A Year of Immersive Learning and Research
The PGCertR is structured as a year-long academic journey, organised into four interlinked phases that combine theoretical grounding, hands-on fieldwork, critical analysis, and final thesis writing. Each phase is designed to support the development of rigorous, contextually embedded research, with close mentorship and institutional support throughout.
Phase 1: Summer School & Research Design (June – August)
The programme begins with our intensive Summer School—an immersive academic training period that introduces participants to core research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and fieldwork ethics. During this phase, students develop their research proposals in close consultation with their assigned mentors and the academic faculty.Please note that the initial 3-4 weeks of the Summer School require residence in Kohima, while the remaining weeks may be conducted online or in a hybrid fashion. Please consult with a programme advisor to obtain a detailed schedule.Key Activities:
- Methodological training across disciplines
- Proposal development and peer feedback
- Workshops on ethics, positionality, and research planning
- Introduction to digital tools and research platforms
- Mentor assignment and first review
Participants who complete this phase may either conclude their participation with an Internship Certificate in Research Training, or proceed to the full PGCertR programme.
Phase 2: Fieldwork & Data Collection (September – November)
Building on the proposal developed during the Summer School, students enter the fieldwork phase, where they conduct independent research in their chosen locations or archives. Fieldwork may include ethnographic observation, interviews, oral history collection, or historical and archival research, depending on the nature of the project.Key Activities:
- Immersive fieldwork in local or regional research sites
- Ongoing mentor support through online check-ins
- Preliminary data analysis and field journaling
- Adherence to approved research ethics protocols
Phase 3: Winter Colloquium & Preliminary Findings Presentation (December)
This phase coincides with the Winter Research Colloquium, a key event in the Institute’s calendar that takes place alongside the Ursula Graham Bower Lectures. PGCertR students present their initial findings to an interdisciplinary audience, including peers, mentors, fellows, and visiting scholars.Key Activities:
- Presentation of research progress and early analysis
- Participation in colloquium discussions and panels
- Advanced workshops on writing strategies and theory
- Peer feedback and cross-cohort dialogue
Phase 4: Writing & Final Submission (January – May)
The final phase is dedicated to data analysis, writing, and revision. Under mentor guidance, students write a thesis of 12,000–15,000 words that demonstrates critical engagement, methodological rigour, and substantive original research.Key Activities:
- Thesis writing under supervision
- Regular progress reviews and mentor feedback
- Optional writing retreats and focused workshops
- Submission of final thesis
- Optional preparation of publication or conference paper
At the successful conclusion of the programme, participants are awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Research (PGCertR). Graduates may go on to apply for doctoral programmes, academic publishing, or research roles in universities, NGOs, and policy institutions.