Launching the Research Journey
The Summer School is the foundational phase of the PGCertR programme, marking the formal entry point for all postgraduate researchers at the Highland Institute’s School of Advanced Studies. Held annually in June, this immersive, residential training module brings together selected early-career scholars for an intensive period of methodological instruction, research design, and academic mentorship.
What to Expect
Over the course of several weeks, participants engage in a rigorous and interdisciplinary training programme designed to prepare them for fieldwork, thesis development, and publication. The Summer School prioritises:
- Advanced research methods in anthropology, history, philosophy, environmental humanities, and interdisciplinary social sciences
- Proposal development, including theoretical frameworks, literature review strategies, and formulating research questions
- Research ethics, with a strong emphasis on decolonial approaches, community consent, and navigating field politics
- Mentorship sessions with Highland Fellows and visiting faculty
- Workshops on academic writing, citation practices, peer review, and knowledge dissemination
- Dialogues with indigenous researchers, field practitioners, and local knowledge holders
The curriculum blends seminars, field-based exercises, peer discussions, and individual consultations, enabling participants to refine their research focus and cultivate a robust foundation for the year ahead.
Certification and Progression Upon successful completion of the Summer School:
- Participants receive an Internship Certificate in Research Training, whether or not they proceed to the full PGCertR.
- Those wishing to continue into the full 12-month PGCertR programme must receive approval based on the quality of their proposal, participation, and readiness for fieldwork.
This model allows for flexibility while maintaining academic rigour, and ensures that only well-prepared candidates move forward into intensive research phases.
A Learning Community
The Summer School is more than a training module—it is a space of community-building, cross-disciplinary engagement, and epistemological reflection. Participants live and work together, fostering a dynamic cohort experience that continues throughout the PGCertR year and often beyond.
Location and Logistics
The residential component (Weeks 1, 2 and 3) of Summer School takes place at the Highland Institute’s headquarters in Kohima, Nagaland, in the Eastern Himalayan region of India. The Institute provides all academic materials and resources; participants are expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation (see Scholarships and Support for information about possible stipends). The remainder of the Summer School activities will be conducted online or in a hybrid fashion.
Apply to Join
Applications open in February of each year. The selection process is competitive and prioritises alignment with the Institute’s research themes and commitment to community-rooted scholarship.