The University of Mumbai plans to allow students to pursue different graduate programmes
at the same time
There’s good news for all those youngsters who find it tough
to choose which graduate stream to enroll in. The University of Mumbai has decided
to allow its students to take up two full-time courses simultaneously.
Taking up two courses may entail twice the work and double the expense, but the
idea could pay off when the options of a further education, career or jobs also
multiply.
So, Steve Jobs worshippers can simultaneously "live at the intersection" of engineering,
say at VJTI, and humanities (or BA) at St. Xavier’s College. Some may want to do
both-for instance, a B.Com in banking and insurance and a B.Com in financial markets
at HR College. It isn’t just about following a serious hobby or having a second
plan to fall back on; experts said many students are academically driven to achieve
more than what the courseware prescribes. New move may see 2nd shift in colleges
The University of Mumbai plans to allow students to pursue different graduate programmes
at the same time. Sources said it may also consider starting honours programmes,
an idea that hasn’t germinated in the city. "We feel there are several students
wanting to do more than just an engineering programme or a BA or a specialized B.Com
course. Many of them have more than one passion they want to pursue; that is backed
by potential too. The university will now allow those students to take up two courses
at the same time," said S. K. Ukrande, dean (technology) at the University of Mumbai.
Ukrande was appointed by the university after its academic council, which met three
months ago, was considering a proposal that would permit students to study two degree
programmes at the same time. The report, which has been submitted to the university,
gives a go ahead to students to sign up for two programmes. The report must be finally
approved by the academic council and the management council, before the idea can
be implemented. The report stated that students can opt for one of the many combinations-take
up two degree courses and enroll for both as a full-time student; take up one full-time
course and sign up for the other through distance education; or take up one graduation
programme and another certificate or diploma course, an option that was always available.
"Students just have to be eligible for both the courses and meet the attendance
requirements for both of them. Moreover, students need to inform both the colleges
(if they enroll in two different institutes) about the courses they are pursuing"
noted Ukrande. The plan, if it picks up in popularity, will also see colleges running
a second shift, allowing students to generously space their day’s learning. The
plan comes with fine print though: "The university has a packed examination schedule
through the year. So if any two papers clash, the student has to sit for the exam
when it is held the next time, say after six months." As for now, the probability
of making the right career choice and going in the right direction just increased.
Courtesy: Times of India
