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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.

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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 areaQualifications required (minimum 55% marks in the qualifying degree)
Mathematics curriculum and pedagogyM.Ed. (with specialisation in pedagogy of mathematics); M.Sc. Mathematics; M.A. Education (with specialisation in pedagogy of mathematics)
Diversity, equity and school culturesM.A. Education; M.Ed.; M.A. Sociology
Economics of EdTech, educational technology and informationM.A. Economics, Development Studies or Labour Economics; M.A. Education
History of educational institutionsM.A. History
Vocational and skill-based educationM.A. in any social science or humanities discipline with an interest in technical education, employment and work
Vulnerability and psychological resilience in educational contextsM.A. or M.Sc. Psychology / Applied Psychology; M.Ed.; M.A. Education
Last Date for submission of applications27th May, 2026
Shortlisting of candidates for interview3rd Jun, 2026
Ph.D. Entrance Test / Interview13th  Jun, 2026
Announcement of Results30th Jun, 2026
Commencement of the Fall 2025 Semester Teaching6th Aug,2026

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 75,000
  • 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.

CourseCredits
Research Methods-I2
Education in India2
Major Disciplinary Area (choose one): Education / Psychology of Education / Sociology of Education / History of Education / Economics of Education4
An Introduction to Academic Writing (Skill Module)2
Understanding Educational Data (Compulsory Audit)–
CourseCredits
Research Methods-II2
Research and Publication Ethics2
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 Work2
Elective II (choose one): Advanced Quantitative Research Methods / Historiography and Methods in History / Advanced Qualitative Research Methods2
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 ComponentAmount (per annum)
Academic fees₹ 75,000
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.

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Home / Indira Mahindra School of Education

M.A in Education

A two-year postgraduate programme that combines rigorous academic study with close faculty mentoring and sustained engagement with contemporary educational thought and practice.

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M.A in education overview 

The M.A. in Education is designed for graduates who want to think deeply about education and its role in society. Students develop strong analytical, reflective and practical capabilities that support careers across education, research, policy and allied fields. Students 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

The M.A. programme includes 11 core (mandatory) courses, 5 elective courses, and skill/practice-based modules, which comprise two mandatory modules and several choice-based options.

  • In Semester 1, students complete five core courses (CC) and two mandatory skill/practice-based modules (SB) to build a strong academic foundation.
  • In Semester 2, students take four core courses (CC), one elective course (EC) and two skill-based modules (SB).
  • In Semester 3, the curriculum includes two core courses (CC), two elective courses (EC) and two or three skill-based modules to choose from.
  • In Semester 4, students complete two elective courses (EC) and undertake their dissertation.

Courses (core and electives)

  • Foundational courses
  • Discipline-based courses
  • Sector-based courses
  • Theme-based courses
  • Integrated courses combining sectoral and thematic perspectives

Field engagement

  • Intensive field experience
  • Fieldwork report

Skill and practice-based modules

  • Hands-on, practice-oriented module courses

Dissertation

  • Identification and development of a research problem
  • Literature review, findings and analysis
  • Final presentation of the research work
Course TypeCourse TitleCredits
CoreEducation in India: Themes & Perspectives4
CoreTexts, Institutions and Transformation: A History of Indian Education3
CoreSociety, Culture and Education3
CoreLearner, Learning and Development3
CoreUnderstanding Economy & Education3
Skill/Practice-basedIntroduction to Academic Writing2
Skill/Practice-basedUnderstanding and Using Educational Data2
Course TypeCourse TitleCredits
CoreFoundations of Social and Educational Research4
CoreEducational Ideas and Thought3
CoreChildren and Childhoods3
CoreEducation Policy in India3
ElectiveSector-Based Elective (Select any one)*3
Skill/Practice-basedChoice-Based Module (1)1
Skill/Practice-basedChoice-Based Module (2)1
Skill/Practice-basedChoice-Based Module (3)1
Course TypeCourse TitleCredits
CoreResearch Design and Methods – 24
CoreCurriculum and Pedagogy4
ElectiveTheme-Based Elective (e.g., Urban & Education; Values & Education; Educational Leadership; Teacher Education; Diversity, Marginality & Education)4
ElectiveDiscipline-Based Elective (e.g., History of Science & Tech Education; Advanced Sociology of Education; Advanced Economics of Education; Advanced Psychology of Education)4
Skill/Practice-basedChoice-Based Module (1)2
Skill/Practice-basedChoice-Based Module (2) / Optional1
Course TypeCourse TitleCredits
ElectivePolitical Economy of Higher Education4
ElectiveEvolution of the Modern University4
ElectiveFeminist Pedagogy4
ElectiveEducational Assessment & Evaluation4
ElectiveSchooling in a Changing Society / Sociology of School in India4
DissertationMaster’s Dissertation (Compulsory)12

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks, or
  • A B.Ed. or B.El.Ed. degree with a minimum of 55% marks, or
  • A valid CUCET (PG) score.

