PhD Sociology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
PhD Sociology is a three to five-year-long program that deals with the scientific study of human social behaviour. The PhD Sociology course aims to provide extensive knowledge of social behaviour through the many PhD Sociology specializations available for students to choose from. PhD Sociology jobs after graduation include HR Manager, Content Writer, Sociologist, Policy Analysts, Public Relations Specialist etc.
PhD Sociology Course Details
| Degree | Doctorate |
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy Sociology |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | No Age Limit |
| Average Fees | ₹3 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 3 - 5 LPA |
| Employment Roles | HR Manager, Content Writer, Sociologist, Policy Analysts, Public Relations Specialist etc. |
About PhD Sociology
PhD Sociology stands for Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, is composed of social studies disciplines and offers an in-depth study of human behaviour and social interactions along with various specializations in different fields. The duration of the course can range from 3 to 5 years.
The PhD Sociology course falls under the umbrella course of PhD. According to Wikipedia, "Sociology is a social science that focuses on society, human social behaviour, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and aspects of culture associated with everyday life."
Table of Contents
- PhD Sociology Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Sociology Admission Process
- Who Should Do a PhD Sociology?
- Distance PhD Sociology
- Popular PhD Sociology Entrance Exams
- Study PhD Sociology in India
- Top PhD Sociology Colleges
- Study PhD Sociology Abroad
- PhD Sociology Fees Structure
- PhD Sociology Syllabus and Subjects
- Why Choose PhD Sociology?
- PhD Sociology Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for PhD Sociology
- Salary of a PhD Sociology Graduate
- Career Options after PhD Sociology
- Skills to Excel
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Sociology
For PhD Sociology course admission, students must understand the eligibility criteria as well as all PhD Sociology course details. To be eligible for the PhD Sociology course, students must have completed their postgraduate studies at a UGC-approved university.
Furthermore, many colleges and universities hold entrance exams to determine which students are qualified for the course. Other colleges, on the other hand, require students to have a minimum of a 55 % in their post-graduation. There is no upper age limit for this course.
How To Get Admission for PhD Sociology?
PhD Sociology admission is available through both an entrance examination and a merit-based selection process. Many universities provide both direct and entrance exam-based admission to PhD Sociology programmes.
Candidates applying for a PhD in Sociology should have their results from the respective entrance exam boards required by the universities they have chosen. Though the admission process varies by college, the steps that one should generally take to gain admission are as follows.
How to Apply?
PhD Sociology degree course applications are available online through the University website or in person at the Admissions Office. Furthermore, some colleges may conduct interviews prior to admissions to determine whether students have good communication skills.
Candidates applying for the PhD Sociology programme should bring all required documents, such as class 12 results, BA results, ID verification, and an SOP, to the entrance exam.
Selection Process
Regardless of specialization, the selection process for PhD Sociology courses in India is usually the same. In general, once an application for a course is received, colleges decide on the final selection of candidates based on their performance in the entrance exams. Following the procedure, candidates are interviewed in person by the university. Furthermore, the merit obtained by the candidates in their degrees is important.
Who Should Pursue a PhD Sociology?
The PhD Sociology programme is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the social sciences. Depending on the nature and type of PhD Sociology course, students can pursue careers in fields such as Social Work, Political Science, Psychology, and Communication Studies, to name a few. Those interested in pursuing a career in social sciences research can enrol in the PhD Sociology programme.
When To Do PhD Sociology?
Typically, PhD Sociology aspirants should apply for their respective courses as soon as they finish their postgraduate studies. A PhD Sociology course, on the other hand, is open to students from any discipline.
Distance PhD Sociology
The Distance PhD Sociology course is offered by a number of universities and colleges in India. The course is built around the Distance Education methodology. This course is intended for students who cannot afford to attend on-campus classes or who are working and cannot take time off to pursue a full-time course. Following are a few points to be noted :
- This path through distance learning has a lower route cost than the overall-time course.
- The candidate is not required to leave his or her home country in order to further his or her studies.
- The path will be researched online. Furthermore, the research materials can be submitted either online or by mail.
- It's far more advantageous and practical for candidates who are pursuing this path while working full-time.
