The Ph.D. Programme at the Global Institute of Public Health (GIPH) provides an advanced platform for research and innovation in health sciences. Affiliated to the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Thrissur, the program nurtures scholars committed to generating evidence that informs public health practice, policy, and education.
The doctoral program is offered in two major areas - Paramedical and Allied Health Sciences and Medicine - reflecting GIPH’s multidisciplinary focus and its integration of clinical, community, and population-based research.
Available in Full-Time and Part-Time modes, the program provides flexibility for both academic researchers and in-service professionals to pursue high-quality research while contributing to their respective fields.
Eligibility, Duration & Course Work
Eligibility for Admission
Candidates seeking admission to the Ph.D. Programme (either Full-Time or Part-Time) at the Global Institute of Public Health (GIPH), affiliated to the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
The candidate shall hold a Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Degree (or an equivalent qualification declared eligible by KUHS) in the concerned or allied/cognate subject, with a minimum of 50% marks and a pass result. Candidates must also qualify the Ph.D. Entrance Examination conducted by KUHS, unless duly exempted as per university regulations.
Entrance Examination Details
The Ph.D. Entrance Examination is conducted by the Controller of Examinations of KUHS in accordance with the guidelines of the Board of Examinations.
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Total Questions: 100
- Duration: 1½ hours
Syllabus and Mark Distribution:
- Research Methodology & General Research Aptitude – approximately 60 Marks
- Biostatistics – approximately 20 Marks
- Research Ethics – approximately 20 Marks
Qualifying Marks:
- General Category: 50% or above
- Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe: 45% or above
The result of the entrance examination will remain valid for four subsequent notifications for Ph.D. admissions under KUHS.
Additional Requirements for Part-Time Ph.D.
Candidates applying for the Part-Time Ph.D. Programme must belong to one of the following categories and meet the specified experience requirements:
1. Academic and Research Staff (KUHS and Affiliated Institutions)
Permanent academic, teaching, scientific, or research staff of institutions affiliated to KUHS, or of KUHS itself (Schools, Centres, Academic Staff College), with a minimum of three (3) years of continuous approved post-PG teaching or research experience.
2. University and Research Organization Staff (Government Sector)
Permanent academic, teaching, or scientific staff of universities, government research & development laboratories, or research organizations under the Government of India or Government of Kerala, with at least three (3) years of continuous approved post-PG teaching or research experience.
3. Other Permanent Staff with Research Experience
Permanent staff members of KUHS, affiliated institutions, or recognized government research organizations with at least five (5) years of continuous service, and a minimum of three (3) research publications in peer-reviewed, indexed scientific or professional journals.
Duration of the Ph.D. Programme
| Mode | Minimum Duration (including coursework) | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 3 years | 5 years |
| Part-Time | 4 years | 6 years |
All candidates must complete the prescribed course work and research requirements within the duration specified above.
Course Work Requirements
Each student granted provisional registration for the Ph.D. Programme must complete the course work prescribed by the Doctoral Committee during the first year of registration.
At the end of the first year, candidates must appear for a Year-End Examination consisting of two theory papers and a Protocol/Methodology Approval Presentation.
Year-End Examination Structure
Paper I: Research Foundation
Subjects Covered: Research Methodology, Academic Writing, Biostatistics, Social Sciences, and Research Ethics.
Marks: 100
Syllabus: Common for all Ph.D. scholars, prepared and approved by KUHS.
Paper II: Core Subject
Subjects Covered: Advanced topics related to the candidate’s chosen research area.
Marks: 100
Syllabus: Prepared by the candidate’s Doctoral Committee and approved by the concerned Faculty Dean.
Candidates securing at least 50% marks (aggregate of Paper I and Paper II) will qualify for the Protocol/Methodology Approval Presentation.
Protocol / Methodology Approval Presentation
At the end of the first year, each Ph.D. candidate must present the approved research protocol to the Protocol/Methodology Approval Committee constituted by KUHS.
The presentation must be based on a research proposal cleared by the Doctoral Committee and the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of the recognized Research Centre.
Successful completion of this stage confirms the candidate’s permanent registration for the Ph.D. Programme.
Summary
Provisional registration → Course Work (Year 1) → Examination & Protocol Presentation → Permanent Registration.
This structured evaluation ensures academic rigor, ethical compliance, and methodological soundness of all research conducted under KUHS. GIPH provides continuous mentorship, research support, and guidance throughout the process, helping scholars achieve excellence in scientific and academic research.