Why did Shiv Nadar University launch India's first BA (Research)?

Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, is expanding its interdisciplinarity with the launch of the BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Sciences.

Prof Ananya Mukherjee, vice-chancellor of SNU, told FE the unique features of the new programme and why it was needed.

Building on success

When asked about the need for a new interdisciplinary programme when a BSc already exists in Economics and Finance, Prof Mukherjee said SNU is building on the success of the existing programme. “We are keen to replicate this success in areas where young professionals are required. The new programme in IHS is one such endeavour,” she said.

Its success can be seen in the career outcomes of the Class of 2025 from the BSc (Research) in Economics and Finance, with an average of Rs 13.29 lakh per annum and the highest being Rs 24.3 LPA. Further, a large number of graduates have opted for higher education, securing admissions at globally acclaimed institutions such as Duke University, the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and the Stockholm School of Economics.

A first-of-its-kind degree

The BA (Research) in IHS is being championed as a first-of-its-kind in India. "There are currently no programmes in India offering a BA (Research) in IHS," Prof Mukherjee affirmed. "Its structure is robustly multidisciplinary, starting with a core foundation that includes courses in humanities, natural and social sciences, as well as modern skills like data and quantitative skills, AI, environment, business fundamentals, and writing and communication."

From the second year, students can specialise in one of the three Majors: Sustainability Studies; Archaeology, Heritage and Historical Studies; and Society, Culture and Technology.

Focus on responsible AI Another differentiator of the new BA (Research) is its commitment to technology, especially responsible AI. “All students will take a dedicated AI companion module designed to cover core fundamentals and build capacity for real-world application,” she said. “SNU has instituted an award for the project demonstrating the ‘Best Responsible Use of AI’, ensuring the curriculum remains at the cutting edge by drawing upon AI leaders across domains.”

 Prof Mukherjee also defended the decision to include the word ‘Research’ at the undergraduate level, dismissing the notion that it should be restricted to postgraduate studies. “We believe research begins from day zero of an undergraduate programme – if not earlier. Research is a habit of mind, not merely a sequence of activities with outcomes,” she explained, underlining that the entire undergraduate curriculum is research-informed. 

 Finally, the programme epitomizes a larger vision regarding what education should be at SNU. Prof Mukherjee summed up with an emphasis on the requirement of rendering students capable not only of responding to change but leading it. “To achieve this, we need holistic education-experiential in character, built upon an understanding of the world, and able to make links across disciplines in order to solve real problems in our communities and society,” she said. “The BA (Research) in IHS is designed to align with this commitment to holistic learning, as well as with the national priorities articulated in the NEP and India’s Vision 2047.”