Research areas

Research areas and specialisations

12 broad research areas and 103 specialisations for the Ph.D., MS by Research and M.Sc. by Research, grouped into 12 research themes. Open an area to see its specialisations and apply with it preselected.

Research themes

Themes, areas and supervisors

Each theme lists its broad research areas from the research-degree application, the supervisors who work in it and the theses and outputs in our research record.

  1. Aerospace, aeronautics & aviation

    Aerodynamics, propulsion, spacecraft, avionics, UAVs, aircraft structures, aviation management and human factors in aviation.

    Related topics

    • Avionics and MAV
    • UAV / MAV flight stability
    • Human factors in aviation
    • Aviation management
    • Space technology

    Broad research areas

    Aerospace Engineering8 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
    • Airfoil Theory
    • Composite Materials
    • Green Energy in Aviation
    • Space Propulsion
    • Spacecraft Control
    • Spacecraft Engineering
    • Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Aerospace EngineeringMS by Research in Aerospace Engineering

    Aeronautical Engineering9 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Aerodynamics
    • Aircraft Propulsion
    • Autonomous Systems & Control
    • Avionics
    • Computational Fluid Dynamics
    • Navigation Systems
    • Structures & Materials
    • Sustainable Aviation
    • Aviation Human Factors

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Aeronautical EngineeringMS by Research in Aeronautical Engineering

    Ph.D. theses in this theme2 ongoing · 6 awarded
    • Examination of lean processes and the learning of lean techniques through model studiesAshika Parveen · Aerospace · 2020–2023 · Awarded
    • A study on outside window imaginary system needs in aircraft through flight data and graphical view an experimental approachChinthiya · Aeronautical · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • An Intercontinental Study Of Employee And Employer Human Factors Issue In Aerospace And Aviation IndustryShilpa Rana · Human Factor Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • Investigation of Dynamic Performance of a Typical Transport Aircraft - A Computational and Numerical ApproachAsokan Konnamkandath · Aeronautical Engineering · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • A study on the human factor in aviation as a career prime for women, sensitivities at the workplace and the higher education demandsMaria Diana · Human Factor Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • A Research study on Security Framework for Digital Twin Systems in Aviation ApplicationsVijay G · Computer Science Engineering · 2023–2026 · Awarded
    • Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Aircraft Fuel Quantity During Dynamic Maneuvering Under Nonlinear Flight ConditionsChristy D Ponnan · AI in Avionics · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • Thesis title to be confirmedHari Rathinavel · Aerospace Engineering · 2026–2029 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  2. Mechanical engineering, materials & energy

    Composites, additive manufacturing, tribology, thermal engineering, cryogenics, solar energy and energy storage.

    Related topics

    • Polymer and composite materials
    • Additive manufacturing
    • Cryogenics and superconductivity
    • Solar energy and storage

    Broad research areas

    Mechanical Engineering10 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Biomechanics
    • Combustion and Energy Systems
    • Design and Manufacturing
    • Dynamics and Control
    • Heat and Mass Transfer
    • Materials and Structures
    • Nanotechnology
    • Vibrations, Acoustics and Fluid-Structure Interaction
    • Thermal Engineering
    • Wind Energy

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Mechanical EngineeringMS by Research in Mechanical Engineering

    Ph.D. theses in this theme0 ongoing · 2 awarded
    • Examination of lean processes and the learning of lean techniques through model studiesAshika Parveen · Aerospace · 2020–2023 · Awarded
    • Integrated Approaches to Solar Energy Utilization: From Nanofluid-Based Parabolic Trough Collectors to PV Systems with Reflectors and Latent Heat StorageVishnu Saini · Mechanical Engineering · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    All scholars and theses
  3. Electrical, electronics & communication

    Power quality, communication systems (MIMO, 5G), wireless networks, speech and medical image processing, SCADA.

    Related topics

    • Power quality and power-factor correction
    • MIMO and 5G systems
    • Speech and medical image processing

    Broad research areas

    Electrical Engineering10 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Applied Electromagnetics
    • Applied Ocean Sciences
    • Applied Physics – Electronic Devices & Materials
    • Communication Theory & Systems
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electronic Circuits & Systems
    • Intelligent Systems, Robotics & Control
    • Machine Learning & Data Science
    • Superconductivity
    • Ancient Energy Studies

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Electrical EngineeringMS by Research in Electrical Engineering

    Ph.D. theses in this theme0 ongoing · 1 awarded
    • Sensible Analysis Of High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Devices Used For Smart Materials Grid ApplicationsShilpa Shukla · Electronics · 2021–2024 · Awarded
    All scholars and theses
  4. Computer science, AI & cyber security

    Artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, IoT, biometrics, cloud and cyber security.

