The Integrated Master’s and Doctorate (iPhD) program is a 6 (maximum) year postgraduate program that combines a one-year master’s program with a 5-6 year doctoral program (Phd). It helps students familiarize themselves with selected topics, research methods, and academic writing techniques, before starting your own independent research project. Master’s degrees combined with a doctorate are especially popular among international students and students who initially lack specialized knowledge or research abilities.
“Difference Between BS-MS Programme and Integrated PhD Programme at IISER”
Introduction
Master’s degree integrated with Ph.D, also known as an integrated master’s degree or integrated doctorate. It is considered a new way of training after graduation. They maintain the depth and focus of a typical Ph.D but offer a more open doctoral training experience. Due to its increasing popularity both the number of universities offering these new doctoral degrees and the number of students applying for them are continually increasing.
This blog explains what Integrated Masters with Training is for. Advantages and disadvantages – how is it different from traditional training and how is it structured in terms of program, qualifications and costs? This page is for those of you who are thinking of enrolling in an integrated course or would like to know more.
What is an Integrated Phd?
Integrated PhD is a at most 6 postgraduate program. It involves completing a one-year master’s degree (MRes or MSc) in the first year, followed by a 5-6 PhD programme in second to fourth year. If the courses are consecutive, students will be able to progress to the second year only if they have achieved satisfactory academic results in the first year. The one-year master’s degree and 5-6 doctorate are considered separately in terms of qualifications, so students who complete the integrated doctorate will receive a master’s degree (MRes or MSc) and a doctorate, rather than a higher education qualification. More than just one bachelor’s degree program.
The aim of the Integrated Doctorate is to provide a structured approach to doctoral study. It combines advanced doctoral research with formal teaching in related subjects, research methods and communication abilities.
Difference between Integrated PhD and Regular PhD
The most important difference between integrated training and regular training is the addition of a one-year master’s degree at the start of the program. This results in an integrated doctorate, which typically takes 5-6 years.
The integrated curriculum is structured to provide students with a wider range of basic competencies than the regular curriculum. The first year offers a combination of learning elements. Practical experience and advanced research skills There is no conventional teaching that lacks such a teaching style. Therefore, it is assumed that this level of knowledge already exists.
A final important difference between the two types of doctoral programs is the “group” nature associated with the combined version. This is because the master’s degree program also includes other students. who are enrolled in an integrated doctoral program You will have a small group where you will work closely together during your studies.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Integrated PhD
The advantages of an integrated PhD program are strongly linked to international and inexperienced students attending. It provides students with an effective way to gain more confidence, knowledge and research skills in their field before starting doctoral studies. It also provides visibility benefits for international students pursuing a pre-baccalaureate degree. Integrated scholarships also provide students with the opportunity to receive funding for the learning phase of the program. As will be explained in more detail in the section, ‘Funding opportunities’.
An integrated doctorate has no obvious disadvantages. But it is generally not suitable for those who have a master’s degree or have well-developed research abilities in their chosen field. For these students you can avoid the additional costs and duration of an integrated course by choosing a more traditional course that is already a good fit for them.
Funding Opportunities
Source of funds in India:
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Provides funding through the CSIR-UGC NET. Scholarship for qualified applicants seeking doctoral and integrated doctoral programs.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST): INSPIRE scholarships are offered to students who excel in their fields.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT): offers research grants in life sciences and biotechnology.
- University-Specific fellowships: Several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science and Research (IISERs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) offer funding for integrated PhD students. Tips are covered and monthly support is provided.
- Scholarships: Scholarships from organizations such as the Tata Trusts, JRD Tata Scholarships and the Khorana Program for Scholars support research at a high level. There are also state and college specific pockets.
- Industrial and Charitable Funds: Private companies and philanthropic funds often offer grants and grants for integrated doctoral programs. This is especially true in the fields of science and technology.
Source of funds outside India:
You can get funding for an integrated PhD just like a regular PhD. Funding generally comes from the UK Research Council and some research charities such as the Wellcome Trust; Grants, scholarships, and scholarship opportunities can be viewed directly in our searchable database.
Funding can be partial (just tips) or full (tips and living expenses). Most funders also charge for Master’s programs to be combined with a PhD. However, this must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
The same is true for general doctoral scholarships. Such fully funded opportunities are generally restricted to national and EU students only.
It is important to note that doctoral programs that include an integrated master’s degree are an option for doctoral loans, even if he or she holds a master’s degree from a previous university. Applications for PhD loans must be made directly to Student Finance England and you must first be registered for a full PhD. Due to registration restrictions You will not be able to apply for a separate postgraduate degree program for the integrated master’s program in your program.
About Us: SciAstra
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc teach students in live classes, with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7,10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!