PhD in Social Policy (Doctor of Philosophy in Social Policy)

PhD in Social Policy About

A PhD in Social Policy is a research-oriented degree program that focuses on understanding and analyzing the policies and practices that affect social welfare and social justice in different societies. It covers a broad range of topics, including poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, social security, labor markets, family policy, immigration, and criminal justice.

Students in a Social Policy PhD program are expected to develop a deep understanding of the theoretical and empirical foundations of social policy, as well as the methodological tools required to conduct rigorous and innovative research. They are also expected to critically evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of social policies and programs, and to identify opportunities for reform and improvement.

During the program, students will be required to complete coursework in relevant disciplines such as sociology, political science, economics, and public policy. They will also work closely with faculty members to develop and conduct their own research projects, which will culminate in a doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field's theoretical and empirical knowledge.

Graduates of a Social Policy PhD program can pursue academic careers as professors or researchers in universities, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations. They can also work in policy advocacy, think tanks, and consulting firms, among other fields.

PhD in Social Policy Course Highlights

PhD in Social Policy Entrance Exam

• Some Social Policy PhD programs may require students to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination).
• However, this varies by program, and some programs may waive the exam requirement for applicants with strong academic records or other relevant qualifications.

PhD in Social Policy Admission Process

Research programs: Conduct research to identify programs that align with your academic and career goals.

Review application requirements: Review the application requirements for the programs to which you plan to apply.

Gather required materials: Gather all required application materials, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.

Apply: Submit your application through the university or program's website. Some programs may require a fee to submit the application.

Follow up: Follow up with the program to confirm that your application was received and to inquire about the status of your application.

PhD in Social Policy Duration

A Social Policy PhD program typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the program's requirements and the student's pace of progress.

PhD in Social Policy Selection Criteria

Social Policy PhD programs typically evaluate applicants based on their academic record, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and, in some cases, an interview. Admission decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant's qualifications, potential for research, and fit with the program's research priorities and faculty expertise.

PhD in Social Policy How to Apply

To apply for a Social Policy PhD program, applicants should consult the program's website for specific application instructions and deadlines. Generally, applicants will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample, and may need to take a standardized test. Applicants should also be prepared to pay an application fee. Some programs may require an interview as part of the application process.

PhD in Social Policy Application Process

The application form and process for a Social Policy PhD program can vary by institution. Typically, students will need to complete an online application, provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample, and pay an application fee. Some programs may require additional materials, such as a standardized test score or an interview. Prospective students should consult the program's website for specific instructions and deadlines.

PhD in Social Policy Application Fee Structure

The application fee for a Social Policy PhD program varies by institution. Typically, fees range from Updated Soon.

PhD in Social Policy Syllabus

• Social Policy Analysis
  
• Health Economics
• Epidemiology
• Health Behavior and Communication
• Public Health Policy
• Health Disparities and Inequities
• Behavioral Health Interventions
• Research Methods and Statistics

PhD in Social Policy Salary and Jobs:

PhD in Social Policy Career Opportunities

• Social Policy PhD graduates can pursue a wide range of careers, including:
• Academic positions, such as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions
• Government positions, such as policy analysts or advisors in federal or state agencies
• Non-profit organizations, such as advocacy groups or research organizations
• Think tanks and consulting firms, which conduct research and provide policy advice to governments and other organizations

PhD in Social Policy Top Colleges in India

Some top colleges in India offering Social Policy PhD programs include:

1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
3. University of Delhi, Delhi
4. Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
5. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai

These are just a few examples, and there are many other institutions in India that offer Social Policy PhD programs. Prospective students should research various programs to find the best fit for their interests and goals.

PhD in Social Policy Admission Procedure

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 Social Policy Documents Checklist 

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 Social Policy

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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 participated 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.