    Related topics

    • Internet of Things
    • Biometric template security

    Broad research areas

    Computer Science Engineering11 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Advanced Cyber Security
    • Algorithms
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Complex Systems, Network Science and Computation
    • Computer Architecture
    • Computer Engineering
    • Computer Systems
    • Data Mining
    • Data Science
    • Energy and the Environment
    • Robotics

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Computer Science EngineeringMS by Research in Computer Science Engineering

    Ph.D. theses in this theme4 ongoing · 1 awarded
    • A Research study on Security Framework for Digital Twin Systems in Aviation ApplicationsVijay G · Computer Science Engineering · 2023–2026 · Awarded
    • An investigation into cloud computing environment security for hybrid encryption and verification methodsVineshraj S · Computer Science · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Aircraft Fuel Quantity During Dynamic Maneuvering Under Nonlinear Flight ConditionsChristy D Ponnan · AI in Avionics · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • Adaptive AI Security: A Self-Learning Cybersecurity Framework for Generative AI ModelsMohammed Basheer · Computer Science · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • An Adaptive and Privacy-Preserving Cybersecurity Framework for Smart City and IoT Infrastructures Using Intelligent Learning TechniquesJacob Durai Raj · Computer Science Engineering · 2025–2028 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  5. Civil engineering & environment

    Structural and geotechnical engineering, water resources, environmental monitoring, water quality and microplastics.

    Related topics

    • Advanced Environmental Monitoring
    • Fibre-reinforced concrete

    Broad research areas

    Civil Engineering10 specialisations · Ph.D., MS
    • Advanced Environmental Monitoring
    • Environmental Engineering
    • Geotechnical Engineering
    • Infrastructure Engineering and Management
    • Structural Engineering
    • Transportation Engineering
    • Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering
    • Earth System Science and Engineering
    • Pollution
    • Ocean Technology

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Civil EngineeringMS by Research in Civil Engineering

    Ph.D. theses in this theme2 ongoing · 0 awarded
    • Integrated Water Quality Evaluation of a Selected River Stream Using Conventional Parameters and Microplastic Pollution IndicatorsSaritha D · Environmental Science · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • A Comprehensive Analysis and Possible Impacts on Human Health due to Microplastics and Concerning AdditivesSanjana W K · Biotechnology · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  6. Life sciences, biotechnology, food & nutrition

    Biotechnology, genetics, proteomics and genomics, plant science, food technology, millets and cosmetic science.

    Related topics

    • Genetics
    • Proteomics
    • Genomics
    • Plant Science
    • Food technology
    • Molecular biology

    Broad research areas

    Biotechnology1 specialisation · Ph.D.
    • Biotechnology

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Biotechnology

    Ph.D. theses in this theme3 ongoing · 5 awarded
    • Assessment of the benefits and Properties of Mixed Millet a health benefits approachAnu John B · Biotechnology · 2019–2022 · Awarded
    • Sustainable Approach towards Anti Aging cosmetics; Formulation & Development of Anti Aging serum containing Resorcinol from waste obtained from wineries.Sakina Yusuf Punjab · Cosmetic Science · 2020–2023 · Awarded
    • To study of Thyroid hormones effect on different aging patients and their effects on human body organsSuman Rana · Health Care Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • Traditional Investigation in Millet as a Sustainable Food Source and wide-Ranging family health mix developmentJency Lal · Food Science & Computational Technology · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • An Investigation of Accepting Food education and Nutrition habits among parents and kidsSindhuja R P · Sociology · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • Preparation and Assessment of the health benefits of Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free Cookies made with Lepidium Sativum seeds and enhanced with Dried Dates powderKamya Patel · Food and Nutrition Science · 2023–2026 · Ongoing
    • Research on the effects on society for sleep quality, consistency, and duration is linked to improved human reproductive and health outcomes.Ann Steffy Thomas · Biotechnology · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    • A Comprehensive Analysis and Possible Impacts on Human Health due to Microplastics and Concerning AdditivesSanjana W K · Biotechnology · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  7. Pharmacy & chemistry

    Pharmacy and pharmaceutical analysis; medicinal, organic and natural-product chemistry.

    Related topics

    • Medicinal chemistry
    • Organic chemistry
    • Chemistry of natural products
    • Pharmaceutical analysis

    The application form has no separate broad area for pharmacy or chemistry; ask the admissions team which area to choose.

    Ask the admissions team

  8. Physics & astrophysics

    Astrophysics, quantum and classical physics, applied physics.

    Related topics

    • Neutron stars and black holes
    • Quantum physics

    Astrophysics is a specialisation under Arts & Science.

    Apply for the Ph.D. in Arts & ScienceSee the Arts & Science specialisations

    Ph.D. theses in this theme1 ongoing · 0 awarded
    • Investigating Graviton-Photon Conversion through Parametric Resonance in Black holes.Ritu Vyaghrambare · Astrophysics · 2022–2025 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  9. Management, finance & law

    Business and corporate management, finance and accounting, human resource management and management law.

    Related topics

    • Business and Corporate Management
    • Finance & accounting
    • Human resource management
    • Aviation management

    Broad research areas

    Management Law7 specialisations · Ph.D.
    • International Corporate Law
    • POSH Law
    • Trading Law
    • Patent and Copyright Law
    • International Affairs Law
    • Industry Law
    • Environmental Law

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Management Law

    Ph.D. theses in this theme0 ongoing · 4 awarded
    • To study of Thyroid hormones effect on different aging patients and their effects on human body organsSuman Rana · Health Care Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • An Intercontinental Study Of Employee And Employer Human Factors Issue In Aerospace And Aviation IndustryShilpa Rana · Human Factor Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • An investigation on human resource management (HRM) practices and its effects on employees intrapreneurial behavior in corporateA. Karthikeyan · Human Resource Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • A study on the human factor in aviation as a career prime for women, sensitivities at the workplace and the higher education demandsMaria Diana · Human Factor Management · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    All scholars and theses
  10. Education, psychology, arts & social sciences

    Education and special education, psychology, languages, sociology and the arts.

