About This Course

University has launched a fully funded doctoral programme leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Media and Communication. Applicants may opt for full-time or part-time enrolment.

Admission Philosophy

Entry into the Ph.D. programme is qualitative rather than competitive. The goal is not to “fill seats,” but to admit candidates with demonstrable potential for high-quality scholarship. Admission depends on the availability of faculty expertise, funding, and research/assistantship opportunities.

All admitted scholars typically share the following attributes:

Deep reading habits and strong familiarity with their prior academic fields.
Strong command of English, the primary language of instruction and scholarly output.
Passion for humanities or social-science-based inquiry.

In the future, the School may introduce options for research in Indian languages once the necessary resources and references become available.

Interdisciplinary Research Outlook

The programme views “field” as a dynamic platform where ideas, practices, and perspectives interact. Scholars are encouraged to:

Engage with interdisciplinary frameworks.
Draw connections across divergent domains.
Explore both collaborations and conflicts between fields.
This interdisciplinary orientation forms the foundation of every robust research project and enriches the broader implications of scholarly work.

Programme Structure

The Ph.D. in Media Studies is an academic cum research-based programme consisting of coursework followed by a dissertation.

1. Coursework (Completed within the first year)

Coursework includes:

Advanced subjects in media and communication.
Research methodologies relevant to the scholar’s chosen area of investigation.
Foundational theory and analytical frameworks that inform doctoral-level inquiry.

2. Research Proposal and Original Research

Upon joining, students submit a research topic and proposal. Based on these, a research guide/supervisor is assigned. Scholars then undertake:

Original, independent research in their chosen domain.
Regular scholarly output, including the publication of research papers.

3. Thesis Submission and Defense

After completing the research:

A doctoral thesis is submitted for evaluation by external examiners.
Students undergo a viva voce (defense).
Successful candidates are formally awarded the Ph.D. degree.

Academic Resources and Flexibility

Ph.D. students may design custom programs of study by utilizing resources from:

The Institute of Communication Research (ICR)
Various academic units across the university
This flexibility enables scholars to pursue innovative, cutting-edge research across disciplinary boundaries.

The programme prepares candidates to analyze, understand, and shape major issues in contemporary media and communication practices.

Eligibility

Aspirants applying for the PhD in Media Studies program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Master’s Degree: Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a subject relevant to media or communication from a UGC-recognized college or university.
Minimum Marks: A minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the postgraduate program is required.
International Qualifications: Candidates who have completed their postgraduate studies at an internationally recognized institution are also eligible. They must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
M.Phil Holders: Students who have completed an M.Phil in Media Studies or a closely related discipline are also eligible to apply.

PhD Degree in Comm & Media Science - Admission Process

Admission to PhD programs in Media Studies across India is primarily entrance-test based. Most universities conduct admissions twice a year, typically in January and May. Before applying for any entrance examination, candidates must ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Entrance Examinations

Universities may conduct their own institutional entrance tests, and many also accept scores from national-level eligibility tests such as:

UGC-NET
CSIR-UGC NET
SET (State Eligibility Test)
GATE
Other equivalent examinations

Candidates who qualify these exams are generally given preference and may be exempted from university-level written tests depending on institutional rules.

Post-Entrance Evaluation

Upon qualifying the entrance exam:

The university evaluates the research topic and proposal submitted by the candidate.
A personal interview is conducted to assess the applicant’s research aptitude, academic background, and suitability for the program.

Step-by-Step Admission Procedure (Entrance-Based)

Registration:
Visit the official website of the entrance test or the university and create a candidate profile.
Application Form:
Complete the online application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Entrance Test:
Appear for the examination. Candidates are shortlisted based on their test scores.
Interview (and GD, if applicable):
Shortlisted candidates attend a personal interview.

Some universities may also conduct a group discussion (GD) to further evaluate the candidate’s communication skills, analytical ability, and overall suitability.

Final Selection:
Final admission is granted based on the candidate’s entrance score, performance in the interview/GD, and the feasibility of the proposed research topic.

Future Scope

With the rapid expansion of media and communication platforms, the field offers a wide range of job opportunities and career prospects. Graduates with a PhD in Media Studies can find employment in both the private and government sectors.

Industries and Sectors

PhD holders can work across multiple domains, such as:

Print Media
Digital Media
Social Media Management and Strategy
Television and Broadcasting Channels
Advertising and Public Relations Firms
Film, Animation, and Visual Culture Research Units
Communication and Policy Think Tanks

Popular Job Roles

Some common job roles available to PhD Media Studies graduates include:

Media Manager
Social Media Manager / Strategist
Copywriter / Content Developer
Media Planner
Communication or Media Researcher
Policy Analyst in Media Regulation and Internet Policy
Digital Communication Consultant

Career Scope After Completing a PhD

A PhD is the highest academic qualification in most fields, including Media Studies. While formal education usually ends at the doctoral level, the professional world offers extensive opportunities.

1. Academic and Teaching Careers

PhD graduates can pursue:

Lecturer / Assistant Professor / Professor positions in universities and colleges.
Roles in curriculum development, academic administration, or scholarly publication.

2. Media and Communication Industry

There is strong demand for experts in:

Television and broadcasting
Print journalism and editorial departments
Electronic and digital media organizations
Corporate communication and branding units

Graduates contribute as consultants, senior analysts, strategists, or communication specialists.

3. Research Careers

PhD holders can build careers in:

Government and private research labs
Media research agencies
Policy and communication research institutes
Cultural, social, and digital studies organizations

4. Higher Advanced Research (Optional)

Although not mandatory and less common, some candidates may pursue a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in a related discipline, depending on institutional guidelines, as a recognition of advanced research contributions.

PhD Degree in Comm & Media Science - About, Minimum Qualification, Universities, And Admission 2025-26