New UG degree in liberal studies

Gandhinagar varsity’s programme will give students exposure to 30 subjects — from arts and science to management and performing arts

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, promoted by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, recently launched a School of Liberal Studies. The university has started the school by offering a four-year Bachelor's of liberal studies.
The intake for first batch is 60 students. In the first two years students will get exposure to 30 subjects ranging from arts and science to management and performing arts. The last two years of the degree course focus on the major and minor subjects of the students’ choice.

The majors offered initially will be in English literature, business administration, governance and public administration, environmental studies and economics. Candidates applying for the School of Liberal Studies must have 55 percent marks in class XII in any stream.

HT Image

“Although liberal studies is a relatively new concept in India, it has been a sought after academic option in North America and Europe,” said Niranjan R Dave, Advisor – University Affairs, PDPU. “Amidst the countless number of conventional courses offering Bachelor's in various disciplines, the fast emerging option of liberal studies is now finding many takers in the country. Liberal studies imparts classical education in various fields like art, literature, languages, music, dramatics, philosophy, politics, history, law, mathematics, science and general studies. It emphasises the need to seek knowledge for knowledge' sake, promoting intellectual growth, creative expression and rational thought.”

“As a matter of fact, future careers as an economist, historian, diplomat, social/ political activist, advertising and PR professionals, film/theatre artist, musician, artist etc. open up naturally for a liberal studies graduate,” said Nigam Dave, Academic Coordinator, SLS, PDPU, about the career prospects of liberal studies graduates.

Important dates

n Admission Open 9th July, 2009
n Last Date for Application 5th August, 2009
n Written Test in select cities 9th August, 2009
n GD/PI 16th August, 2009