    Supervisors

    No supervisors are listed for this theme yet. Ask the admissions team.

    Related topics

    • Special Education
    • Language
    • Sociology

    Broad research areas

    Education8 specialisations · Ph.D., MS, M.Sc.
    • Special Education
    • Education
    • Social Networking
    • Virtual Classrooms
    • Online Learning
    • Digitalisation to Improve Education
    • Computer Literacy
    • Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Literature, Music, Performing and Film

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in EducationMS by Research in EducationM.Sc. by Research in Education

    Arts & Science17 specialisations · Ph.D., MS, M.Sc.
    • Animal Science
    • Astrophysics
    • Tamil
    • English
    • Sociology
    • Vaccine Safety
    • Spirituality and Healthcare
    • Vedic Science
    • Viral Diseases
    • Music & Sound
    • Humans and the Environment
    • Immigration and Migration
    • Industry, Invention, and Progress
    • Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Ecology
    • Cosmetics Pollution
    • Nutrition Science
    • Earth Science (Ph.D. only)

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in Arts & ScienceMS by Research in Arts & ScienceM.Sc. by Research in Arts & Science

    Psychology11 specialisations · Ph.D., MS, M.Sc.
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Human Factors
    • Abortion
    • ADHD
    • Ageing and Older Adults
    • Alzheimer's Disease
    • Anger & Anxiety
    • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Health Science
    • Child Health Management

    Apply in this area:Ph.D. by Research in PsychologyMS by Research in PsychologyM.Sc. by Research in Psychology

    Ph.D. theses in this theme1 ongoing · 3 awarded
    • A procedural assessment of human factor issues and measures for improving mental well-beingHussainar A · Psychology · 2021–2024 · Awarded
    • Understanding the different learning abilities and capacities of the students.Dinesh M · Education · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • An Investigation of Accepting Food education and Nutrition habits among parents and kidsSindhuja R P · Sociology · 2022–2025 · Awarded
    • The Role of Dramatic Arts in Enhancing Socio-Emotional Development in Children with Special Needs: A Psychological PerspectiveSabari Iyngaran · Education · 2024–2027 · Ongoing
    All scholars and theses
  11. Field research: sustainability & agriculture

    The seven planned research areas of LIPS Prakriti Research Farm, which is in development.

    Supervisors

    No supervisors are listed for this theme yet. Ask the admissions team.

    Planned research areas · in development

    1. Sustainable agriculture & soil health
    2. Biodiversity & tree research
    3. Water conservation & rainwater harvesting
    4. Environmental science & climate resilience
    5. Food, fruits & nutrition
    6. Circular agriculture & waste management
    7. Sustainable technology & innovation

    LIPS Prakriti Research Farm, Vijayanarayanam, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. These are project vision and development targets. Facilities and planting quantities will depend on implementation and site planning.

    Visit the Prakriti site (opens in a new tab)

Broad areas at a glance

Which programmes offer each broad area: 25 programme lists with 232 specialisation options in all.

Broad research areas by programme
Broad areaThemePh.D.MS by ResearchM.Sc. by ResearchSpecialisations
Aerospace EngineeringAerospace, aeronautics & aviation8 specialisations offered8 specialisations offeredNot offered8
Aeronautical EngineeringAerospace, aeronautics & aviation9 specialisations offered9 specialisations offeredNot offered9
Mechanical EngineeringMechanical engineering, materials & energy10 specialisations offered10 specialisations offeredNot offered10
Electrical EngineeringElectrical, electronics & communication10 specialisations offered10 specialisations offeredNot offered10
Computer Science EngineeringComputer science, AI & cyber security11 specialisations offered11 specialisations offeredNot offered11
Civil EngineeringCivil engineering & environment10 specialisations offered10 specialisations offeredNot offered10
EducationEducation, psychology, arts & social sciences8 specialisations offered8 specialisations offered8 specialisations offered8
Arts & ScienceEducation, psychology, arts & social sciences17 specialisations offered16 specialisations offered16 specialisations offered17
PsychologyEducation, psychology, arts & social sciences11 specialisations offered11 specialisations offered11 specialisations offered11
Forensic ScienceForensic science1 specialisations offered1 specialisations offeredNot offered1
Management LawManagement, finance & law7 specialisations offeredNot offeredNot offered7
BiotechnologyLife sciences, biotechnology, food & nutrition1 specialisations offeredNot offeredNot offered1

The GIR Centre at Immanuel Arasar Group of Institutions has its own M.S. and Ph.D. programmes for working professionals. Also offered at the GIR Centre

Found your area?

Apply online with your programme and broad research area preselected, then choose your specialisation.