Ph. D. in Transdisciplinary Design

Overview

Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Design is an advanced educational pathway aimed at cultivating scholars who can navigate and integrate multiple disciplines to address complex, real-world problems. This programme is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to transcend traditional academic boundaries and develop innovative solutions that are both practical and impactful. As our world faces increasingly intricate challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and social inequality, the need for experts who can think and act beyond disciplinary confines has never been more critical.

A Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Design is structured to foster an environment of collaborative learning and research. The programme typically spans 4-6 years and includes a combination of coursework, research, and practical projects. Students are encouraged to engage with a diverse range of disciplines, including but not limited to design, engineering, social sciences, environmental studies, and business. The aim is to create a holistic educational experience that prepares graduates to lead and innovate in various fields.

Why Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Design?

A Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Design represents a forward-thinking approach to education and research, preparing scholars to tackle the most pressing issues of our time with creativity, collaboration, and a holistic perspective. As the world becomes more interconnected and the challenges, we face grow more complex, the ability to transcend disciplinary boundaries and integrate diverse knowledge will be essential. Graduates of these programmes will be well-equipped to lead the way in creating innovative, sustainable, and impactful solutions for the future.

Skills and Competencies

Graduates of a Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Design will possess a unique set of skills and competencies, including:

Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources and perspectives.

Creative Problem-Solving: Skills in developing innovative solutions that address complex, multifaceted problems.

Collaboration and Communication: Proficiency in working with diverse teams and effectively communicating ideas across disciplines.

Research Expertise: Advanced knowledge of research methods and the ability to conduct rigorous, integrative research.

Leadership: The capacity to lead transdisciplinary projects and initiatives, fostering collaboration and driving change.

Eligibility

Applicants holding a master’s degree with minimum 55% marks or equivalent Grade in a point scale as may be prescribed by the UGC from time to time, wherever the grading system is followed.
Applicants whose result of the final examination of a programme leading to master’s degree is awaited can be given provisional admission if he / she fulfils other requirements for admission. After the provisional admission the candidate will be required to furnish proof of completing master’s degree with minimum of 55% marks within three months from admission failing which his / her admission will be cancelled.
Applicants holding foreign Degree’s equivalent to that of a Master’s degree study with minimum 55% marks or equivalent Grade in a point scale as may be prescribed by the UGC from time to time, wherever grading system is followed; Provided that applicants with a foreign Degrees shall be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
Applicants having completed M.Phil. Coursework with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent Grade, in the UGC point scale and those candidates who having their M.Phil. Dissertation evaluated, but viva-voce is pending, maybe may also be admitted to the Ph.D. programme.
Applicants possessing a degree, approved as equivalent to the M.Phil. Degree in India, obtained from a foreign Educational Institution accredited by the UGC if candidates with a degree from a foreign Institution shall be admitted to the Ph.D. programme, subject to the clearance by the Equivalence Committee of Alliance University.
Admission of candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC, or other reserved categories shall be governed by the Karnataka State Rules in this regard, from time to time.
Students from a four-year undergraduate programme (with Honors) can enroll directly if they have scored 75% or above, with a 5% relaxation for specified categories as per UGC regulations. Those who have scored between 55% and 75% may qualify after completing either a one-year master's programme or a bridging course of 36-40 credits.
(Refer National Credit Framework NCrF 2024).
For students from a three-year undergraduate programme, Ph.D. eligibility requires the completion of a bridging programme of 36-40 credits along with the necessary coursework.
(Refer National Credit Framework NCrF 2024).

Salient Features

Research fellowship of Rs.35,000 per month and a contingency grant of Rs.25,000 per year for full-time scholars.

Rs.1 lakh funding support on case by case basis once during the programme for attending International Conferences / Seminars.

Rs.30,000 per year funding support for attending national workshops if scholar is not availing any funding support from the agency.

Facility for transfer of research scholars from other universities or research institutions to Alliance University and vice-versa.

Specific provisions and relaxations with respect to women research scholars and specially-abled persons.

Extensive interaction and guidance with luminaries including 40+ Ivy League supervisors and faculty listed among top 2% scientists.

Rs.10 Crores revolving fund for entrepreneurial initiatives.

Centres of Excellence, fostering innovation and cutting-edge research.

Research projects worth 75+ Crores from government and non-government agencies.

Central Instrumentation Facility - AU-STIC established to serve as the cornerstone of scientific advancement, offering researchers access to state-of-the-art equipments.

Numerous subscribed databases such as IEEE, Scopus, Scival, Ebsco, Dervent, Case Center, and Harvard Case studies.

Our institution has achieved 1,772 SCOPUS-indexed publications with 7,832 citations and an H-index of 41, averaging 4.2 citations per paper, with 65% of articles in Quartile 1 and 2 journals, 60% of publications cited by top 10% journals, a field-weighted citation impact of 1.93, and 34% of papers produced through international collaboration.

Key Areas of Focus

Sustainability: Addressing environmental challenges through the integration of ecological, social, and economic perspectives. Research topics might include sustainable urban development, renewable energy systems, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Social Innovation: Creating solutions to social problems by blending insights from sociology, psychology, economics, and design. Topics of interest could include social entrepreneurship, community development, and policy design.

Humanizing Technology: It involves designing tech solutions that prioritize human needs, emotions, and values. It focuses on creating user-friendly, empathetic interfaces and experiences that enhance well-being and foster meaningful connections, ensuring technology serves to enrich human life rather than complicate or alienate it. Usability, Engagement, and Well-being, leading to more intuitive and effective design solutions.

Healthcare Innovation: Improving healthcare delivery and outcomes by combining insights from medicine, public health, technology, and social sciences. Potential areas of study include patient-centered care models, digital health technologies, and public health interventions.

Urban Planning and Design: Developing holistic solutions for urban environments by integrating architecture, urban planning, sociology, and environmental science. Research might focus on smart cities, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation systems.

Neurodesign: It combines neuroscience and design to create user experiences that align with how the brain processes information. By understanding cognitive and emotional responses, designers craft products and environments that enhance.

*The scope of transdisciplinary Ph.D. is not limited to only above areas, but it could be beyond these areas

Career Opportunities

A Ph. D. in Transdisciplinary Design opens a wide range of career opportunities in academia, industry, government, and the non-profit sector. Potential career paths include:

Academic Research and Teaching: Faculty positions in universities and research institutions, where graduates can teach, conduct research, and contribute to the development of transdisciplinary studies.
Industry Innovation: Roles in R&D departments, innovation labs, and design consultancies, where graduates can lead projects that require integrative thinking and problem-solving.
Public Policy and Planning: Positions in government agencies and international organizations, focusing on the development and implementation of policies that address complex societal challenges.
Non-Profit Sector: Leadership roles in NGOs and community organizations, where graduates can design and implement programs aimed at social and environmental impact.
Education Sector: Candidates holding Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary design could also go for academic faculty jobs in various educational institutes.