University of Mumbai Affiliated

Ph.D. Program in Philosophy

BRC, in affiliation with the University of Mumbai, offers a PhD in Philosophy. Students pursue independent research, complete coursework, and submit a thesis to earn their degree.

About the Program

BRC, in affiliation with the University of Mumbai, offers a PhD program in Philosophy under the Faculty of Arts. The program is designed for students who wish to engage in advanced research and contribute original insights to the field of philosophy. Candidates undertake independent research on a self-chosen topic, culminating in a doctoral thesis that demonstrates depth, originality, and scholarly rigor. In addition to research, students complete structured coursework over one to two years, which equips them with essential theoretical, methodological, and critical tools to support their research journey. This program provides a strong academic foundation and encourages philosophical inquiry that contributes to both scholarly debates and contemporary social understanding.

Duration of the Program

The program duration is minimum 3 years and maximum 6 years.

Application & Selection

Apply and get selected for the program

Initial step

Topic Proposal Submission

Submit your research topic proposal

Within 6 months

University Review & Interview

University of Mumbai reviews and approves proposal

3 to 6 months

Registration

Register through University of Mumbai after approval

After approval

Coursework & Research

Complete coursework and continue research simultaneously

1-2 years

Thesis Submission

Submit completed thesis after registration

2 years after registration

Note: All this process from topic submission to registration may take around 6 months to 1 year. Meanwhile, students can continue their coursework and research. This is considered part of their duration of PhD since after registration he can submit his thesis in 2 years.

Course Work

The BRC's PhD program is unique in offering a comprehensive two-year coursework structure, making it accessible even to working professionals. The coursework is conducted so that every year there are four modules, two in summer and two in winter. Each module requires 2-3 months of preparation, followed by 2 weeks of classroom instruction, and 1 to 1.5 months of evaluation. This results in approximately 5 months of coursework per semester.

  • Program Structure
  • Credits: 12 credits (prerequisite)
  • Duration: Two-year coursework
  • Modules: 4 modules per year
  • Schedule: 2 summer + 2 winter modules
  • Per Module Timeline
Preparation

2-3 months

Instruction

2 weeks

Evaluation
1-1.5 months

Location: Courses are conducted at BRC’s Mumbai campus, located in Govardhan Eco Village, requiring students to attend in person for 2 weeks per semester for two to three semesters.

Research Proposal

  • Students need to prepare a research proposal within six months of their joining.
  • This should be in the standard format that the University of Mumbai requires. The standard format will be given to the student once he joins.
  • The topic needs to be chosen from Philosophy subject only and should be according to the research methods in Philosophy.
  • For this one needs to go through the research methodology syllabus and MA philosophy syllabus. So please be prepared to study these subjects before applying to us.
  • Required Reading Materials
Study material for MA by Philosophy and research methodology syllabus can be downloaded from:

Thesis Submission

Final Milestone

Complete your doctoral journey with thesis submission

  • Students can start writing their thesis once they submit a research proposal.
  • The approval or rejection of the research proposal will be done by University of Mumbai. It may take some time for this, meanwhile students can work to complete their research proposal.
  • Once the student got approval and registered with the University of Mumbai he can submit his thesis after two years’ time.
  • Additional Resources
For detailed information, refer to the University of Mumbai flowchart:

Program Highlights

International Faculty

Receive guidance from international faculty who are experts in Philosophy

Expert Instruction

Some courses taught by international faculty members

Official University Guides

Guidance from official University of Mumbai PhD supervisors

Admission

  • Eligibility Roadmap
1

PhD in any field

Can directly apply to BRC. Clear Faculty change exam in Philosophy (2 papers: essay and general questions) conducted by BRC

2

MA in Philosophy

Write NET exam in Philosophy conducted by UGC-NTA. After clearing this test, can apply to BRC

3

Masters in other subjects

Do Masters in Philosophy or Masters by Research in Philosophy (conducted by BRC)

4

Bachelor Degree holder

Do an MA in Philosophy in any University OR Do MA by Research program in Philosophy conducted by BRC (Only after completing Masters can apply to PhD)

  • Application Process

Students need to prepare and send their rough topic proposal based on the guidelines given in research proposal section.

Persons interested to apply can send their email to:

info@brcmumbai.com
  • Important Notes
Interview Process: After proposal submission, candidates will face an interview by the University of Mumbai.
  • Currently foreign nationals are not directly admitted to BRC for PhD program.
Meet Our Guides

Mentors Who Lead Your Research Journey

Our expert professors provide the guidance and support you need to excel in your research.

Dr. Manali Londhe

  • Associate Professor, Philosophy,
  • In charge Principal,
  • S.K.Somaiya College of Arts, Science and Commerce,Vidyavihar, Mumbai
Dr. Londhe is an Associate Professor in Philosophy at S.K. Somaiya College in 1996. She is also currently holding a post of In charge principal, S.K. Somaiya College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Vidyavihar, Mumbai. She has completed her masters degree in Philosophy from University of Mumbai followed by a doctoral degree in the same discipline. She has published various books and articles in journals of both national and international repute. She is currently a life member of various institutes and has been a volunteer at different social institutions.

Dr. Thanigaimalai Thirumalai

  • Guide for Ph.D. programme in Philosophy
  • J.J.T. University, Rajasthan
Dr. Thirumalai is currently an Adjunct professor in the department of Philosophy at J.J.T. University Rajasthan. He completed his Ph.D in the department of Philosophy at University of Mumbai in the year 2008. His dissertation topic was “The concept of Consciousness in Vedanta in the Light of Contemporary Developments in Consciousness Studies”. He has published various books and articles.

Ready to Begin Your Doctoral Journey?

Join our PhD program in Philosophy and contribute to advanced philosophical research with expert guidance.
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