

PHD-JOURNALISM-AND-MASS-COMMUNICATION in Journalism And Mass Communication at University of Calicut


Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This PhD Journalism and Mass Communication program at University of Calicut focuses on advanced theoretical and empirical research in media studies, communication, and journalistic practices. It addresses the dynamic landscape of the Indian media industry, emphasizing critical inquiry, ethical considerations, and socio-cultural impacts. The program aims to produce scholars capable of contributing significantly to academia, policy-making, and media innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related fields who aspire to a career in academic research, university teaching, or high-level media analysis. It also caters to media professionals seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding and contribute to knowledge generation in the evolving Indian media sector, often requiring a strong aptitude for independent research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university professors, media researchers, policy analysts, and communication consultants in India. Typical salary ranges for assistant professors start from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in senior academic roles or specialized research positions. The program helps develop critical thinking and advanced research skills highly valued in both academia and select industry think tanks.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly engage with coursework on research methodologies, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Attend workshops on statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) or qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo) offered by the university or external bodies.
Tools & Resources
University workshops on research software, Academic journals on research methods, UGC Care List journals
Career Connection
Strong methodological understanding is crucial for designing rigorous studies, a core skill for any academic or research career.
Identify and Refine Research Niche- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read recent literature in your area of interest in Journalism and Mass Communication. Engage in discussions with your supervisor and peers to identify significant research gaps and refine a unique and impactful research question for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Research Gate, Google Scholar, University Library Databases (JSTOR, EBSCO)
Career Connection
A well-defined research niche strengthens your profile for grants, fellowships, and specialized academic positions.
Develop Academic Writing & Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing literature reviews, research proposals, and seminar papers. Participate in departmental seminars and present your preliminary findings to receive constructive feedback on both content and delivery.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Departmental seminar series
Career Connection
Effective communication of complex research is vital for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and succeeding in academic presentations.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities to attend lectures, seminars, or even audit courses in related disciplines like sociology, psychology, or political science. This broadens your perspective and allows for innovative interdisciplinary research approaches.
Tools & Resources
University''''s inter-departmental academic calendar, Online MOOCs on related subjects (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary expertise makes you a more versatile scholar, opening doors to diverse research projects and collaborations.
Participate in National/International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Submit abstracts and present your research work at national and international conferences. This is an excellent way to network with scholars, receive feedback, and stay updated on current research trends in your field.
Tools & Resources
Call for Papers websites (e.g., Media & Communication conferences in India), Professional associations (e.g., IAMCR, ICA)
Career Connection
Conference participation builds your academic network and provides visibility, which is crucial for academic career advancement and collaborations.
Prioritize Timely Publication of Research Papers- (Semester 4-6)
Aim to publish at least 2-3 research papers in UGC Care List journals or other peer-reviewed publications based on your ongoing doctoral work. Focus on quality over quantity and adhere to ethical publication practices.
Tools & Resources
UGC Care List portal, Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A strong publication record is often a mandatory requirement for PhD degree completion and is critical for securing academic positions and promotions.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation Completion and Defense Preparation- (Semester 6-9)
Dedicate focused time to writing, revising, and editing your doctoral dissertation. Work closely with your supervisor to ensure the thesis meets all academic standards and is ready for submission. Prepare rigorously for the pre-submission colloquium and final viva voce.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing centers (if available), Grammar and plagiarism checker tools
Career Connection
Successful and timely completion of the dissertation is the primary gateway to earning your PhD and advancing your career.
Actively Seek Postdoctoral Opportunities and Faculty Positions- (Semester 9-12)
Start applying for postdoctoral fellowships, research grants, or assistant professor positions well before your final viva voce. Tailor your applications to specific institutional requirements and highlight your research contributions and teaching potential.
Tools & Resources
University career services (if applicable), National research funding bodies (ICSSR, UGC), Academic job portals
Career Connection
Proactive job searching ensures a smooth transition from doctoral candidate to an academic or research professional.
Build a Mentoring Network and Collaborate on Future Projects- (Semester 9-12 and beyond)
Maintain connections with your supervisor, departmental faculty, and scholars met at conferences. Explore opportunities for co-authored publications or joint research projects, even after your PhD completion. Mentoring junior researchers can also be valuable.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional academic networking events
Career Connection
A robust professional network is invaluable for career guidance, future collaborations, and sustained academic impact and growth.



