series, External academic conferences in India focused on gender and law, Online courses on advanced research methods (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary engagement enhances the depth and breadth of your research, making you a more versatile scholar and increasing the applicability of your work to diverse policy and advocacy roles.
Present Research at National Conferences- (Year 2-4 of Ph.D. program)
Prepare papers based on your initial findings and conceptual framework to present at national-level law and social sciences conferences. Seek feedback from senior researchers and peers to refine your arguments and methodology. This is crucial for developing your presentation skills and scholarly network within India.
Tools & Resources
Calls for papers from UGC-funded universities, Indian Law Institute (ILI) events, social science research bodies, Guidance from supervisor on abstract writing
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds your academic profile, provides networking opportunities, and is often a prerequisite for publishing in reputable journals, critical for academic career progression.
Seek Mentorship Beyond Your Supervisor- (Throughout Ph.D. program, especially from Year 2 onwards)
While your primary supervisor is key, actively seek out other senior faculty members or established scholars in the ''''Law & Gender'''' field within India for informal mentorship. Their diverse perspectives can provide invaluable guidance on theoretical approaches, research directions, and career advice, enriching your doctoral journey.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty directory, networking at conferences, alumni connections, Guest lecturers and visiting scholars
Career Connection
A broader mentor network opens doors to collaborative research, provides diverse perspectives, and can lead to stronger recommendations and career opportunities in academia, think tanks, and policy making.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Timely Submission- (Final 1-2 years of Ph.D. program)
Dedicate focused periods to intense thesis writing, working closely with your supervisor to ensure clarity, coherence, and originality. Establish a strict writing schedule and adhere to it. Prioritize completing chapters, incorporating feedback, and ensuring all institutional guidelines for thesis submission are met well in advance of deadlines.
Tools & Resources
Writing groups, academic writing workshops, Turnitin/Plagiarism checkers, University thesis formatting guidelines
Career Connection
Timely submission of a high-quality thesis is paramount for earning your Ph.D. and immediately moving into academic or research positions, demonstrating your ability to complete large-scale scholarly projects.
Publish in UGC-CARE Listed Journals- (Concurrent with thesis writing, throughout Year 3-5)
Identify specific chapters or sections of your thesis that can be developed into standalone research papers. Aim to publish at least two research articles in reputable, peer-reviewed UGC-CARE listed journals relevant to Law and Gender studies. This is often a mandatory requirement for Ph.D. completion and crucial for an academic career.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List of Journals, Journal databases (SSRN, Academia.edu), Manuscript preparation guidelines of target journals
Career Connection
Publications are the primary currency in academia and research. They significantly bolster your CV, demonstrate your research impact, and are essential for securing faculty positions and grants in India.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Post-Ph.D. Opportunities- (Months leading up to thesis submission and post-submission)
Thoroughly prepare for your viva voce examination by rehearsing your presentation, anticipating questions, and engaging in mock vivas with your supervisor and peers. Simultaneously, start networking for post-doctoral fellowships, academic positions, or policy roles. Tailor your applications, CV, and cover letters to highlight your specialized expertise in ''''Law & Gender'''' within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva voce sessions, Career Services at SIU/SLS Pune, Job portals for academic and research positions (e.g., HigherEdJobs India, university websites)
Career Connection
A confident viva voce secures your degree, while proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into your desired professional path, leveraging your specialized knowledge for immediate impact.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (LL.M. for Law) with at least 55% aggregate marks or equivalent grade from a recognized University. Candidates must also qualify for the Symbiosis International University Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) or hold valid UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/GPAT/CSIR-NET/DST-INSPIRE Fellowships.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (full-time, including coursework)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 12 credits (for coursework, typically completed in 1-2 semesters) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 100% for coursework (minimum 55% of marks or equivalent grade to pass), External: Thesis evaluation and viva voce by external examiners
