Opt for two courses at the same time from 2012: Mumbai University

The University of Mumbai has come up with a noble idea which will allow young graduates to pursue two undergraduate courses across departments or within the same department at the same time from June 2012. The proposal to introduce a dual programme option was approved by the academic council of the university.

Under this scheme, students will be able to pursue two courses at the same time, either through the regular mode or the distance education mode. It could be a full time degree or diploma program, but you must ensure that the exams of the two do not clash.

A committee of six members had submitted this proposal to the university in September. SK Ukarande, dean of the faculty of technology at Mumbai University said that, ‘Where students are interested, capable and where it is feasible they will be able to go for dual courses'. Previously, students were only allowed to pursue short-term certificate courses alongside their undergraduate degree.

The academic council has also sanctioned the implementation of the credit and grading system for post-graduate students in the arts, commerce and science streams from 2012, similar to the undergraduate credit system, which became effective this year.

This grading system will affect more than 20, 000 students in the first year of masters courses in the science, commerce and arts faculties. Commerce students will have to achieve 80 credits, while arts and science students will have to complete 96 credits spread over four semesters i.e. two years. Assessment will be split into internal assessment worth 40% and the exam, which will be worth 60%.

Source: Richha Bhatnagar (Shiksha Team)