PhD in Geography Admission

PhD Geography stands for Doctor in Philosophy, it is a three to six-year-long doctorate program that deals with Geographic Studies. PhD Geography jobs after graduation include Geomorphologist, Geospatial analyst, Water Conservation Specialist, Hydrologist, Geographer, Professor, Oceanographer, Teachers, etc.

Why Should You Study PhD Geography Course?

Geography has been shown to be one of the most employable subject as Geography students have a wide scope in both Government Sector and Private Sector Jobs. 

Right now, the largest demand might be for geographers with training in geographic information systems.

If you care about geography education and want to see it strengthened and supported at all levels, studying geography creates an awareness of place. 

More importantly, understanding geography helps us make sense of current and historical events, whether of economic, political, or social importance.

We become better critical thinkers knowing this information. Geography pervades just about every aspect of our lives.

PhD Geography What is it About?

A student studies Geography to understand that the earth is changing. They scientifically and analytically think about why it is changing.

To understand the geography of past times and how geography has played an important role in the evolution of people, their ideas, places and environments.

In this course, students get to learn about all the factors of Earth and its land distribution, research areas and regions, types of lands, earth science and much more.

Modules may include topics on rivers, sustainability, environmental modeling, the physical environment, the politics of climate change, the making of the modern city, political geography and geopolitics, economic geography, coastal and estuarine environments, environmental hazards and energy resources.

This course will help the students to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to PhD Geography Course?

You must hold a master’s degree in Geography in order to be part of this course.

The student must obtain a minimum of 55% marks in their master’s degree and a minimum of 60% marks in their graduation.

The above two criteria are the basic requirements for the students who wish to study this PhD Geography.

The next important requirement is that a student must clear either UGC or CSIR NET in order to be a part of this course. This requirement is mandatory. Any student not fulfilling this, will not be called for the PhD Interview.

How To Get Admission for PhD Geography?

PhD Geography admission is possible through only entrance examinations. Many universities offer direct and entrance exam-based admission to the PhD Geography course. Candidates applying for the PhD Geography should have their results from the respective entrance exam boards required by a particular university. 

Though the admission process varies from college to college, below are the steps that one should generally go through to get admission.

How to Apply?

The PhD Geography course applications are available either online from the university website or offline by visiting the university's admissions Office. In addition, colleges conduct interviews before admissions to check if students have good communication skills. 

Candidates applying for the PhD Geography program should have all the necessary documents before the entrance test, such as a post-graduate degree and ID verification.

Selection Process

The selection process for the courses under PhD Geography in India is usually the same irrespective of the specialization. Generally, once the application for the course is received, colleges decide on the final selection of the candidates based on the marks obtained by them in the entrance exams. 

Types of PhD Geography

Aspirants can pursue the PhD Geography program in the full-time, distance or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD Geography courses in detail:

Full-Time PhD Geography

The full-time PhD Geography duration is typically 3-6 years, during which students will have to attend classes in person, submit assignments, and write their exams on campus.

The advantage of a full-time PhD Geography course is that students will gain a lot more exposure, experience, and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.

Part-Time PhD Geography

The part-time PhD Geography course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes for 6-10 years long. Part-time courses either entail weekend or night classes or online classes, depending on the type of course. The advantage of the part-time PhD Geography course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, research, etc.

Distance PhD Geography

Many universities and colleges in India offer the Distance PhD Geography course. The course is designed keeping the Distance Education methodology in mind. This type of course is designed for students who cannot afford to attend classes on-campus or those engaged in some form of employment and cannot take time out to pursue a full-time course.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Geography

Entrance exams are a common and popular means for some colleges to have a screening to decide which student must be admitted to the course. Many popular colleges around the country have made a name for themselves by conducting internationally acclaimed research projects. 

These colleges often conduct entrance exams, as the demand to enter these colleges is higher than the number of seats available. Listed below are some of the popular exams:

1. GATE
2. UGC NET
3. CSIR UGC NET
4. JNUEE
5. Symbiosis PhD Entrance Exam

PhD Geography Syllabus

• Geomorphology
• Climatology
• Oceanography
• Biogeography
• History of Geographic Thought
• Political Geography
• Population Geography
• Settlement Geography
• Economic Geography
• Agricultural Geography
• Industrial Geography
• Geography of Transport and Trade
• Cultural Geography
• Geography of India
• Cartography
• Statistical Methods

PhD Geography Core Subjects

The core PhD Geography subjects list contains essential subjects that all students study irrespective of their specialization, which are as follows:

1. Geomorphology
2. Climatology
3. Oceanography
4. Biogeography
5. Political Geography
6. Cultural Geography

Job Profiles and Career Options Available to the PhD Geography Candidates

There are many jobs available for PhD Geography Candidates. The candidates can work as Cartographers, Environmental consultants, Geographical Information System Officers, Planning and development Surveyors, Teachers and Professors, etc.

Salaries offered to PhD Geography Candidates for some of these job profiles are listed in the table below. 

• Geographical Information System Officer
• Environmental Consultant
• Cartographer
• Nature Conservation Officer
• Human Resources Specialist

Future Scopes for PhD Geography Candidates?

A PhD in Geography offers more research and educational opportunities. You can take geography classes and may be able to choose a specific area of concentration.

1. If you want to teach geography at the college level, a PhD can help you in achieving your goal.
2. You will also have more opportunities to perform and head research studies with a doctorate degree.
3. You might also work as a meteorologist, environmental consultant, cartographer, urban planner, geography writer or climatologist.
4. You can work as a researcher in various government labs and organizations.