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PH-D in History at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is History at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This Ph.D in History program at the University of Calicut focuses on fostering advanced research capabilities and original contributions to historical scholarship. Rooted in the rich historical context of Kerala and wider India, the program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, critical analysis, and the exploration of diverse historical narratives. It addresses the growing demand for expert historians, archivists, and researchers in academic and cultural institutions across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for post-graduates in History or allied disciplines holding a strong academic record and a demonstrable passion for rigorous historical inquiry. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in academia, research, archival management, heritage conservation, and public history, particularly those seeking to contribute to the understanding of South Asian history and its global connections.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as university professors, research fellows in national institutions, museum curators, archival specialists, and public historians. The deep research skills gained are highly valued, leading to significant academic recognition and contributions to India''''s intellectual landscape, with potential for grants and international collaborations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant effort to understanding the core concepts of historical research methodology, including historiography, source criticism, and research design during the coursework phase. This foundation is crucial for successful thesis work.
Tools & Resources
University Library historical archives, JSTOR and Project MUSE for academic journals, Workshops on research ethics
Career Connection
A strong methodological base ensures credible and impactful research, essential for academic publications and gaining research grants.
Proactive Supervisor Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly schedule meetings with your Ph.D supervisor to discuss research progress, challenges, and receive timely feedback. Active engagement helps refine your research direction and ensures alignment with academic expectations.
Tools & Resources
Meeting log/notes, Draft chapters/papers for discussion
Career Connection
Effective supervision guides you towards a high-quality thesis, which is key for securing faculty positions or research fellowships.
Cultivate Academic Writing Skills- (Ongoing from Semester 1)
Beyond coursework, consistently practice academic writing, focusing on clarity, coherence, and scholarly argumentation. Engage with writing workshops and seek peer feedback to polish your analytical and expressive abilities.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, EndNote/Zotero for citation management, University writing center resources
Career Connection
Superior writing is indispensable for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and successfully defending your thesis.
Intermediate Stage
Extensive Archival and Field Research- (Semester 2-4)
Actively pursue exhaustive primary source research in relevant archives, libraries, and potentially conduct oral history interviews. Plan your research trips meticulously and manage data systematically.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India, State Archives (e.g., Kerala State Archives), Digital archives (e.g., British Library online), Research travel grants
Career Connection
Original archival research forms the bedrock of a significant thesis, enhancing your reputation as a scholar and opening doors to specialized research roles.
Engage in Scholarly Discourse- (Semester 3-5)
Attend and present papers at national and international history conferences and seminars. Participate actively in departmental colloquia and research groups to receive feedback and build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements (e.g., ICHR, Indian History Congress), Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Presenting research builds your academic profile, refines presentation skills, and fosters collaborations vital for career advancement in academia.
Publish Work-in-Progress- (Semester 4-5)
Aim to publish at least one research paper from your Ph.D work in a peer-reviewed journal or as a chapter in an edited volume. This demonstrates research productivity and validates your findings.
Tools & Resources
Reputable history journals (e.g., Indian Historical Review), Academic publishers for edited volumes
Career Connection
Publications are critical for academic recruitment and promotion, signifying your ability to contribute to the field independently.
Advanced Stage
Thesis Structuring and Drafting- (Semester 5-6)
Systematically structure your thesis, dedicating focused time to drafting each chapter. Ensure logical flow, consistent argumentation, and meticulous citation. Aim for multiple rounds of self-editing and feedback.
Tools & Resources
Academic thesis writing guides, Anti-plagiarism software (e.g., Turnitin), Dedicated writing blocks
Career Connection
A well-structured and eloquently written thesis is the ultimate output, directly impacting its acceptance and your subsequent academic and research opportunities.
Prepare for Viva Voce- (Semester 6 (Final months))
Thoroughly review your entire thesis, anticipating potential questions from examiners. Practice articulating your arguments, defending your methodology, and discussing the significance of your findings concisely.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors, Re-reading key theoretical works
Career Connection
A confident and articulate viva defense is the final hurdle for degree completion and can significantly impress potential employers or collaborators.
Develop Post-Ph.D Career Plan- (Semester 5-6)
Begin planning your post-Ph.D career path, whether it''''s an academic postdoc, a faculty position, or a role in public history. Prepare a robust CV, teaching philosophy, and research statement.
Tools & Resources
Career services at university, Networking with senior academics, Job portals for academia and research institutions
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition and helps you target the most suitable opportunities immediately after degree completion.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in History or an allied subject with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/Differently Abled), OR must have qualified UGC-NET/JRF/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship, OR passed the Ph.D Entrance Test conducted by the University of Calicut.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework component Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-HM-C101 | Research Methodology in History | Core | 4 | Philosophy and Approaches to History, Historiography: Trends and Debates, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Sources and Archives for Historical Research, Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation, Ethical Considerations and Academic Writing |
| PHD-HAS-C102 | Advanced Course in History (Specialized Area) | Core | 4 | Major Debates in Indian Historiography, Thematic Approaches to Regional History, Emerging Fields in Global History, Comparative Historical Studies, Theoretical Frameworks in Historical Analysis, Advanced Readings on Specific Historical Periods/Regions |
