PhD in Sociology (Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology)

Dphil in Sociology About

A Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Sociology is a research-based doctoral degree program that typically takes three to five years to complete. This program is designed to prepare students to become independent researchers in the field of sociology.

During the course of the program, students will be expected to conduct original research, contribute new knowledge to the field, and produce a thesis or dissertation that demonstrates their mastery of the subject matter. Students will work closely with their faculty advisors to design and carry out their research projects, and will also participate in coursework and seminars to further develop their knowledge and skills.

Some common areas of research in sociology include social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender, social movements, globalization, and social change. Students may also choose to specialize in specific subfields of sociology, such as criminology, medical sociology, or environmental sociology.

Graduates of a DPhil in Sociology program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, policy, and other fields that require advanced knowledge of sociology. They may go on to work as professors, researchers, consultants, analysts, or policymakers in a variety of settings, including universities, think tanks, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

DPhil in Sociology Highlights

Dphil in Sociology Entrance Exam

Dphil in Sociology Admission Process

Dphil in Sociology Merit Based Admission :

• Institute/College may specify a higher credit requirement for their PhD program.
• It may also require an individual scholar to complete a larger number of credits based on their background and preparation level.
• The Selection Committee will call eligible candidates possessing the minimum educational qualifications and satisfying additional and stiffer criteria set from time to time, for an interview and/or test.
• Based on the academic record and the performance of the candidates in the interview and/or test, the Selection Committee will recommend the names of candidates found suitable for admission.
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Dphil in Sociology Entrance Based Admission :

• National level entrance exams such as UGC NET / UGC CSIR NET / GATE / SLET or University entrance exam consisting of written exam and personal interview.
• Candidates need to register to the official website by providing their email id, mobile number, and password.
• Filling up the online form with personal and academic details and course details.
• Upload all the scanned documents like candidate’s Photograph, Signature, Photo Identification, mark sheets, caste certificate, etc.
• Payment of the application fees using a Net banking, debit/credit card.
• Submission of the application fee and form, submit and download the form for future reference.
• Admit cards will be issued to the eligible students based on the information provided by candidates.
• On the given exam date, candidates will have to appear for the same.
• On the announcement of results, based on the marks obtained by the students and institutes cut off, seats and academic records of the candidate’s seats are allocated.
• Candidates who have appeared and qualified for National level entrance exams are exempted from university-level exams but they have to appear for a personal interview round.
• Based on their performance admission is offered.

DPhil in Sociology Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidates should have passed a Master’s Degree in Sociology or have sociology has a subject with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university/institution.
2. Candidate should have an MPhil Degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university/institution.
3. In the case of reserved category SC / ST / OBC / PH candidates relaxation of 5% marks or equivalent grade is given as per UGC guidelines.
4. Candidates should have good communication skills or the ability to express themselves verbally as well as in writing.
5. Candidates in the final year of their programs and who expect to complete all their qualifying degree requirements before the third week of July of the course commencement are eligible to apply for admissions.
6. Experience of senior level for five years of teaching/industry/administration/ professional.
7. There is no requirement bar of age to apply for the course.
8. Candidates will be expected to have the English language skills for their course, however, some specialized universities will teach in Hindi, Urdu, or other Indian languages.
9. Candidates with UGC NET / SET / SLET / M. Phil are exempted from appearing for university conducted entrance written test but need to appear for the personal interview round.

DPhil in Sociology Duration

DPhil in Sociology Selection Criteria

Academic record and GPA

Relevant research experience

Letters of recommendation

Personal statement

Writing sample

Standardized test scores (if required)

Fit with the research interests of the faculty and department

DPhil in Sociology How to Apply

Applicants should check the specific requirements for each university they are interested in applying to. Generally, the application process involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Some universities may also require standardized test scores. It is important to follow the application instructions carefully and submit all required materials by the deadline.

DPhil in Sociology Application Form

The application form for a DPhil in Sociology program can usually be found on the university's website. The application form will typically require applicants to provide personal information, academic history, and a statement of purpose. Some universities may also require additional materials, such as standardized test scores or letters of recommendation.

Dphil in Sociology Application Process

The application process for a DPhil in Sociology program usually involves the following steps:

Research potential universities and programs

Check admission requirements and deadlines for each program

Complete the online application form and submit all required materials

Wait for a decision from the university

If accepted, enroll in the program and begin coursework and research

Dphil in Sociology Fee

The application fee for a DPhil in Sociology program varies depending on the university. The fee can range from around $50 to $150 USD, but some universities may waive the fee for certain applicants.

Dphil in Sociology Syllabus

• Research Methodology
• Recent Trends in Sociological Theory
• Anyone of the following optional papers based on specialization
• Industry and Society
• Indian Society: Poverty and Social Inequalities
• Environmental Sociology
• Sociology of Mass Communication and Information Society
• Social Demography
• Sociology of Migration
• Social Movements in India
• Gender and Society

DPhil in Sociology Career Opportunities

A DPhil in Sociology can open up a range of career opportunities in various fields. Graduates can work in academia, research, policy, and consulting. Some specific career opportunities include:

Professor or researcher at a university

Researcher or analyst at a think tank or policy organization

Consultant or analyst in the private sector

Sociologist or policy analyst in government agencies or non-profit organizations

Journalist or writer

Social worker

Market researcher

Non-profit program director

DPhil in Sociology Top Colleges

Admission Process For DPhil in Sociology

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Documents Required For DPhil in Sociology

1. Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participating in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.