PhD in Urban Studies Admission 2024-25, Process, Year Wise Comparison for Students Placed, Answer Key

PhD in Urban Studies About

A PhD in Urban Studies is a research-based program that focuses on the social, economic, political, and environmental aspects of urban areas. The program aims to train students to become experts in the field of urban studies and to contribute to the development of sustainable and livable cities.

The PhD in Urban Studies typically takes four to six years to complete and involves extensive research and analysis. Students may have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as urban planning, public policy, community development, social inequality, environmental justice, and transportation.

Coursework for a PhD in Urban Studies may include topics such as urban theory, research methods, urban policy and planning, urban history and culture, social and economic inequality, urban design and development, and environmental sustainability.

To complete the program, students are usually required to conduct original research and write a dissertation based on their findings. This research may involve fieldwork, interviews, data analysis, and other research methods.

PhD in Urban Studies Highlights

Here are some highlights of pursuing a PhD in Urban Studies:

1. Interdisciplinary focus: Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary field that draws on multiple disciplines, including sociology, geography, political science, urban planning, and environmental studies. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to explore these different fields and develop a holistic understanding of urban issues.
2. Focus on real-world issues: Urban Studies is a field that is closely tied to real-world issues and challenges. As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to conduct research that addresses issues such as urban poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development.
3. Opportunities for fieldwork: Many Urban Studies PhD programs offer opportunities for fieldwork, which allows you to gain firsthand experience and insights into urban issues. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, or other forms of data collection in urban areas.
4. Career prospects: Graduates of a PhD in Urban Studies can pursue a wide range of careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector firms involved in urban planning, policy, and development.
5. Impactful research: As a PhD student in Urban Studies, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research that contributes to the field and has the potential to make a real-world impact. Your research may inform policy decisions, influence urban planning and development, or lead to new insights into urban issues.

PhD in Urban Studies Entrance Exam

Some universities require GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores as part of their admission process.

However, not all universities require GRE scores for admission to their PhD in Urban Studies program.

Some universities may require other entrance exams or language proficiency tests, depending on the program's requirements.

PhD in Urban Studies Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for a PhD in Urban Studies program may vary depending on the university.

However, some common requirements include a master's degree in a related field, a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research proposal.

PhD in Urban Studies Eligibility

To be eligible for a PhD in Urban Studies program, applicants must have a master's degree in a related field, such as urban planning, geography, sociology, or environmental studies.

Some universities may also require applicants to have relevant work experience in urban planning or related fields.

PhD in Urban Studies Duration

The duration of a PhD in Urban Studies program is typically four to six years.

However, the duration may vary depending on the university, the student's research topic, and other factors.

PhD in Urban Studies Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a PhD in Urban Studies program may include academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and research proposal.

Universities may also consider other factors, such as relevant work experience, language proficiency, and GRE scores (if required).

PhD in Urban Studies How to Apply

To apply for a PhD in Urban Studies program, applicants must typically submit an online application along with supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, research proposal, and language proficiency test scores (if required).

Some universities may also require GRE scores or other entrance exams.

Applicants should consult the university's website or admissions office for specific application requirements and deadlines.

PhD in Urban Studies Application Form

The application form for a PhD in Urban Studies program can usually be found on the university's website.

Applicants will need to fill out the form and submit it along with other required documents.

PhD in Urban Studies Application Process

The application process for a PhD in Urban Studies program typically involves the following steps:

• Research and select universities and programs.
• Review admission requirements and application deadlines.
• Prepare required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and research proposal.
• Submit the online application form and supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable).

PhD in Urban Studies Application Fee

The application fee for a PhD in Urban Studies program varies depending on the university.

Some universities may not charge an application fee.

PhD in Urban Studies Syllabus

The syllabus for a PhD in Urban Studies program may vary depending on the university and the student's area of research.

However, some common topics include urban theory, research methods, urban policy and planning, urban history and culture, social and economic inequality, urban design and development, and environmental sustainability.

PhD in Urban Studies Salary and Jobs

Graduates of a PhD in Urban Studies program can pursue a wide range of careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector firms involved in urban planning, policy, and development. Salaries for these careers vary depending on the position, organization, and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for an urban planner in India is Rs 467,000 per year.

PhD in Urban Studies Career Opportunities

Some career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Urban Studies program include:

• Urban Planner
• Policy Analyst
• Researcher
• Professor
• Community Development Specialist
• Environmental Consultant
• Sustainability Manager
• Transportation Planner
• Real Estate Developer
• Nonprofit Manager

PhD in Urban Studies Top Colleges in India

Some of the top colleges in India that offer a PhD in Urban Studies program include:

PhD in Urban Studies Admission Requirements

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.

Document Required for PhD in Urban Studies Admission Requirements

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

FAQs About PhD in Urban Studies Admission Requirements

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 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.