HSNC University combines the legacy of its founding institutions-H.R. College, K.C. College and BTTC-with a bold, interdisciplinary academic vision.
Worli campus of HSNC University, Mumbai
In a world that’s changing faster than ever-driven by innovation, technology, global issues and new ways of thinking-traditional academic silos often fall short. That’s where Liberal Studies steps in: a dynamic, interdisciplinary program designed to produce adaptable, thoughtful and socially conscious leaders. And at School of Inter-disciplinary Studies (SIS), HSNC University, Mumbai, the M.A. in Liberal Studies program is more than a degree-it’s a transformative intellectual experience.
What Is Liberal Studies?
Liberal Studies goes beyond a single subject or discipline. It integrates philosophy, literature, politics, history, sociology, economics and even the arts and sciences, encouraging students to connect ideas across fields and explore issues from multiple perspectives.
This isn’t just ‘studying everything’. It’s about critical thinking, analytical reasoning, creativity and effective communication-skills that are in high demand across industries. This approach fosters a rich, holistic understanding of complex issues and equips students with the ability to analyse problems from multiple angles.
Often touted as the MBA of the future, the M.A. in Liberal Studies is gaining recognition for cultivating the kind of adaptable, interdisciplinary thinking that modern leadership demands. As industries increasingly seek professionals who can navigate complexity, think critically across domains and bring ethical, cultural and strategic insight to the table, this degree offers a forward-looking alternative to conventional management education. With its blend of research, creativity, policy insight and human-centered problem-solving, the program equips students not just to fit into the future of work-but to shape it.
Enhancing Career Flexibility
While the degree is not tied to a single career track, it provides highly transferable skills-critical thinking, persuasive writing, research and effective communication. Graduates often find success in education, non-profit work, communications, journalism, government and even business roles that value strategic thinking and broad cultural literacy. For mid-career professionals, the degree can offer fresh insights or a pivot into more fulfilling work.
Why Choose HSNC University?
A forward-thinking State Public University, HSNC University combines the legacy of its founding institutions-H.R. College, K.C. College and BTTC-with a bold, interdisciplinary academic vision.
“The MA in Liberal Studies at HSNC University is designed to nurture well-rounded interdisciplinary thinkers with insights from pure sciences, humanities and social sciences who can contribute meaningfully to India’s evolving social and cultural landscape,” explained Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai.
“At HSNC University, students learn in an environment designed for both focus and connection-with modern computer labs, a rich library stocked with print and digital resources and a lively cafeteria that doubles as a social hub. The campus offers the perfect blend of academic support and everyday comfort, making it a place where learning feels both inspiring and accessible,” Dr. Bagla added
At the heart of the M.A. in Liberal Studies program at HSNC University is a commitment to breaking down traditional academic silos. The program encourages students to move fluidly between disciplines-be it philosophy and media, politics and ecology or literature and urban studies. This approach fosters critical and reflexive dialogue not just in the classroom, but also within one’s personal belief systems, challenging assumptions and deepening understanding. In addition, self-learning components embedded throughout the curriculum cultivate autonomy and intellectual curiosity, empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey and engage dynamically with the world around them.
Dr. Leena Pujari, Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies, HSNC University avered “Specialisation and super-specialisation though important, can be quite constricting. In order to enable a very holistic and integrated understanding of complex social realities, we need to look at those realities through different prisms.There are three defining aspects of this program which make it very unique - criticality, reflexibility and reimagination. Most importantly, this program fosters an ethics of care, to build on empathy and compassion.”
The program fosters a democratic classroom environment, where learning is not a top-down process but a shared, evolving experience. Using progressive pedagogical tools-such as discussion-based learning, project collaborations and experiential methods-students and faculty engage as co-learners and collaborators. This inclusive approach nurtures mutual respect, critical engagement and a strong sense of academic community.
With an intake limited to just 20 students, the M.A. in Liberal Studies at HSNC University offers a focused and intellectually vibrant learning environment. This small cohort model ensures personalised mentorship, deeper classroom engagement and stronger peer collaboration. Students benefit from close interactions with faculty, tailored academic guidance and opportunities to co-create knowledge through discussion-driven and project-based learning. The result is a closely-knit academic community where each student’s voice matters and learning goes beyond the lecture hall.
