Mumbai's Sir JJ School set to launch PhD programmes next year

Sir JJ School of Arts plans to hold a prayer meeting for renowned sculptor and alumnus, Ram Sutar

After receiving de novo deemed university status in 2023, the Sir JJ School of Arts, Architecture and Design is all set to introduce research programme, with the first PhD admissions likely to begin next year. In the initial phase, the university will offer 18 seats - six each in fine arts, architecture and design. At present, the institution has one research guide in each discipline.

The decision to launch the programme was finalised at an executive council meeting held earlier this week. Of the total PhD seats, 30 per cent will be reserved for in-house faculty members. "We have experienced professors who have been teaching here for 10-12 years but never found the time to pursue a PhD. These in-house seats will allow them to advance their academic careers", said Vice-Chancellor Him Chatterjee.

Sir JJ School of Arts, Architecture and Design received de novo deemed university status in 2023. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Officials said the research programme may be practice-based, allowing scholars to live and work with communities, document their ethos, and produce a final project based on fieldwork. Alternatively, students may undertake research on the lives and works of renowned artists, including comparative studies. "Like most research programme, the nature and duration of study will depend on the scholar and the mentor. For admissions, we will consider only JRF-qualified candidates and practising teachers" Chatterjee added.

18
Total number of PhD admission seats offered by the university

Tribute to brilliance

Sir JJ School of Arts will hold a prayer meet for renowned sculptor and alumnus Ram Sutar, a gold medallist from the institution. Known for projects such as the Statue of Unity, Sutar last visited his alma mater in 2023.