Course Details

MODE

Full time

DURATION

72 Months

The PhD programme in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences (IHS) at Ahmedabad University is unique in India. Unlike conventional doctoral programmes, the framework of our IHS programme recognises the inherently interdisciplinary nature of knowledge production. The Programme integrates theoretical training with a focus on cutting-edge research methods, and allows for flexibility in designing interdisciplinary and disciplinary research projects. Students who wish to design an interdisciplinary PhD project are trained to pursue novel research questions that transcend disciplinary silos across the humanities and social sciences. The Programme is equally committed to cultivating disciplinary depth and also supports scholars who are interested in pursuing research in the following disciplines:

Psychology

History

Political Science

Philosophy

Urban Studies

Anthropology and Sociology

We accept applications from full-time and part-time students. The Programme collaborates closely with faculty from other Schools and Centres at Ahmedabad University, whose work overlaps with the School of Arts and Sciences. We aim to prepare candidates for careers in academia, research and related practice-based careers of applied knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the PhD programme will be based on a candidate’s past academic record which includes either a Masters degree (Minimum 55%) or equivalent training in any of the social sciences, humanities or related disciplines, a brief statement of research interest, and a writing sample. Applicants with a score of 60% or more in the UGC-NET exam are exempted from the written exam but must go through an interview process if shortlisted. In exceptional cases, a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline who displays remarkable interest and potential for research in the humanities and social sciences may be admitted to the programme, albeit with the requirement of completing additional credits as per the overall PhD policy of Ahmedabad University.

Admission Details

All potential candidates must apply through the Graduate Application Portal. The admission requirement for the PhD programme includes a Master’s degree or equivalent training in any of the social sciences, humanities or related disciplines, a brief statement of research interest, and a writing sample. Based on the information submitted through the application portal, candidates will be shortlisted for a written exam. Those successful in the written exam will be selected for an interview.

Shortlisted candidates who have successfully passed the NET exam or have an MPhil will directly appear for the interview.

The written exam will be one hour long and will involve writing a short original reflection (800-1000 words) in response to a prompt on a general theme or issue. There is no specific syllabus or list of topics to be covered. It will be administered via google form. All written responses will be checked for plagiarism and anyone found to have plagiarised will be automatically disqualified from the selection process.