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PH-D in Anthropology at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Anthropology at University of Delhi Delhi?
This Ph.D. Anthropology program at University of Delhi focuses on advanced research into the multifaceted aspects of human existence—biological, social, cultural, and archaeological. In India, this specialization is crucial for understanding diverse social structures, developmental challenges, indigenous communities, and public health, offering critical insights for policy-making and social interventions vital for national progress.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.A./M.Sc. Anthropology graduates with a strong research aptitude, seeking to contribute original knowledge to the discipline. It also suits professionals in NGOs, social development, public health, or cultural heritage, aiming to deepen their expertise and lead impactful research projects that address contemporary Indian societal issues.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue fulfilling careers as academics, research scientists in institutions like the Anthropological Survey of India or ICMR, government bodies, cultural heritage experts, or development consultants. Salary ranges vary, but a research associate might start at INR 4-6 LPA, while experienced academics or consultants can earn INR 10-20+ LPA in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Research Methodology- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the mandatory Research Methods course. Formulate a preliminary research question and literature review, applying learned methodologies. Attend departmental seminars and workshops on qualitative and quantitative research techniques relevant to Indian studies to build a robust foundation.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, NVivo (for qualitative data), online research databases (JSTOR, Scopus), DU Library resources
Career Connection
Strong methodological grounding is vital for credible research and academic publications, preparing scholars for research-intensive roles in academia or applied settings.
Supervisor-Scholar Alignment and Proposal Refinement- (Semester 1-2)
Establish clear communication with your supervisor, meeting regularly to discuss research interests and refine your Ph.D. proposal. Actively seek feedback on your initial literature review and conceptual framework, ensuring it addresses a significant gap in Indian anthropology and aligns with departmental expertise.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), academic writing guides, departmental workshops on proposal writing, University''''s Ph.D. Ordinances
Career Connection
A well-defined and approved proposal is the blueprint for successful Ph.D. completion and demonstrates structured thinking, valuable for any research or project management career.
Engage with Anthropological Debates and Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, read widely on contemporary anthropological debates, especially those concerning Indian society, development, and indigenous rights. Understand ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, which is crucial for conducting responsible fieldwork in India''''s diverse socio-cultural settings.
Tools & Resources
Key anthropological journals (e.g., Economic & Political Weekly, Contributions to Indian Sociology), Indian Anthropological Association (IAA) publications, UGC research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Fosters critical thinking, ethical research practices, and contextual awareness, all essential for responsible academic and applied roles in social sciences.
Intermediate Stage
Immersive Fieldwork and Community Engagement- (Semester 3-5)
Conduct extensive fieldwork, prioritizing respectful and ethical engagement with communities. Adapt research methods to ground realities in diverse Indian socio-cultural contexts, building rapport and ensuring data validity. Document observations thoroughly, adapting to unexpected challenges gracefully.
Tools & Resources
Field diaries, audio recorders, interview transcribers, local language guides/translators, institutional ethical clearance protocols, GPS for mapping
Career Connection
Develops practical research skills, cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, highly valued in development, policy, and academic research roles.
Data Organization and Initial Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Systematically organize and transcribe fieldwork data. Begin preliminary data analysis using appropriate qualitative or quantitative software based on your research design. Seek regular peer feedback within the department on initial findings and interpretations to refine your analytical approach.
Tools & Resources
NVivo, Atlas.ti (for qualitative data), SPSS, R, Python (for quantitative analysis), departmental data analysis workshops, cloud storage for backups
Career Connection
Builds analytical rigor, proficiency in data management, and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for academic publications and research positions across various sectors.
Present at National Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Prepare and present research findings at national anthropology conferences or workshops across India. Engage with other scholars, receive constructive criticism, and expand your academic network. This exposure is vital for refining your research arguments and gaining confidence.
Tools & Resources
Conference call for papers listings (e.g., Indian Anthropological Society website), presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), departmental travel grants, academic social media platforms
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, networking, and academic visibility, which are crucial for establishing a research profile and securing future academic or research positions.