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College/University Name |
Location |
Average Fee |
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New Delhi |
INR 16,800 P.A |
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Mysore |
INR 25,000 P.A |
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Gujarat |
INR 77,000 P.A |
Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Sociology
Entrance exams are a common and popular way for some colleges to screen students to determine who will be admitted to the course. Many well-known colleges across the country have made a name for themselves through internationally acclaimed research projects. These colleges frequently hold entrance exams because the demand for admission is greater than the number of seats available. Listed below are some of the popular exams:
A Quick Glance at the PhD Sociology Entrance Exams
Students can learn more about PhD Sociology courses by visiting the official website of the college to which they wish to apply. The college's approach to the entrance exam is heavily influenced by specialization. Some general guidelines for PhD Sociology entrance examinations are listed below:
- The exam pattern includes English, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Thinking, and specialization-specific questions.
- The papers are objective and consist of multiple-choice questions.
- A university's/conducting body's syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change.
Study PhD Sociology in India
Some of the world's PhD Sociology colleges are located in India. Aspirants have numerous options for the best PhD Sociology course based on their preferences. Candidates must select the appropriate PhD Sociology programme based on the type of PhD Sociology programme available. The following are some of the best colleges in India that offer PhD Sociology programmes:
Top 10 PhD Sociology Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best PhD Sociology Colleges in the country:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for PhD Sociology in India. Check the table below for the top PhD Sociology colleges in New Delhi:
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Institution |
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JMI |
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5 |
Top PhD Sociology Colleges in Maharashtra
Maharashtra also has some of the best institutions for PhD Sociology in India. Check the table below for the top PhD Sociology colleges in Maharashtra:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in UP
UP is home to some of the premier institutions offering PhD in Sociology. Below is a list of Colleges offering PhD in Sociology:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in Karnataka
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PhD Sociology programmes. Check the table below for the best PhD Sociology colleges in India:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in West Bengal
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for PhD Sociology courses in India. Check the table below for the best PhD Sociology colleges in Kolkata:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in Telangana
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PhD Sociology courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD Sociology colleges in Hyderabad:
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Top PhD Sociology Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PhD Sociology programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Sociology government colleges in India:
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Top PhD Sociology Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD Sociology private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Sociology private colleges in India:
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5 |
Study PhD Sociology Abroad
Students can study a PhD Sociology course abroad if they can afford it. The course abroad is for 3 - 4 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. It offers access to some of the best resources, facilities and faculties, apart from worldwide exposure in terms of subject matter and cultures. Below are some of the top PhD Sociology colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top PhD Sociology Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for PhD Sociology:
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Institution |
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6 |
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7 |
University of Trento, Italy |
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8 |
University College Dublin, Ireland |
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9 |
University of London, UK |
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10 |
National University of Ireland, Ireland |
Top PhD Sociology Colleges in USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD Sociology programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top PhD Sociology colleges in the USA:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions that date PhD Sociology to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PhD Sociology. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for PhD Sociology:
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Top PhD Sociology Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North’, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for PhD Sociology programmes in the world:
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5 |
Top PhD Sociology Colleges in Australia
Known as the ‘Land Down Under’, Australia has emerged as one of the top destinations for higher studies for many students. The list of top PhD Sociology colleges in Australia are as follows:
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Institution |
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5 |
Fee Structure for PhD Sociology
The PhD Sociology course fee is not fixed and depends on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the PhD Sociology fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. The average PhD Sociology course fee in India is around INR 10,000 - 2 LPA.
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Sl.No. |
Name of the College |
Total Fee Structure |
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1. |
Delhi University, New Delhi |
INR 1 LPA |
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2. |
Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
INR 25,000 P.A |
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3. |
Christ University, Bangalore |
INR 95,000 P.A |
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4. |
Jaipur National University, Jaipur |
INR 1.92 L P.A |
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Sociology
The course syllabi included in the curriculum of some of the most popular PhD Sociology courses are tabulated below. The crux of the syllabus is maintained throughout most colleges across the nation, although minor deviations may be observed for a few colleges. Listed below are some subjects that the students get a chance to study:
- Research Methodology
- Trends in Sociological Theory
- Specialization based paper
- Industry and Society
- Indian Society
- Environmental Sociology
- Sociology of Mass Communication and Information Society
- Social Demography
- Sociology Migration
- Social Movements in India
- Gender and Society
Read More: PhD Sociology Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose PhD Sociology?
When students decide to pursue a PhD in Sociology, they should conduct research on PhD Sociology course details to ensure that they understand the course they are enrolled in. "What is PhD Sociology?" and "Why PhD Sociology?" are two frequently asked questions by students. We can simplify understanding the answers to these questions by breaking them down into three short questions:
What is PhD Sociology All About?
