School of Communication set up by Shiv Nadar University and US university

The Shiv Nadar University (SNU) today announced the launch of the School of Communication (SoC) offering undergraduate, graduate and research level programs in communication. The University also announced a new collaboration with the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania (ASC) through which ASC will assist SNU in designing the curriculum for its programs along with assisting SNU in identification and training of faculty. The partnership also established both faculty and student exchange programs. Students and faculty from both institutions will have the option of spending up to two semesters at Pennsylvania campus or at the SNU campus at Greater Noida.

Annenberg School for Communication

Nikhil Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University said, ‘The growth of communication and media in India has been exponential and India increasingly requires globally relevant research-led programs in communication. Annenberg is a globally renowned institution and stands at the forefront of education, research, and policy studies on the processes, nature, and consequences of existing and emerging media. We believe that this collaboration would help us leverage ASC’s proven track record of five decades in Communication Education and Research to create a world class communication program at the SNU School of Communication.”

Michael Delli Carpini, Dean, Annenberg School for Communication said, "The Annenberg School for Communication has been committed to responding to changes in both the nature of Communication as a social process and in Communication as a discipline. We see our partnership with the Shiv Nadar University as an opportunity help all aspiring communication professionals become better consumers and producers of public information, strengthen their understanding of the role of communication in their personal, professional and civic lives, and prepare them for private and public-sector leadership positions in communication-related and other fields. We look forward to an exciting partnership.”

Academic programs will commence in August 2013. Students completing the programs successfully will obtain a degree issued by Shiv Nadar University.

University of Plymouth partners with Kaziranga University

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2012, the University of Plymouth is another prominent British institution expanding its footprint in India.

Bill Rammell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth along with a delegation comprising Peter Ingram, Head of International Office and Professor Sanjay Sharma visited India in February 2012 to explore the possibility of collaborating with Indian varsities.  

University of Plymouth: India footprint

A memorandum of understanding has already been signed between Kaziranga University in Assam and the University of Plymouth. The agreement will open the doors for the sharing of learning resources, faculty resources. This will have long-term implications in terms of placements of Indian students in international markets and pave the way for development, research collaborations, and faculty and student exchange programmes.

A delegation from the institution will hold series of meetings with officials in India and work in areas of curriculum development, curriculum implementation and its assessment.

Kaziranga University coupled with Plymouth University’s expertise in areas including robotics, engineering, computing and environmental sciences will converge the three themes shaping the future of education, namely education and society, education and learning science, and education and learning tools, to form a new learning framework through their School of Management Studies and the School of Engineering. 

“Together with a research-informed curriculum, we embed employability skills throughout a student's journey altogether. More such agreements are expected to be signed in the near future,” said Rammell, adding that his university was excited to have collaborated with Kaziranga University. He said Assam was famous for having the highest population of the one–horned rhino and it would be a noble effort to save such a rare animal by creating awareness through global educational ventures.

Vilas M Salokhe, Vice–Chancellor of Kaziranga University said the university would start its academic session with courses in engineering and management. “The university aspires to become the centre of excellence for teaching and research by embracing diverse branches of learning such as health sciences, agriculture, environment, IT and allied subjects. Students will find ample opportunities to get an exposure to the best institutes and corporate houses in the country and abroad, “ Salokhe explained.

Rammell said there was an inherent link between higher education and economic growth and thus it was vital that universities delivered innovative and enterprising education to produce graduates who would thrive in the global market.