Advanced Stage
Structured Thesis Writing and Chapter Development- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate focused time to writing the thesis, developing chapters logically from data analysis. Adhere strictly to institutional formatting guidelines and academic writing standards. Regularly share drafts with your supervisor for feedback, maintaining a disciplined writing schedule.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guides from DU, grammar/style checkers (Grammarly Premium, ProWritingAid), academic writing software (Microsoft Word, LaTeX), reference management tools
Career Connection
Completing a high-quality, well-structured thesis is paramount for Ph.D. graduation and for demonstrating independent research capability, essential for any academic or research role.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Indian Journals- (Semester 6-8)
Convert thesis chapters or key findings into publishable articles for reputable peer-reviewed journals, focusing on those with an Indian or South Asian focus. This demonstrates scholarly output beyond the thesis, enhancing your academic standing and research impact.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List of Journals, journal submission platforms, academic writing and editing workshops, departmental research grant support for publication fees
Career Connection
Publications significantly strengthen your CV for academic appointments, research grants, and postdoctoral fellowships in India and globally, establishing you as an expert in your field.
Network for Post-Ph.D. Opportunities and Grant Applications- (Semester 6-8)
Actively network with senior academics and potential employers in Indian universities, research institutions, and development organizations. Prepare strong grant proposals for postdoctoral fellowships or early-career research projects to secure funding for your next career step.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, academic conferences and workshops, university alumni networks, funding agency websites (e.g., ICSSR, UGC, DST), mentorship programs
Career Connection
Proactive networking and grant application skills are critical for securing post-Ph.D. positions, building an independent research career, and leading future research initiatives in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.A./M.Sc.) or equivalent in Anthropology from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade). Relaxation for reserved categories as per UGC/GOI norms. Candidates must qualify the DU Ph.D. Entrance Test OR have qualified UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/DBT-JRF/ICMR-JRF/DST-INSPIRE Fellowship or equivalent national level examination/fellowship.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: Minimum 8 to Maximum 16 (for coursework component, as per Ph.D. Ordinance VI-A) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANTHC 101 | Research Methods in Anthropology | Core (Mandatory) | 4 | Philosophy of Science and Epistemology, Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection Techniques, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Methods and Statistics, Research Ethics and Protocol, Data Interpretation and Reporting |
| ANTHC 102 | Advanced Anthropological Theory | Core (Mandatory) | 4 | Historical Trajectories of Anthropological Thought, Postmodernism and Reflexivity, Practice Theory and Agency, Anthropology of the Body and Sensoria, Visual and Media Anthropology, Medical Anthropology and Health, Critical and Decolonial Perspectives |
| ANTH E01 | Advanced Studies in Social-Cultural Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Contemporary Issues in Social-Cultural Anthropology, Power, Hegemony and Resistance, Space, Place and Mobility, Identity, Belonging and Difference, Globalization and Transnationalism, Public and Engaged Anthropology, Digital Anthropology |
| ANTH E02 | Advanced Studies in Biological Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Human Evolution and Paleoanthropology, Primatology and Behavioral Ecology, Human Variation and Adaptation, Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology, Nutritional Anthropology and Health, Anthropological Genetics and Genomics, Growth, Development and Aging |
| ANTH E03 | Advanced Studies in Archaeological Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Theoretical Perspectives in Archaeology, Prehistory of South Asia, Field Methods and Excavation Techniques, Geoarchaeology and Environmental Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology and Experimental Archaeology, Conservation and Cultural Heritage Management, Digital Archaeology |
| ANTH E04 | Advanced Studies in Applied Anthropology | Elective | 4 | Anthropology of Development and Sustainability, Health, Illness and Medical Systems, Environmental Anthropology and Climate Change, Policy Anthropology and Governance, Corporate Anthropology and Market Research, Ethics and Public Engagement in Applied Anthropology, Urban Anthropology |
