Mumbai University Breaks New Ground with Dual Degree Curriculum

The University of Mumbai (MU) has launched a first-of-its-kind, dual-degree curriculum in partnership with a global university. This course will let students use academic resources from both MU and Saint Louis University in the United States. Both the universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, April 5, at the US Consulate General in Mumbai. 

The new curriculum will be offered in the master's degree in data analytics by the Department of Information Technology next year. Students enrolling in this course will spend the first year at Mumbai University and the second year at Saint Louis University. The curriculum also includes internships and on-the-job training, providing students with practical learning opportunities. 

Dual degrees offer several benefits. Students will have access to advanced research facilities and laboratories at both institutions. This will increase their practical skills and research capacity. They will also be exposed to diverse educational environments and teaching methodologies in both India and the US. This will lead to global awareness, language, and adaptability.

This is not MU's first international collaboration. Earlier this year, MU's National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NCNNUM) partnered with the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) in France to offer a post-graduation programme in nano-science subjects together.

This degree programme aligns with the NEP's goal of a flexible curriculum that allows students to enrol in courses at more than one institution simultaneously. As a Grade 1 university, MU does not require permission from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to collaborate with foreign universities, as per NEP 2020. This allows MU to grant students dual degrees. 

This move is part of an effort by state and union governments to strengthen ties between Indian and foreign universities. This is a key criterion for international rating bodies ranking higher education institutions. Earlier, dual degrees were introduced by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay too.

MU has been actively seeking collaborations with foreign universities in response to a consistent drop in enrollment in its postgraduate programs. Last year, the university held a meeting with international diplomats from several city consulates around Diwali.