Shiv Nadar IoE, SOAS to jointly offer dual MA in Global Urban Sociology

NEW DELHI: The Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Shiv Nadar IoE) has signed an agreement with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London to jointly offer a dual one-year Master of Arts (MA) programme in Global Urban Sociology. The programme is jointly developed by faculty members in Anthropology and Sociology from both institutions. As per the official press release, tt is intended for students seeking advanced study in a degree programme, as well as working professionals looking to add skills in their careers.

The one-year (12-month) MA programme will allow students to study at both universities in two different cities. Students will have the chance to travel to the UK and India as part of the programme, with the first term at SOAS in London and the second term in Delhi, followed by a dissertation that may be carried out on either campus or remotely.

Dual degree and access to resources

Students will be registered at both universities and have access to their resources and facilities during the programme. Students who complete the programme will get a dual MA from SOAS, the University of London, and the Shiv Nadar Institute of Education.

Dual MA in Global Urban Sociology: Topics

According to the official website, this programme is unique for its emphasis on the sociology of cities and has been developed to meet the increasing global need for urban expertise. The MA in Global Urban Sociology programme will cover topics such as climate change, urban ecologies, digital governance, public health, social infrastructure, city architecture and urban humanitarianisms in addition to urban research design.

Programme fee and financial assistance

The programme charges a fixed tuition fee of £12,500. Competitive financial assistance will also be offered for the program. Applications are currently being accepted until July 31, 2024, and the program is scheduled to begin in September 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Regarding eligibility criteria, the official website states, " "We will consider a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant Social Science or humanities subjects.” Indian applicants must have completed a four-year integrated degree programme (BA,BSc,BCom) to qualify. A total of 16 years of prior education will be considered eligible for Indian applicants. References are not mandatory, but they may enhance an application.

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Speaking at the launch of the program, Ananya Mukherjee, vice-chancellor of Shiv Nadar IoE, said, “This is a significant step for all of us. Having worked in the development world, I have observed people discussing the co-creation of knowledge across borders. However, it’s much easier said than done. This partnership is a result of sheer dedication and hard work over the last eighteen months. But the real work starts now. We aim to produce graduates bold enough to have different imaginaries of global collaboration, learn differently, speak differently, and imagine a different world.”

Adam Habib, director of SOAS, said, “This partnership is an attempt to find equality in an unequal world. It is also an attempt to make positive interventions in pedagogy and allow us to act as agents in transforming our education system. This is also an attempt to create nuanced knowledge that is global and contextual to the realities of the Global South.”