These requirements ensure that applicants have the appropriate academic background to pursue advanced studies in education. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a panel interview.

Application and admission procedure

Applicants seeking admission to IMSE – Mahindra University should follow the steps below:

Step 1

  • Apply online through www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in by completing the application form.
  • Upload a recent scanned photograph during online registration.
  • Follow the instructions to pay the registration and processing fee of ₹1,000.

Payment through demand draft

  1. Obtain a Demand Draft (DD) of Rs. 1000 from any Scheduled Bank in favour of “Mahindra University” payable at Hyderabad, India.
  2. Fill DD details in the DD payment option in the Application Portal and please include Student Name, Application No. & Mobile Number along with the DD on a separate paper which has to be sent to the below address: (The photocopy of the Demand Draft is to be kept for further reference.)
    Admissions Office
    Mahindra University
    Survey No: 62/1A, Bahadurpally, Jeedimetla,
    Hyderabad – 500043, Telangana, INDIA

Online payment through credit card

Applicants may also pay the application fee online using a Mastercard or Visa card by following the instructions provided on the application portal after registration.

Online payment through netbanking

  • Applicants may also transfer the registration fee to the Mahindra University account using the net banking option after completing the registration process.
  • The application fee for the M.A. (Education) programme is ₹1,000.
  • All disputes between the applicant and Mahindra University shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Hyderabad, and may be resolved through arbitration as applicable.

Step 2:

Applicants must ensure that the following steps are completed on the application portal:

  • Update all relevant academic details in the application form.
  • Upload the required scorecards and supporting documents.
  • Select the preferred course in the application portal.
  • Complete and submit the application form online.

Only duly completed and eligible applications will be considered for admission in accordance with the University’s guidelines.

Applicants will be shortlisted based on their academic credentials and/or CUCET (PG) scores. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a physical or virtual interview.

Candidates who are selected after the interview will receive an admission offer via email, along with further instructions from the University.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee admission. Final selection is subject to evaluation by the selection panel and availability of seats at the time of allocation.

Fee structure (per annum):

The fee structure for the M.A. in Education programme is outlined below. Hostel accommodation is optional.

Fee componentAmount
Academic fees₹1,00,000
Hostel charges₹2,10,000
Caution deposit*₹20,000

*Refundable at the end of the programme or upon graduation. All fees are subject to revision as per University norms.

Important dates

Aspiring candidates are invited to apply for admission to the M.A. (Education) programme and pursue advanced study in the field. Applicants are advised to note the admission deadlines to ensure timely submission of their applications.

Admission milestoneDate
Last Date for submission of applications – 1st Round27-Apr, 2026
Shortlisting of candidates for interview4th  May, 2026
Virtual/Physical interviews for selection15-16 May, 2026
Announcement of Results27th May, 2026
Commencement of the Fall 2026 Semester TeachingAug, 2026

Note: Dates and schedules are subject to change.

Outcomes

This programme is designed to help graduates translate academic depth into meaningful professional and intellectual pathways across education systems.

Graduates of the M.A. in Education are prepared to:

  • Build conceptual and analytical clarity around education, society, culture, and policy
  • Conduct independent academic and field-based research, including qualitative inquiry and critical writing
  • Contribute to curriculum design, academic content development, and teacher education initiatives
  • Engage with education-focused organisations, including NGOs, policy bodies, schools, and research institutions
  • Progress toward doctoral study (PhD) in education or related social science disciplines

The programme emphasises reflective thinking, structured argumentation, and research readiness—skills that remain relevant across teaching, policy, research, and leadership roles within education.

FAQs

This programme is well suited for graduates who are interested in understanding education beyond classroom practice, whether from perspectives of policy, society, culture, or research. It attracts aspiring educators, researchers, curriculum designers, and professionals looking to work in education-focused organisations.

No. Teaching experience is not mandatory. The programme is open to graduates from any discipline and includes foundational coursework that helps students from non-education backgrounds engage confidently with education studies.

Graduates move into roles such as educators, curriculum associates, academic researchers, programme officers in NGOs, education consultants, and policy or research assistants. Some also use the programme as preparation for doctoral study in education or allied fields.

Research is a core component of the programme. Students engage in close reading, academic writing, seminars, and a structured thesis in the later semesters, building strong preparation for research-intensive roles or further study.

Unlike professional teacher-training degrees, this programme focuses on education as a field of inquiry. It emphasises theory, research, and critical engagement with educational systems rather than instructional methods alone.

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