RESEARCH & DOCTORAL STUDIES

Part-Time PhD

Explore a research-based doctoral programme.
Find eligibility, research stages, assessment and programme documents.

Programme at a glance

Course Name
Ph.d
Specialization
Doctorate In All
Duration
2 Years
Eligibility
Post Graduate and 2 Years work experience

What is a research-based part-time PhD?

A research-based online Ph.D. program typically follows a model where candidates engage in extensive research and produce a doctoral thesis to demonstrate their mastery of a specific subject area. Unlike traditional Ph.D. programs that may involve comprehensive exams or oral defenses, these programs emphasize the research and writing aspects without a formal examination component.

Your research journey

In such a program, students are expected to:

  1. Select a Research Topic

    Students choose a research area or topic that aligns with their interests and the program's offerings. This topic becomes the focus of their research throughout the program.

  2. Literature Review

    They conduct a thorough review of existing literature and research relevant to their chosen topic. This helps them identify gaps in knowledge and areas where their research can contribute meaningfully.

  3. Research Thesis Proposal

    Students develop a research proposal outlining their research objectives, methodology, and approach. This proposal is typically reviewed and approved by an advisor or a committee.

  4. Data Collection and Analysis

    Depending on the nature of the research, students collect and analyze data using appropriate research methods and tools. This could involve experiments, surveys, interviews, data mining, simulations, or other techniques.

  5. Thesis/Dissertation Writing

    The program's main focus is the creation of a comprehensive and original thesis or dissertation. This document presents the research findings, methodologies, analysis, and conclusions. It should contribute new insights to the chosen field.

  6. Publication or Presentation

    Many online research-based Ph.D. programs encourage students to publish their research in academic journals or present it at conferences to contribute to the broader academic community.

  7. Final Defense

    Instead of traditional exams, programs may require a final defense of the thesis or dissertation. During this oral presentation, students present and defend their research to a committee of experts in the field.

Assessment & grades

Is there no mark sheet or grades in research-based PhD?

In a research-based Ph.D. program, the emphasis is typically placed on the research itself and the resulting thesis or dissertation rather than on traditional grading systems with marks or grades. Instead of assigning grades to coursework or exams, the program assesses a student's progress and performance primarily through their research output and the quality of their thesis or dissertation.

Here's how this process generally works:

01

Focus on Research

The core of a research-based Ph.D. program is the original research that the student undertakes. The student selects a research topic, conducts in-depth investigations, gathers data, and analyzes findings to contribute new knowledge to their field.

02

Thesis/Dissertation Evaluation

The primary assessment in these programs revolves around the final thesis or dissertation. The student prepares a comprehensive document that outlines their research question, methodology, data analysis, results, and conclusions. This document is subject to rigorous evaluation by a committee of experts in the field.

03

Final Defense

As a culmination of the program, the student may need to defend their thesis or dissertation in front of the committee. This involves presenting their research and responding to questions and critiques from the committee members. The defense is an opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding of the research and its implications.

04

Publication and Contribution

Many research-based Ph.D. programs encourage students to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals or present them at academic conferences. These publications add to the body of knowledge in the field and demonstrate the impact of the student's research.

05

No Traditional Grades

Unlike undergraduate or coursework-based programs, research-based Ph.D. programs typically do not involve traditional grading systems with marks or grades for individual courses. The assessment centers on the quality, originality, and significance of the research conducted.

It's important to note that while these programs don't use traditional grades, they require a high level of academic rigor, critical thinking, and independent research skills. The successful completion of a research-based Ph.D. signifies not only a mastery of the subject matter but also the ability to contribute new insights to the academic community.

Programme documents

Documents provided by the university during and after completion of the PhD programme.

  • Research Offer Letter
  • Topic Approval letter
  • Guide Approval letter
  • Synopsis Approval letter
  • Thesis Approval letter & 1 Attested copy of Thesis
  • Viva calling letter
  • Viva Confirmation letter
  • Research Completion letter
  • Final Convocation (Degree) Award
  • Verification letter