Integrated PhD programs – Are they beneficial?

The PhD level course is one amongst the most prized degrees not only in India but also abroad. It provides the most stable base for careers, the PhD degree can be considered to be a good qualification in the career graph. This is because; it points the candidates to the right direction.

Many institutes in India offer the five year PhD programs, whereas the six-year Integrated MS-PhD programs are available only at a handful of places. Typically the competition for the seats available is high due to a perceived exclusivity of these programs.

Also See : PHD Admission Notifications | PhD Entrance Exams

Integrated PhD is meant to give you a jump start. One is required to have a well-developed sense of breaking down any complex scientific problems into small manageable bits, on-demand problem solving, self-motivation and focus. Once selected, people find the first 1-2 years as being the most challenging. The enormous transition in the way one acquires knowledge, works and connects to the science around. In our present BS courses we do the usual work of reading papers, oral presentations and goal driven scientific projects, but it does not compare to the thorough work given in MS programs. So when one joins an Integrated PhD program, just in 2-3 months, one is moved from a semester-and-exam based system to one where you are learning skills and tools all the time, with evaluations based on presentation, data talks and discussions. The level of the student rises to a great extent.

Greater exposure

You’ll learn more in the first year of Integrated PhD than you ever will in the first year of any other degree. The fact that all premier institutes offer this program ensures that from the outset you will be exposed to cutting-edge technology, world-renowned speakers and an internationally trained faculty. Your already active mind will get more stimuli that it can handle.

Age benefit

And most importantly you’ll be the youngest in any level you enter (post-doc, industrial jobs etc) with many more years to devote to the field than others. This advantage of more time becomes important if you want to take a break and try something new.

Variety offered

As there are numerous specializations available, students are free to choose any field they wish. The duration of the PhD course for full time students is maximum 6 years and minimum 3 years. The time period of the PhD program for part – time students is minimum 4 years and maximum 6 years.

To get a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, students need to work hard and invest a lot of time in Research. The qualification needed by a person to pursue this advanced level of education is a master’s degree in the relevant field. However, in some subjects, it is prerequisite to have a Masters in Philosophy (M.Phil) before commencing the PhD. So in an integrated programme, post graduation is combined with Ph.D. the candidate therefore need not waste time in it. He can straight away do Ph.D. and save a lot of time.

Also See : All about Online PhD Programs

The Integrated PhD offers a structured PhD pathway that includes a wide choice of formal instruction, coupled with an extensive range of specialist research topics across the breadth of the subject. There is a progression from an initial emphasis on instructional modules towards full time research, supported by high quality supervision.

The integrated PhD programme is highly flexible and student-centred, allowing exit at both masters and MPhil levels according to needs and performance.

Difference between integrated Ph.D and regular Ph.D

Introspection and thought is strongly advised to identify which format is good for you. Both styles have produced competent scientists, the “Int-ies”is the latest . In the end, the decision is based on what are the risks versus the benefits are for you.

Also See : Master’s Degrees Online: Is it the Right Choice for You?