Mumbai University’s senate proposes to establish 12 multidisciplinary skill-based colleges in 2027-28

Aligned with NEP 2020 and skill-based education objectives, the University of Mumbai (UoM) Senate has approved establishing 12 multidisciplinary skill-oriented colleges within the university's jurisdiction for the 2027-28 academic year. These colleges have been proposed for the six districts under the MU’s jurisdiction, including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Palghar.

According to the MU statement, after a decline in traditional enrollment courses came to light, the decision was made to develop a curriculum focusing solely on traditional education to meet the demands of the growing industry, inculcate skill development, and employability.

Consequently, students will have access to opportunities in sectors such as industry, services, research, and entrepreneurship alongside their academic education.

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Course designed to integrate skill development

The structure of traditional courses will be completely revamped to integrate skill development and entrepreneurship. Modern, multidisciplinary, and skill-based courses have been proposed for students.

For the BA History programme, these include Digital History and Records Management, Public History and Heritage Tourism, Global Perspectives of History, Cultural Resource Management, Heritage Conservation and Restoration, Artificial Intelligence in Historical Research, and Heritage Entrepreneurship.

Similarly, the BA Political Science curriculum will feature courses such as Digital Advocacy and Campaigning, Artificial Intelligence in Political Analysis, Negotiation and Diplomacy Skills, Leadership and Management in Politics, Media and Political Communication, Political Risk Analysis and Forecasting, Policy Advocacy and Lobbying, and Political Psychology and Behavioral Analysis.

These courses will offer students the opportunity to develop professional and employment-related skills across diverse fields.

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MU: Skill-based component in courses

Additionally, skill-based components have been integrated into various courses within the BA Economics, BA Psychology, and BCom programmes. Furthermore, skill-oriented, employment-focused, and industry-aligned courses are being launched in areas such as Fintech, Robotics, Industrial Automation, Electric Vehicle Technology, Logistics and Port Management, Maritime Studies, Blue Economy, Fisheries and Marine Biotechnology, Food Processing and Agribusiness, Value Addition for Mango-Cashew-Kokum, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Environment and Mangrove Conservation, Climate Change Studies, Renewable Energy, Drone and GIS Technology, Digital Health, Entrepreneurship and Startup Management, Bamboo and Tribal Entrepreneurship, and Disaster Management.

“The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places special emphasis on multidisciplinary education, flexible curricula, skill development, and employment-oriented education. Mumbai University has prepared this comprehensive plan along these lines to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical experience to compete at a global level,” the MU statement added.

In accordance with the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, the board of deans prepared the annual comprehensive plan for the academic year 2027-28, which forms part of Mumbai University's five-year comprehensive plan (2024-25 to 2028-29).

The Senate approved this annual comprehensive plan during a meeting held today under the chairmanship of Mumbai University vice-chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni and was attended by pro VC Ajay Bhamre, registrar Prasad Karande, and other distinguished members of the Senate.