MA PhD Integrated Course, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Scope & Career

The MA PhD programme, or the Master of Arts - Doctor of Philosophy integrated course, is a four to six-year educational programme. Those who have completed their BA or similar level of degree are eligible for admission to MA PhD dual degree. History, geography, philosophy, sociology, and other humanities-related disciplines are available for MA PhD specialisation.

This MA + Ph.D dual degree programme lets students progress from their master’s studies directly into doctoral research without the need for a separate application process. The MA PhD integrated course emphasises research skills and prepares students for careers in academia, research institutions, or specialised industries.

What is MA PhD Full Form?

MA Ph.D. stands for Master of Arts- Doctor of Philosophy. It is a combined programme with a postgraduate MA and doctoral integrated Ph.D. It is offered in the humanities and social sciences discipline and admits students who have a bachelor's degree in humanities or other related fields.

MA Ph.d Highlights

In a tabular form for you to understand the basics, here is what you need to know about the course, in brief:

MA PhD Fee Structure

The fees for the MA PhD integrated course depend on the college type, facilities provided, the duration of the programme, and several other factors. The fee structure includes admission fees, registration fees, admission fees, and security deposits. The average MA PhD fees range from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 3.0 lakhs, depending on the choice of college and candidate’s category.

Students with good academic records are also provided with scholarships mostly in public colleges. In public institutions, reserved category candidates are also provided relaxation on the fees.

Why Choose an MA Ph.D?

Pursuing an MA Ph.D. dual degree has a lot of advantages for students. If students are still doubtful about the degree, here are certain advantages of pursuing this integrated programme.

Dual Degree: After successful completion of Master’s, students have the opportunity to complete their doctoral degree. This will save time and the hassles of applying for a dual degree separately.

Rich Field of Opportunity: The course provides students with interesting opportunities in literary fields. This will also help them get better job opportunities as the number of students with dual degrees in MA+Ph.D. is less.

Better Qualification Graph: As a Ph.D. is one of the most honoured degree programmes in India, it will improve your qualification graph and help you have a stable career ahead.

MA Ph.D Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can find the eligibility criteria of a particular college on their official website. The eligibility criteria required for an MA Ph.D. integrated course are as follows:

• Candidates aspiring for the MA Ph.D. dual degree must have completed their 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or equivalent education from a formally recognised institution.
• Bachelor’s degrees, such as a BA, BBA, BCom, and BSc all fit the eligibility criteria for MA Ph.D.
• The minimum required marks are not the same for each college but generally, candidates are required to score at least 50 per cent marks.

MA PhD Admission Process

The admission process for enrollment in an MA Ph.D dual degree may vary from institution to institution. We have provided below the MA Ph.D admission process of top colleges in India.

• Candidates are required to register for admissions on the official website of colleges.
• They can also take physical forms from university premises, and submit them after filling for registration.
• Candidates are required to appear in the entrance examination conducted by the universities and colleges.
• They must qualify for the entrance examination and get seat allotment.
• They are required to complete the documentation process and pay the academic fee.

MA PhD Entrance Examination

The entrance exams for MA Ph.D. integrated degree programme work according to the admission process of the respective institution. In most cases, the provider college conducts its own written examinations and personal interviews to select eligible candidates for the MA Ph.D integrated course.

MA PhD Cutoff

A cut-off varies from institution to institution depending on various factors such as the total number of candidates appearing in the entrance examinations, the difficulty level of the examination, and the total availability of seats. Candidates can check the MA PhD cutoff published by the college on the official website.

A minimum score, percentage, or rank is announced by college authorities to select eligible candidates to provide admissions. Those who secure higher rank or scores than the cut-off or equivalent to it are eligible to enrol in the MA PhD.

Skills Required for MA PhD

Since the MA Ph.D integrated degree combines two-degree programmes, it means double the work that either of the standalone courses would have to offer. Aside from this, it is a course where the world of social sciences and humanities completely takes you over. Some helpful skills for the MA PhD course are:

• Flexibility
• Research Skills
• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organising Skills
• Eye to Detail
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Teamwork

MA Ph.D Syllabus

The syllabus of MA Ph.D. courses differs according to the institution offering it. We have mentioned below the M.A. Ph.D. programme in Philosophy subjects taught at the IIT, Bombay.

Note: If students decide to exit after completing four semesters, they will be provided with an MA degree.

What After MA Ph.D Dual Degree?

Since all MA, as well as PhD courses, require students to take up one or more internships, MA PhD Integrated courses also require the same. Experiential learning through internships is just as important as learning within the institution, and thus the importance of internships.

Internships with archivists, research and development companies, policy research analysis companies, and development internships are excellent choices for MA PhD internships.

Careers Opportunities After MA Ph.D Dual Degree

Career options available for graduates depend on their specialisation in MA PhD dual degrees. The following are some common career options that one can pursue after receiving an MA PhD integrated degree:

Researcher - With an in-depth knowledge of all things humanities following the completion of an MA PhD programme, individuals will be well-equipped to contribute to the philosophical, historical, political, and sociological research and development processes in the country.

Teacher - Teachers and educators play one of the most important roles in developing societies. With an integrated MA PhD qualification, individuals are eligible to become teachers and educate the young and bright.

Social Worker - Social workers are the need of the hour, especially when governments fail to meet the needs and necessities of their people. Social workers work towards reformation, providing the underprivileged with what they can, and myriad other vital services.

Top Recruiters

• Research Institutions
• Government Departments
• PSUs
• Universities and Colleges
• MNCs

MA PhD Salary Trends

The expected salaries after an MA PhD vary according to the job that the degree holder avails of. Of course, the demand for high degree-holders is quite high, thus, for MA PhD degree-holders, the market is usually always open.

Here is the breakup of salaries according to the previously mentioned career options. Please note that because of varying levels of experience at the job, salaries also vary accordingly. Also, note that the mentioned salaries below are the average salaries of all the jobs mentioned.

Source: Ambition Box

Top MA Ph.D Colleges in India

Very limited colleges in India offer academic programmes in humanities. We have listed below the top MA PhD colleges.

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education
• Odia University, Satyabadi
• IIT Bombay
• Techno India University, West Bengal

Instead of pursuing a separate MA degree and then applying for PhD programme, the MA PhD integrated course saves time as it is completed within four to six years. Whereas, separate degrees cost students a minimum of five to seven years.

Students also do not have to appear for the application process again. These benefits should be considered by students while enrolling in the MA PhD integrated course.