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PH-D in Geography at The University of Burdwan
Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at The University of Burdwan Purba Bardhaman?
This Ph.D. program in Geography at The University of Burdwan focuses on advanced research and scholarly contributions in diverse geographical domains. With India facing complex environmental, social, and developmental challenges, advanced geographical research plays a critical role in providing data-driven solutions and informing policy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, robust methodology, and interdisciplinary approaches relevant to contemporary Indian issues.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Phil. or Master''''s degree holders in Geography or allied disciplines seeking to pursue rigorous academic research. It suits individuals aspiring for careers in academia, research institutions, government organizations, and NGOs focused on urban planning, environmental management, disaster studies, and socio-economic development in India. Candidates with strong analytical skills and a passion for original inquiry are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become experts in their chosen sub-fields of geography, contributing original knowledge. Career paths in India include university professors, research scientists at ISRO, ICSSR, or NITI Aayog, GIS specialists, environmental consultants, and urban planners. Entry-level academic salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential in research and senior academic roles within Indian universities and think tanks.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Research Methodology- (First year, particularly coursework semester)
Actively engage with coursework on research methodologies, statistical tools, and geospatial techniques. Focus on understanding diverse philosophical approaches to geographical inquiry and their application in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, ArcGIS, QGIS, Books on Research Methods (e.g., Kothari, Creswell)
Career Connection
Essential for designing robust and ethically sound research, crucial for academic publications, research grants, and credible findings in any research-oriented career.
Conduct Comprehensive Literature Review- (First year, ongoing throughout proposal development)
Systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing scholarship in your chosen sub-field. Build a strong theoretical foundation and identify critical research gaps pertinent to Indian geography.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Zotero/Mendeley for reference management
Career Connection
Develops critical analysis skills, forms the crucial basis for your research proposal, and demonstrates scholarly rigor and awareness of current academic discourse.
Develop a Strong Research Proposal- (End of first year/early second year)
Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Ensure feasibility, originality, and relevance within the Indian geographical context and global scholarship.
Tools & Resources
Regular supervisory meetings, Workshops on proposal writing, Guidance from university research cells
Career Connection
This is the blueprint for your Ph.D. journey; a well-structured proposal directly impacts thesis quality, potential for funding, and future grant applications.
Intermediate Stage
Master Data Collection & Fieldwork Ethics- (Second to third year)
Efficiently execute fieldwork, surveys, remote sensing data acquisition, and archival research. Adhere to ethical guidelines, especially when working with human subjects or sensitive environmental data in diverse Indian settings.
Tools & Resources
GPS devices, Survey software (e.g., KoboToolbox), Satellite imagery (USGS EarthExplorer, Bhuvan), Government census data (e.g., Census of India)
Career Connection
Develops practical, hands-on research skills highly valued in academia, government agencies (e.g., planning, environment), and private research consultancies.
Refine Analytical and Geospatial Skills- (Second to third year, concurrent with data collection)
Proficiently apply statistical analyses, spatial modeling, and advanced GIS techniques to interpret your collected data. Focus on presenting complex geographical findings clearly and visually, using appropriate software.
Tools & Resources
Advanced features of ArcGIS Pro/QGIS, R programming for spatial analysis, Python libraries (geopandas, matplotlib), Statistical packages
Career Connection
Enhances data science and analytical capabilities, making graduates competitive for roles requiring advanced data interpretation, mapping, and spatial problem-solving.
Engage in Academic Dissemination- (Throughout the second and third years)
Present preliminary findings at national/international conferences and workshops. Actively seek constructive feedback from peers and experts to strengthen your research and build an academic network within the geographical community.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers, University research seminars, Travel grants for conference participation
Career Connection
Builds crucial presentation and communication skills, establishes your academic presence, and leads to potential collaborations and visibility in your field.
Advanced Stage
Prioritize Thesis Writing and Publication- (Third year onwards, especially in the final two years)
Dedicate substantial time to systematic thesis writing, ensuring logical flow, rigorous argumentation, and adherence to academic standards. Aim for at least one publication in a peer-reviewed, UGC-CARE listed journal.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, LaTeX/Word, Grammarly, Journal submission platforms (e.g., Springer, Elsevier)
Career Connection
A strong thesis and a solid publication record are paramount for securing academic positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and research grants in India and abroad.
Prepare for Viva-Voce and Final Defense- (Final year of the program)
Rigorously prepare for your pre-submission seminar and final viva-voce examination. Be ready to articulate your research contributions, defend your methodology, and discuss implications with clarity and confidence.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with supervisor/peers, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Feedback on presentation delivery
Career Connection
Successfully defending your thesis is the final academic hurdle, validating your research and showcasing your ability to communicate and defend complex scientific work.
Proactive Career Planning and Networking- (From the third year, intensifying in the final year)
Actively network with senior academics, industry professionals, and alumni within the geographical sciences. Explore post-doctoral opportunities, faculty positions, and research roles. Prepare your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statements.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., university career pages, currentjobs.in), Professional geographical associations in India
Career Connection
Strategic planning ensures a smooth transition from Ph.D. to a fulfilling career in academia, government research, or specialized industry roles in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Phil. degree in relevant subject OR Master''''s degree (M.A./M.Sc. Geography or allied) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/Differently-abled candidates) from a recognized University. NET/SET/GATE/UGC-CSIR JRF qualified candidates are exempted from the admission test.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (extendable by 1 year)
Credits: 10 (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for coursework papers), External: 75% (for coursework papers, End-Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-GEO-RM | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory) | 4 | |
| PHD-GEO-SP | Specialization Paper / Research Area Specific Paper (Geography) | Core | 4 | |
| PHD-GEO-SEM | Seminar on Review of Literature / Research Presentation | Core | 2 |
