Ph.D. in Educational Studies
A doctoral research programme that prepares scholars to investigate foundational and contemporary questions in education, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives across social sciences, policy and practice.
Ph.D. in educational studies overview
The Ph.D. in Educational Studies at Mahindra University’s Indira Mahindra School of Education (IMSE) emphasises rigorous inquiry into educational ideas, institutions, policies and practices. The programme blends interdisciplinary perspectives from education, sociology, psychology, economics and history to help doctoral candidates frame, conduct and complete original research. Doctoral scholars experience:
Discussion-led learning
Small, interactive classes that examine education through social, cultural and theoretical perspectives.
Project-based engagement
Coursework and group projects that connect academic ideas with real educational questions and contexts.
Academic exposure beyond the classroom
Participation in seminars, workshops and outreach activities that deepen understanding of learners, schools and systems.
Individual mentoring
Ongoing faculty guidance to strengthen research skills, academic writing and professional communication.
Programme details
Academic structure
The programme typically spans three years, with the possibility of extension under due academic considerations. It begins with a year of structured coursework to build research skills and disciplinary depth, followed by independent research leading to a doctoral thesis.
Core coursework includes:
- Seminar courses and discipline-specific subjects (education, economics of education, sociology of education, history of education, psychology of education)
- Six core mandatory courses
- A compulsory skill-based module on academic writing
- A compulsory audit course on understanding educational data
- Elective courses from three baskets
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods-I | 2 |
| Education in India | 2 |
| Major Disciplinary Area (choose one): Education / Psychology of Education / Sociology of Education / History of Education / Economics of Education | 4 |
| An Introduction to Academic Writing (Skill Module) | 2 |
| Understanding Educational Data (Compulsory Audit) | – |
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods-II | 2 |
| Research and Publication Ethics | 2 |
| Elective I (choose one): Educational Leadership and Governance / Education and Diversity in Multicultural Societies / Mathematics Education Research / School Education / Education Policy: Economic Perspectives / Understanding the Relationship between Education and Work | 2 |
| Elective II (choose one): Advanced Quantitative Research Methods / Historiography and Methods in History / Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 2 |
| Elective III (Seminar Course — co-constructed) | 2 |
| Component |
|---|
| Comprehensive Examination / Confirmation of PhD Candidacy (Semester III) |
| Thesis Research (Semesters IV–VI) |
The PhD programme requires completion of 18 coursework credits. Subsequent semesters are dedicated to doctoral milestones and thesis research and do not carry additional credits.”
Research areas and eligibility alignment:
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the Ph.D. programme. In addition, the following table outlines area-specific academic backgrounds required for pursuing research under particular thematic areas.
A minimum of 55% marks in the qualifying degree is required.
| Research area | Qualifications required |
|---|---|
| Mathematics curriculum and pedagogy | M.Ed. (with specialisation in pedagogy of Mathematics); M.Sc. Mathematics; M.A. Education (with specialisation in pedagogy of Mathematics) |
| Diversity, equity and school cultures | M.A. in Education; M.Ed.; M.A. in Sociology |
| Economics of EdTech, educational technology and information | M.A. in Economics, Development Studies or Labour Economics; M.A. Education |
| History of educational institutions | M.A. in History |
| Vocational and skill-based education | M.A. in any social science or humanities discipline, with a demonstrated interest in technical education, employment and work |
| Vulnerability and psychological resilience in educational contexts | M.A. or M.Sc. in Psychology or Applied Psychology; M.Ed.; M.A. Education |
Admission:
- Submit the online application with academic transcripts and supporting documents
- Shortlisting based on academic record and research proposal
- Interview/assessment with faculty and research supervisors
Important dates:
Last date for applications: To be announced
Shortlisting for interview: To be announced
Interview / assessment: To be announced
Announcement of results: To be announced
Commencement of semester: To be announced
Fee structure:
| Fee Component | Amount (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Academic fees | ₹ 50,000 |
| Security deposit (one-time) | ₹ 20,000 |
Ph.D. assistantship (full-time scholars):
- ₹30,000 per month stipend plus boarding and lodging support
- 8 hours per week of mandatory teaching assistant duties
Fees are subject to revision as per University norms.
Research areas
PhD candidates may pursue original research in areas that include (but are not limited to):
- Human–machine interface communication and emerging media
- Journalism studies
- Media studies and communication theory
- Mass communication and public discourse
- Film & television studies
- Strategic communication and communication management
- History, technology and systems of media
- Ethics, policies and laws of mediated communication
Outcomes & career pathways:
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Educational Studies are prepared to:
- Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals
- Undertake careers in higher education as faculty and researchers
- Lead scholarly work in educational research and policy
- Contribute to think-tanks, NGOs and government bodies focused on education systems
Hear what our students say…
“Here, teaching and research are not separate silos. Every project is an opportunity to involve students, to make them active contributors to new knowledge.”
“The University’s global partnerships have allowed me to co-teach with peers abroad and bring international perspectives into the classroom, something our students truly value.”
“What excites me at Mahindra University is the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary research. Collaborating with colleagues from engineering and social sciences has expanded my work in ways I never imagined.”
FAQs
You need a Master’s degree in Education or a related social science (economics, history, sociology, psychology, political science) with at least 55% marks. An M.Phil. or research qualification (like UGC-JRF) is desirable.
Yes. The first year includes structured coursework in core research methods, academic writing and electives chosen from disciplinary areas.
Yes. You choose a specialization area such as economics of education, sociology of education, history of education, psychology of education or related disciplines as part of your coursework and thesis focus.
Full-time Ph.D. students receive a monthly stipend, boarding and lodging support, subject to University assistantship policies and duties.
The programme is typically designed for a minimum of three years, with potential extension based on academic progress.
