Introduction

The PhD in Distance Education (PHDDE) programme is offered by the Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE) under the guidance of the Doctoral Research Committee and the School Board of the School of Education (SOE) at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

A key component of the programme involves coursework, which comprises at least 16 credits and includes the compulsory 2-credit course on Research and Publication Ethics (RPE001), a requirement across all disciplines as prescribed by UGC since 2020. Other mandatory courses include ‘Research Methodology’ (Course Code: RDE-101; 8 Credits) and ‘Context and Concern in Distance Education’ (Course Code: RDE-102; 4 Credits). Apart from these two courses, students are also offered the course: ‘Information and Communication Technology’ (Course Code: RDE-103; 4 Credits). This coursework is conducted at the IGNOU Campus in New Delhi during the first six months of admission, with a compulsory 80% attendance.

The Ph.D programme is designed to promote systemic research aimed at enhancing the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system. This involves investigating issues related to access, equity, quality, and affordability, evaluating distance education programmes, and improving employability and entrepreneurial skills. The programme operates in strict compliance with the UGC Regulations and IGNOU's own research ordinances and regulations.

Objective

The PHDDE programme is designed to foster systemic research aimed at enhancing the ODL system. The objectives of this programme include:

• Conducting in-depth studies to evaluate distance education programs, focusing on learning outcomes, content, pedagogy, assessment, evaluation, and employability, to implement corrective measures.
• Investigating problems of ODL systems to develop solutions by integrating feedback on curriculum, course design, teaching, learner support, assessment, and media technology.
• Studying the adoption and application of new technologies, including Open Educational Resources (OERs), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and mobile devices, to expand outreach to disadvantaged, marginalized, and previously unreached sections of society.
• Improving the employability and entrepreneurial skills of learners through research.
• Analysing issues related to the standards of open and distance education, including aspects of recognition, accreditation, and quality assurance.
• Recommending strategies to strengthen the credibility and brand value of the ODL system.
Learner Target Group
Eligibility & Medium
Duration & FeeStructure
Job/Future Prospects
Programme Coordinator

Learner Target Group

The PhD in Distance Education (PHDDE) programme targets a diverse group of candidates who meet specific academic qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the field of ODL. The primary target groups for the programme are:

• Academically Qualified Individuals: Candidates who have qualified for NET in any discipline and hold a Master's degree in any discipline (preferably MA in Distance Education, or MA (Education) or M. Ed.).
• Individuals Committed to ODL Research: The programme is designed for those keen on conducting systemic research aimed at enhancing the ODL system. This includes investigating issues related to access, equity, quality, and affordability in ODL, evaluating distance education programmes, and improving employability and entrepreneurial skills within the ODL framework.

Eligibility & Medium

Eligibility for admission:

Master's (PG) degree in any discipline and NET in any discipline, Master’s preferably in MADE, MA (Education), M.Ed.

Medium of Instruction: English

Duration & Fee Structure

Programme Duration: Minimum Duration: 36 Months and Maximum Duration: 72 Months

Fees Structure

• National Students
• International Students

INR(Rs.): null/- for null

Please check the IGNOU Website / Admission Portal for the latest fee structure.
Exam Fees is not included in Fee Structure it will be as decided by the University.

This Programme not offered for International Students.

Note: Exam Fees is not included in Fee Structure it will be as decided by the University

Job/Future Prospects

Upon completing the PhD in Distance Education programme, learners are prepared for various roles within the academic and ODL sectors, underpinned by the programme's strong emphasis on research and system enhancement.
Potential job prospects for graduates of the PHDDE programme include:

• Academic and Research Positions: Graduates are eligible for posts with M.Phil and Ph.D as pre-requisites, including the posts of Assistant Professors in various academic institutions. The programme's core focus on systemic research aimed at enhancing the ODL system directly prepares scholars for academic and research careers, contributing to the theory, practice and research in the field of ODL.
• ODL System Development and Management Roles: Successful graduates can pursue roles in the development, management, and improvement of ODL institutions. This includes work on curriculum design, course design and development, teaching-learning methodology, learner characteristics and support, assessment and evaluation, and the use and integration of media technology.

Programme Coordinator

Prof. Tata Ramakrishna
Professor
Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE)
tataramakrishna@ignou.ac.in
011-29572608

Dr. Manoj Tirkey
Associate Professor
Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE)
manojtirkey@ignou.ac.in
011-29572605

Courses Structure



RDE-101: Research Methodology

Credits: 8
Semester 1

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RDE-101: Research Methodology

Course Title:	Research Methodology
Course Code:	RDE-101
Coordinator:	Prof. Amiteshwar Ratra
Course Type (Credit):	Theory (8 Credits)

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RDE-102: Context and concern in Distance Education

Credits: 4
Semester 1

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RDE-102: Context and concern in Distance Education

Course Title:	Context and concern in Distance Education
Course Code:	RDE-102
Coordinator:	Dr. Ali Asgar Dr. Ram Chandra Dr. Gloria Kuzur
Course Type (Credit):	Theory (4 Credits)

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RDE-103: Information and Communication Technology

Credits: 4
Semester 1

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RDE-103: Information and Communication Technology

Course Title:	Information and Communication Technology
Course Code:	RDE-103
Coordinator:	Prof. Tata Ramakrishna Dr. Ali Asgar
Course Type (Credit):	Theory (4 Credits)

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