Somaiya Vidyavihar University opens BA, MA admissions for liberal arts

Somaiya Vidyavihar University has opened admissions for Bachelor of Arts (BA) liberal arts and Master of Arts (MA) liberal arts for the year 2025-26, at the Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies. The programmes are designed in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in terms of flexibility and multidisciplinary learning.

The Somaiya BA liberal arts programme will give students an option to choose one major, or a major-minor combination, from the following list of subjects:

• Anthropology – Focuses on themes of power, caste, class, and migration, identity and knowledge systems.
• Literature – Examines Indian and global texts across poetry, prose, and drama.
• History – Engages with historical methods and inter-civilisational linkages such as maritime history.
• Philosophy – Introduces key philosophical traditions from India, China, the Middle East, Africa, and the West, exploring questions around ethics, language, and meaning.
• Asian and area studies – Takes a comparative and interdisciplinary look at political and cultural issues across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Political science – Covers Indian and Western political thought, governance systems, law, and political structures.

Also read Somaiya Vidyavihar University launches school of art; 2 new MA programmes in art criticism and history

Somaiya MA liberal arts

MA liberal arts programme at Somaiya Vidyavihar University critically reflects on the concept of civilisation itself. After completion of the postgraduate course, students will be capable of establishing careers in academic research, policy-making, publishing, diplomacy and more, as per an official statement.

Students of BA liberal arts and MA liberal arts will also get opportunities for research and “field-based inquiry” through the following specialised centres under Somaiya Vidyavihar University:

• Centre for Asian and area studies
• Centre for Himalayan and mountain studies
• Centre for Indian Ocean and transoceanic studies
• Centre for Kachchh and desert studies

Also read Somaiya Vidyavihar University opens admission for courses in languages, literature, writing; last date June 30

“In a world facing cultural fracture and political complexity, we need citizens who can think ethically, question critically, and imagine collectively. A liberal arts education grounded in civilisation studies is not just relevant—it is essential,” said Ganesh Devy, director, Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies.