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 Ph.D. in Educational Studies includes six core (mandatory) courses, one compulsory skill-based module on academic writing, one compulsory audit course on understanding educational data, and elective courses offered through three baskets, including a seminar course.
First semester (Fall)
In the first semester, students take:
- Three core courses
- One compulsory skill-based module (Academic Writing)
- One compulsory audit course (Understanding Educational Data)
One of the core courses must be chosen from a major disciplinary area (4 credits) in which the student wishes to specialise. The available options currently include:
- Education
- Economics of Education
- Sociology of Education
- History of Education
- Psychology of Education
Students select one of these disciplines based on their prior academic background and research interests. Except for the major disciplinary course, all other courses carry 2 credits.
Second semester (Spring)
In the second semester, students take:
- Two core courses:
- Research Methods II
- Research and Publication Ethics
- Two elective courses selected from three baskets:
- Thematic courses
- Seminar courses
- Advanced research methods
Students may choose two baskets and select one course from each chosen basket. All courses in this semester carry 2 credits.
Seminar courses
Seminar courses are co-designed during the programme, allowing the content to evolve based on the interests and research focus of the student cohort.
| Research area | Qualifications required (minimum 55% marks in the qualifying degree) |
|---|---|
| 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. Education; M.Ed.; M.A. Sociology |
| Economics of EdTech, educational technology and information | M.A. Economics, Development Studies or Labour Economics; M.A. Education |
| History of educational institutions | M.A. History |
| Vocational and skill-based education | M.A. in any social science or humanities discipline with an interest in technical education, employment and work |
| Vulnerability and psychological resilience in educational contexts | M.A. or M.Sc. Psychology / Applied Psychology; M.Ed.; M.A. Education |
| Admission milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date for submission of applications | To be announced |
| Shortlisting of candidates for interview | To be announced |
| Ph.D. entrance test / interview | To be announced |
| Announcement of results | To be announced |
| Commencement of Fall 2025 semester teaching | To be announced |
Essential
Applicants must have:
- A postgraduate degree in any discipline, preferably in Education (M.A. or M.Ed.) or in a social science discipline such as Economics, History, Psychology, Sociology or Political Science.
- A minimum of 55% marks from a recognised university.
Desirable
- M.Phil. with demonstrated interest in educational studies.
- CSIR/UGC–JRF qualification in any discipline, preferably in a social science discipline or Education.
Fee and assistantship
- Annual tuition fee: INR 50,000
- Security deposit: INR 20,000 (one-time payment)
Ph.D. assistantship (for full-time scholars)
- Stipend: INR 30,000 per month*
- Additional support: Boarding and lodging provided
*Full-time scholars are required to undertake 8 hours per week of teaching assistantship duties.
| 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.”
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.
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.
