- Faculty
School of Social Sciences
- Campus
Gnanagangothri Campus
- Engagement Mode
Full Time
Overview
According to The Business Research Company, the market size of global social sciences and humanities services is projected to reach $98.06 Bn by 2027 at a CAGR of 12.6%. The growing need to understand human behaviour and solve societal problems is the key driver of the social sciences and humanities services market. In such a scenario, pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences prepares students for a wide range of careers in research and academia.
The PhD in Social Sciences is an advanced and research-intensive course designed for scholars committed to making significant contributions to understanding complex societal issues. This doctoral programme spans diverse disciplines within the social sciences, such as sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics. While pursuing the programme, Candidates engage in original research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their chosen field.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences syllabus equips scholars with advanced research methodologies, critical analytical skills, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse. Graduates of this programme are prepared for leadership roles in academia, research institutions, policy-making bodies, and international organisations, where they can address pressing social challenges and advance our collective understanding of human societies.
Program Objectives
Reach the Epitome of Social Sciences
- A renowned establishment with a 62-year history
- Ranked by NIRF and NAAC A+ Accredited
- PhD faculty from reputable institutions like IIT
- A robust interdisciplinary approach to social sciences education
- Exchange programmes at top international universities
- Highly ranked for its innovation by QS IGUAGE, NIRF, and KSURF
- Innovative curriculum and pedagogy for application-oriented courses
Eligibility Criteria
A candidate seeking admission to the PhD programme should have obtained at least 55% in a Master’s Degree in the subject area of research he/she intends to pursue. In addition, the candidate will also be required to secure the minimum, stipulated score in the written test and/or interview (Topic Presentation and Basics Review) that may be specified by the RIC of the University.
Candidates should have a Master’s degree qualification recognized by the Association of Indian Universities in the related discipline or equivalent. They must also have proof of proficiency in English. For candidates with a Master’s degree programme with English as a medium of instruction, proof of proficiency in English is not required. However, the RIC may, from time to time, specify certain additional guidelines applicable exclusively to research students from foreign countries.
Structure
Research Themes
The PhD programme is offered by 13 Faculties/Schools of the University.
Experienced faculty members with in-depth knowledge of their subject matter are appointed as supervisors.
In multidisciplinary research areas, decisions about the subject area of research related to entry-level qualification can be referred to a select committee of respective Deans and PVCs.
High Priority R&D Domains
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Sciences
- Bio, Nano and Composite Materials
- Biotechnology, Food Technology and Public Health
- Business Analytics and Digital Transformation
- Business and Commercial Law
- Composite Structures
- Computational Mechanics and Sciences
- Drug Design and Discovery Technologies
- Health, Ethics and law
- Higher Education
- Public Sector Reforms
- International Politics and Diplomacy
Ph.D. Structure - July 2021 Batch Onwards
Sl. No. | Criteria | Module Title | Proposed Credits | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Course Works and Allotment of Supervisor | Research Methodology (RM) | 4 | 6 Months (for both FT and PT) |
2 | Research and Publication Ethics (RPE) | 2 | ||
3 | Technical/ Specialization Subject 1 | 3 | ||
4 | Topic related Seminar pertaining to Scholar’s Research | 2 | ||
PRP-1 | ||||
5 | Scholars Research Related Work in Consultation with the Supervisor | Registration to PhD Program | - | 6 Months (for both FT and PT) |
6 | Technical/ Specialization Subject 2 | 3 | ||
7 | Comprehensive Exam | 2 | ||
9 | PhD - Research Problem Formulation | - | ||
10 | PRP-2 | |||
11 | Work on Objective 1 | - | 6 Months for FT 9 Months for PT | |
Work on Objective 2 | - | |||
12 | PRP-3 | |||
13 | Work on Objective 3 | - | 6 Months for FT 9 Months for PT | |
Work on Objective 4 | - | |||
14 | PRP-4 | |||
15 | Synopsis | - | 6 Months (for both FT and PT) | |
Colloquium Presentation | - | |||
16 | PRP-5 | |||
17 | Thesis Submission | - | 6 Months (for both FT and PT) | |
18 | PRP-6 | |||
Total Credits | 16 |
Total Duration 3 Years for FT and 3.5 Years PT
Thrust Areas of Research
Sustainable Development, Gender Studies, Higher Education, Governance and Public Policy, Disaster Management, Public Sector Reforms and Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Democracy and State, International Relations and Politics, Public Finance, Psycho Social Issues.
Research Facilities and Scholar's Care
The University provides research scholars with:
- A Research Supervisory team
- A cubicle with the necessary computing facility
- Access to Internet
- Access to University Libraries as well as Journals, Laboratories, and Workshops
- Space to set up their Experimental Facility
- Access to Reprographic Facilities
- Support to access other Libraries, Professors, Advisors, and Organizations
- Any other facilities that are essential and within the reach of the University
- Accommodation in the University Campus on payment of the requisite fee (if requested and available)
Teaching and Assessment
15 hours of study/research work is equivalent to one credit. At the time of submission of the thesis, a scholar must have secured at least 330 credits as per the credit accumulation sheet and must have passed PRP reviews 1 to 6.
- Getting Started on the Program
- Allotment of Main Supervisor
- Allotment of Co-Supervisor
- Allotment of Advisor
- Formulation and Submission of Problem Statement
Progress Review Panel (PRP)
For each Research Scholar, the PRP is constituted as follows:
- One independent Chair approved by the PVC (Research), knowledgeable in the rules and regulations of the MS (By Research) programme of the University
- Two Examiners approved by the PVC (Research), who are reasonably conversant with the research area of the Scholar
- Supervisor(s) of the Research Scholar (one of the Supervisors will be designated as the Main Supervisor)
Convening the PRP is the responsibility of the Main Supervisor. On completion of the review, the Main Supervisor will forward the PRP report to the Office of the PVC.
Key Skill Development
- Ability to apply knowledge of Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Health, Humanities, and Business to solve complex problems
- Ability to analyse problems, interpret data, and arrive at meaningful conclusions involving critical inferences
- Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs considering public health and safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations
- Ability to understand the effect of optimal solutions on legal, cultural, social, and public health and safety aspects
- Ability to develop sustainable solutions and understand their effect on society and environment
- Ability to work as a member of a team, to plan and integrate knowledge of various engineering disciplines, and to lead teams in multidisciplinary settings
- Ability to adapt to the changes and advancements in technology and to engage in independent and life-long learning
Selection Process
Entrance Test (RRPET)
- Tests / Questions may be a mixture of multiple choice and fill-in-the-blanks type
- The use of a calculator is permitted.
- The written examination is 1 hour long. It has 60 marks and consists of 60 questions.
Interview Procedure
- Candidates will be asked to make a presentation outlining their interests and abilities for about 15 minutes. The format for the presentation can be downloaded from the website www.msruas.ac.in. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session for a duration of about 10 minutes. In addition, every applicant shall under go basics review where the line of questioning will be on UG and PG specialisation along with peripheral knowledge.
- Each candidate will be evaluated on the basis of their oral presentation skills and basics review, ability to articulate complex ideas, how they respond to hypothetical scenarios that may be posed or other appropriate methods that assess their research and analytical potential.
Merit List
A final merit list will be drawn based on:
- Performance in the written test
- Interview
- Academic Performance (Masters and Undergraduate)
The decision of the RIC will be final in the selection of candidates for all PhD programme.
Career Path
- Researcher
- Lecturer
- Research Assistant
- Assistant Professor
- Consultant
- Public Right Activist
- Social Worker