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PHD in Humanities And Social Sciences at Vellore Institute of Technology
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Sciences at Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore?
This Humanities and Social Sciences PhD program at Vellore Institute of Technology focuses on fostering interdisciplinary research and critical thinking in areas like English, Economics, Sociology, and Commerce. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing significantly to academic discourse and policy-making within the Indian context, addressing complex societal challenges through rigorous inquiry and innovative methodologies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a Master''''s degree in any Humanities or Social Sciences discipline, aspiring for an academic career or advanced research roles. It also suits working professionals, including educators, policy analysts, and social researchers, seeking to deepen their expertise, contribute original knowledge, or transition into higher education and specialized R&D within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as university professors, research scientists, policy advisors in government or NGOs, and consultants in analytics firms across India. Starting salaries for fresh PhDs typically range from INR 6-12 LPA in academia/research, with significant growth potential. The program cultivates advanced analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills essential for leadership in Indian intellectual and social sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodology- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with the compulsory Research Methodology coursework. Focus on understanding diverse research paradigms, quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis tools like SPSS/R/NVivo, and ethical considerations. Aim for a strong conceptual foundation to design robust research proposals.
Tools & Resources
VITREE preparation materials, academic papers from leading HSS journals, online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL) on advanced research methods, VIT Central Library resources
Career Connection
A solid methodological base is critical for designing impactful research, leading to higher quality publications and securing research grants, which are crucial for academic and research careers.
Develop a Strong Literature Review & Proposal- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to conduct an exhaustive literature review, identify significant research gaps, and refine your research problem. Develop a comprehensive and well-structured research proposal, including clear objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes, for presentation and approval by the Doctoral Committee.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), academic databases (JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science), VIT''''s Research Proposal Guidelines, supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A strong proposal demonstrates research acumen, secures committee approval, and sets the trajectory for successful thesis completion, which directly impacts future academic placements.
Cultivate Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in academic writing workshops and seek feedback on early drafts of literature reviews and proposal sections. Focus on clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic conventions. Practice writing for different formats, including conference papers and journal articles, even at this early stage.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s English Language Centre, academic writing guides, peer review groups, Grammarly, Turnitin for self-plagiarism checks
Career Connection
Effective academic writing is paramount for publishing in reputable journals, presenting at conferences, and ultimately, for disseminating your research impactfully, enhancing your profile for faculty positions.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Advanced Data Collection & Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Execute your approved research methodology, collecting data rigorously using surveys, interviews, ethnography, or archival research. Master advanced statistical or qualitative data analysis software pertinent to your field, interpreting results critically and connecting them back to your research questions.
Tools & Resources
Specific software like R, Python (for text analysis), SPSS, NVivo, Atlas.ti, VIT''''s computational labs, workshops on advanced analytics, research design consultations
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced data handling and analysis makes you a valuable researcher, opening doors to data scientist roles in social research, policy analysis, and academic positions demanding robust empirical skills.
Present Research at National/International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Prepare and submit abstracts/papers based on your preliminary findings to relevant national and international conferences. Actively participate in presentations and poster sessions to gain feedback, network with scholars, and refine your research arguments.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (e.g., EasyChair, WikiCFP), VIT''''s travel grants for research presentation, presentation design tools (PowerPoint, Canva), mock presentation practice with peers/supervisor
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds your academic reputation, expands your professional network, and is often a prerequisite for PhD completion, enhancing your marketability for academic roles and collaborations.
Seek Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations- (Semester 3-5)
Explore opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines or schools within VIT or external institutions. This broadens your perspective, enriches your research, and can lead to co-authored publications, which are highly valued in academia and research.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s internal research groups, faculty profiles on VIT website, research networking platforms (ResearchGate, Academia.edu), departmental seminars
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary collaboration fosters innovation, develops teamwork skills, and strengthens your publication record, making you a more attractive candidate for diverse research environments.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Journal Publications- (Semester 6-8)
Transform chapters of your thesis into publishable manuscripts targeting peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors in your field. Systematically address reviewer comments and persist through the publication process, understanding that multiple submissions may be necessary.
Tools & Resources
Journal selection tools (JournalFinder), academic writing mentors, VIT''''s research publication support, plagiarism detection software
Career Connection
A strong publication record in reputable journals is the single most important factor for securing academic positions and research grants, demonstrating your scholarly contribution and research independence.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Semester 6-8)
Finalize your thesis manuscript, ensuring it meets all university regulations and academic standards. Rigorously prepare for your comprehensive Viva Voce examination, anticipating questions from your examiners and practicing your presentation and defense of your research findings.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s Thesis Submission Guidelines, mock vivas with supervisor and peers, critical review of your own work, understanding the nuances of your chosen methodologies and theoretical frameworks
Career Connection
Successfully defending your thesis is the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to the award of your degree, which is the foundational credential for all advanced academic and research careers.
Strategize Post-PhD Career Pathways- (Semester 6-8)
Actively explore and prepare for post-PhD career options, whether in academia, research institutions, policy think tanks, or industry. Tailor your CV, prepare teaching statements (if academic), and practice interview skills, leveraging VIT''''s career services.
Tools & Resources
VIT''''s Career Development Centre, professional networking events, alumni mentorship, online job portals for academia and research (e.g., HERC, UniversityWorldNews), LinkedIn
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from student to professional, aligning your skills and aspirations with available opportunities in the competitive Indian and global job markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (ME/M.Tech/M.Sc/MA/M.Com etc.) in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA out of 10. Candidates must qualify in the VIT Ph.D. Entrance Examination (VITREE) and a subsequent personal interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-time), Maximum 6 years (Full-time)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 16 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Continuous Assessment Tests, Digital Assignment), External: 50% (Terminal Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REES6001 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory) | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review & Gap Analysis, Research Design & Methodology, Data Collection & Sampling, Statistical & Qualitative Analysis, Research Ethics & IPR |
