Sikkim-Manipal University
The Sikkim-Manipal University (SMU) has announced its enhanced curriculum to include a wide choice of '12 Disciplines 52 courses' through its Distance Education Programmes that cover the following disciplines:
-
Information Technology
-
Management
-
Commerce
-
Journalism and Mass Communication
-
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
-
Fashion Design
-
Allied Health Science
-
Hotel, Travel and Hospitality Management
-
Teaching Technology
-
Telecom Technology
-
Insurance and Actuarial Sciences
-
Ecology and Environmental Science
The new courses offered for the February 2005 session are M.Sc in Telecom Technology and MBA with specialisation in BPO, in addition to the new courses launched last year that include BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, B.Sc in Fashion Design, B.Sc in Applied Biotechnology and B.Sc in Teaching Technology.
At the masters level, Sikkim Manipal University has launched MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, apart from the regular courses like MBA, MCA, B.Sc (IT), and M.Sc (IT) to name a few. Together, the Sikkim Manipal University boasts of over 52 courses that are industry-relevant and create a good and valuable path for rewarding careers in future.
Conforming to UGC norms, the distance education programmes offered by Sikkim Manipal University are industry-oriented to suit both students as well as working professionals. The university encourages the practice of continuing education through creating numerous opportunities by way of lateral entry and exit points, based on which the corresponding degrees are awarded subject to the completion of the relevant semester.
According to B N Manohar, executive director, Manipal Universal Learning, "We need to constantly innovate our courses, catering to the growing requirements of the industry. It is imperative to adapt emerging technology to education. Through our interactive technology we ensure uniform quality education across all the campuses of the Manipal network."
He added that Sikkim Manipal University has the largest network of 500+ learning centres, including 300 V-SAT terminals in the country that facilitate interactive learning sessions. The programme also provides additional courseware for select markets that include Sri Lanka, the Middle-East, China, Mauritius and select African partner countries, where these courses are offered jointly with well-established education partners who have a strong network in these locations.
Maj Gen A C Sharma - Pro Vice-Chancellor, The Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medicine and Technological Sciences (SMU), said, "SMU has entered the field of distance education to fulfil the needs of thousands of students who desire higher education. Students will have the opportunity to complete the courses chosen by them, at their own place, side by side with their work schedule. Semester system is followed and the university will conduct the examinations and award the degree and certificates."
Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technology Sciences, Gangtok, was incorporated under the State Legislative Act (ACT IX of 1995) by the Government of Sikkim and is recognised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the University Grants Commission. The university offers distance education programmes as part of its effort to bring education to the masses and fulfil the growing demand for software and management professionals. This is done through Manipal Universal Learning (ManipalU), the Learning Resource Development Centre of the university, which has been offering distance education courses in IT, Management and Allied Health for over five years.
ManipalU works closely with Sikkim Manipal University to ensure clear policy, strategic direction and other logistic support including identifying areas of alliance and cooperation.
The broad areas of support include:
-
Infrastructure and student support services
-
Coordinating the delivery support
-
Developing learning technology support services
-
Ensuring V-SAT operations for dissemination of programmes
-
Identify faculty capability and implementing the required training under the supervision and direction of MAHE
-
Ongoing review and reporting on the learning centres and other functioning
The main aim of ManipalU is to support and provide the delivery platform to ensure greater quality education and enhance equity of access. Infrastructure facilities include the establishment of the studio at Manipal and Mumbai, which are equipped with the most sophisticated video, audio and broadcasting systems including three sets of studio cameras, video mixers, editing equipment and interactive software systems creating virtual classrooms for delivering the lectures using V-SAT satellite technology. The transmission is one-way video and two ways audio.
Dr Janardan Jha, senior advisor, Academics and Learning Development, Manipal Universal Learning, said, "Our focus is to give high quality, industry-relevant education using latest technology, at the doorsteps of learners at affordable cost. We collaborate with the industry in designing our curriculum and developing the content."
For information on courses and learning centres students can log on to
www.manipalu.com
or contact
B N Manohar,
Maj Gen AC Sharma,
Manipal Universal Learning,
Pro VC - Sikkim Manipal University,
91-98440-30983, 91-93501-03976,
E-mail: manohar@manipalu.com, smuprovc@rediffmail.com
