PhD in Visual Studies (Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Studies)

PhD in Visual Studies About

A PhD in Visual Studies is an advanced degree program that explores the role of visual culture in society. The field of Visual Studies is interdisciplinary, drawing on approaches from art history, cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, and other related fields.

The main focus of a PhD in Visual Studies is to conduct original research and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. This may involve studying the history of art and visual culture, analyzing the impact of visual media on society, or exploring the intersections between visual culture and other disciplines.

Some of the topics that may be explored in a PhD program in Visual Studies include:

Art history and criticism

Visual culture and media studies

Digital media and new technologies

Global visual cultures and globalization

Visual anthropology and sociology

Visual rhetoric and communication

PhD in Visual Studies Highlights

PhD in Visual Studies Eligibility Criteria

A Master's degree in a related field is usually required for admission to a PhD in Visual Studies program.

Applicants are typically expected to have a strong academic background and a demonstrated interest in visual studies.

PhD in Visual Studies Duration

The duration of the program is typically 3-5 years, depending on the research topic and the student's progress.

PhD in Visual Studies Entrance Exam

The entrance exam for a PhD in Visual Studies program varies depending on the institution offering the program.

Generally, the exam consists of written and/or oral components that assess the applicant's knowledge of visual studies, research skills, and critical thinking abilities.

PhD in Visual Studies Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for a PhD in Visual Studies program typically includes academic qualifications, research experience, and potential for contribution to the field.

Other factors that may be considered include publications, presentations at academic conferences, and letters of recommendation.

PhD in Visual Studies How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Visual Studies program, applicants must typically submit an application form, official transcripts, a resume/CV, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.

Some programs may also require a writing sample or portfolio of work.

It is important to review the specific application requirements for each program and to ensure that all materials are submitted by the application deadline.

PhD in Visual Studies Application Form

To apply for a PhD in Visual Studies program, applicants must typically fill out an application form provided by the institution offering the program.

The application form will require applicants to provide personal information, academic history, research interests, and other relevant information.

PhD in Visual Studies Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Visual Studies program typically involves submitting an application form, official transcripts, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and other required materials.

Some programs may also require a writing sample or portfolio of work.

Applicants should ensure that all materials are submitted by the application deadline.

PhD in Visual Studies Fee

The application fee for a PhD in Visual Studies program varies depending on the institution offering the program.

Applicants should review the application requirements for each program to determine the fee.

PhD in Visual Studies Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD in Visual Studies program varies depending on the institution offering the program and the research interests of the student.

Generally, the program includes coursework in visual studies theory, research methods, and the student's specific research area.

PhD in Visual Studies Job Scope

Graduates of a PhD in Visual Studies program may pursue careers in academia, museums, galleries, and other arts-related fields.

The salary for individuals with a PhD in Visual Studies varies depending on the specific career path and the location.

According to PayScale, the average salary for individuals with a PhD in Art History, which is a related field, is around INR 795,000 per year in India.

PhD in Visual Studies Career Opportunities

Graduates of a PhD in Visual Studies program may pursue careers as professors, researchers, curators, art critics, art historians, or cultural program directors.

Some graduates may also choose to work in the media, advertising, or other fields that require visual literacy and communication skills.

PhD in Visual Studies Top Colleges in India

The top colleges in India offering a PhD in Visual Studies include the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, the University of Hyderabad, the University of Mumbai, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

PhD in Visual Studies Admission Process

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.

PhD in Visual Studies Document Required

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 PhD in Visual Studies

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 the 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.