“We try and create a democratic and inclusive space within the classroom- through a focus on dialectical debates and discussions, carried out within the framework of interdisciplinarity,” Dr. Tina Chakravarty, Assistant Professor, Department of Liberal Studies, HSNC University said.
Here’s what sets the program apart:
1. Designed for the Curious Mind
The M.A. in Liberal Studies at HSNC University is for students who don't want to be boxed in. Whether you're interested in gender studies, urban policy, ethics, film making or environmental sustainability, the program allows you to craft a unique academic pathway.
2. Interdisciplinary by Design
Courses are co-taught by faculty across departments, bringing in a blend of academia, research and real-world perspectives. You’ll engage in conversations that move fluidly between Aristotle and AI or between mythology and media.
3. Research + Application
Whether you're headed towards a career in civil services, development sector, media or creative industries, this degree prepares you with both research rigour and practical relevance. The program encourages fieldwork, creative projects and research dissertations.
4. Global + Local
This isn’t a Western import pasted onto Indian education. HSNC University’s Masters program in Liberal Studies is deeply rooted in Indian thought, post-colonial studies, South Asian realities and emerging global discourses. It’s about being globally aware and locally grounded.
5. Networking and Exposure
Regular guest lectures, workshops and seminars by leading academicians, journalists, artists and public intellectuals.
Opportunities to collaborate with NGOs, think tanks, cultural institutions and policy makers.
Who Is This Program For?
Students of Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Law or Science looking to expand their intellectual horizons.
- Mid-career professionals wanting a creative or academic reboot.
- Aspirants of civil services, media, public policy or research roles.
- Curious minds who ask, “What else is out there?”
Candidates from any stream or discipline-not limited to B.A. or Arts-are welcome to apply, provided they have completed a 3- or 4-year Bachelor’s degree or a 1-year Master’s degree (or equivalent). Final-year students may apply provisionally, subject to submission of final academic documents.
Sample Courses You Might Take:
The M.A. in Liberal Studies at HSNC University offers a rich, interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from diverse academic traditions and methodologies. Students engage with foundational approaches such as the philosophical, literary, social sciences, scientific and mathematical reasoning methods, alongside training in discursive writing and research methodology. The program covers a wide range of thematic areas including development studies, cultural studies, women & gender studies, environmental studies, media, legal studies, as well as science, technology and society studies. Elective courses allow students to explore specialised topics such as mind, ability and cognition; indigeneity and tribal movements; and religion, communalism and secularism. A strong emphasis is placed on research, with students developing a research proposal, completing an internship in interdisciplinary studies and undertaking an 8-credit dissertation, ensuring both academic rigour and practical relevance.
Beyond the Classroom
The M.A. in Liberal Studies program at HSNC University encourages you to be a thinker, a maker and a citizen. Whether you’re writing a paper, curating an exhibition, designing a community project or developing a podcast series-this program empowers you to create meaningfully.
The M.A. in Liberal Studies at HSNC University equips students with versatile, interdisciplinary skills that are highly relevant to today’s evolving job market. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in fields such as policy-making, advocacy, teaching, academia, research, civil services, mental health, human resources, climate and environmental work, media, communication, content creation, design, data analytics and even technology. By fostering critical thinking, ethical engagement and creative problem-solving, the program empowers students to pursue diverse professional paths aligned with their interests and the needs of contemporary employers.
In Summary: Why Choose HSNC University’s M.A. in Liberal Studies?
- Interdisciplinary and flexible
- Research-driven and career-relevant
- Rooted in Indian realities, connected to global ideas
- Mentorship from top faculty across disciplines
- An open-ended, yet purposeful path
Final Word
In an age where higher education is often narrowly focused on specialisation and career training, the M.A in Liberal Studies offers something refreshingly different: the opportunity to think broadly, explore deeply and engage critically with the world from multiple perspectives.
At a time when both careers and identities are no longer linear, a Masters degree in Liberal Studies offers freedom with direction. At HSNC University, it offers a community, a context and a canvas to shape your own future.
Admissions are open but seats are limited. For more details, contact 99200 82282 / 98204 74197 or write to liberalstudies@hsncu.edu.in or check website: HSNCU - School of Interdisciplinary Studies
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