A PhD Sociology course is an arts degree awarded to students, usually in a branch of Social Science. The PhD Sociology degree is one of the oldest and most popular programs. A PhD Sociology degree is a specialization in social subject matter that allows candidates to adapt to the changing demands of society, and social concepts and meet their needs. The PhD Sociology course enhances the candidates’ communication, research, and analytical skills.
What Does a PhD Sociology Graduate Do?
Students can choose their subjects based on their interest in the job opportunities available in the specific field. Graduates of this role must take on a range of responsibilities, making the role very dynamic and diverse. Graduates with a PhD in Sociology have skills in a variety of subjects, so they can pursue careers in a variety of fields.
Policy Maker: Policy Maker is a popular role for graduates of the PhD Sociology programme. PhD Sociology students gain a deeper understanding of a specific societal subject, which helps them pursue policymaking as a career.
Reasons Why PhD Sociology Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
PhD Sociology course is a very reflective and exciting stream of education. Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PhD Sociology course because it offers more avenues of employment opportunities than any other stream. Thus, the PhD Sociology job scope is forever widening and appealing.
Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables the students to pursue a wide range of roles in their careers.
Read More: PhD Sociology Jobs & Scope
PhD Sociology Course Comparison
PhD Sociology is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards social and behavioural sciences. Below is a comparison of the PhD Sociology course with other courses:
PhD Sociology vs PhD Social Science
The table below showcases the differences between PhD Sociology and PhD Social Science:
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Course |
PhD Sociology |
PhD in Social Science |
|
Full-Form |
PhD Sociology Bachelor of Arts |
PhD Sociology Bachelor of Technology |
|
Stream |
Arts and Humanities |
Arts and Humanities |
|
Course Duration |
3- 5 years |
3- 5 years |
|
Eligibility |
Post Graduation in any stream with 50% aggregate |
Post-graduation in social studies with 50% aggregate |
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Entrance Exams |
UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, GATE |
UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, GATE |
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Top Colleges |
St. Xavier’s College, Christ University, Presidency College Chennai |
LPU, TISC, Gujarat University |
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Fees |
INR 4,000 - 5 LPA |
INR 10,000 - 4 LPA |
Preparation Tips for PhD Sociology
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a PhD Sociology degree. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Improve Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is very necessary as the PhD Sociology course deals with many writing and reading activities. So having excellent communication and writing skills are a plus for the student studying the PhD Sociology course.
Read and Practice More: Being up to date with the syllabus every day is very important. Practising and reading more will help the student be thorough with the syllabus and do well in the exams.
Have Intrinsic Knowledge and Interest in Subject Matter: Having intrinsic knowledge about the subject and having the same interest will keep the student motivated to learn more than what's in the syllabus.
Revise Methodically: Revising from time to time can be a key to scoring well in the final exam. Keep revising regularly and understand the subject properly. Revision is the key to scoring good marks.
Salary of a PhD Sociology Graduate
The PhD Sociology salary for the graduates can differ according to the specialization that the aspirants decide to pursue. Other factors that can affect PhD Sociology salary in India include experience, geography, and the industry they are working in.
Graduates can increase their salary by doing internships and work placements as it would add to their experiences. The average PhD Sociology jobs salary for graduates is around INR 2.5 - 5LPA [Source: PayScale].
Read More: PhD Sociology Salary
Career Options After PhD Sociology Graduation
There are plenty of jobs available for students looking for a career in Humanities and Social Sciences. The job roles will differ PhD Sociology depending on the specialization that one has opted for. PhD Sociology graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following fields:
- Advertising
- Law
- Broadcast
- Library and Information Science
- Business Process Outsourcing Units
- Policing
- Civil Services
- International Relations
- Social Work
- Journalism and Mass Communication
Skills That Make You The Best PhD Sociology Graduate
PhD Sociology graduates must possess a wide range of complex and soft skills in order to advance in their careers. These aren't necessarily skills that students can learn in the classroom. Instead, these are skills that are acquired through practice. As a result, students should always make an effort to step outside of their comfort zone and gain as much experience as possible. Among these abilities are:
- Quantitative Analysis Skills
- Research Skills
- Analytical Skills
- The Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Interpersonal Skills