MA in Communication for Sustainable Development

The MA in Communication for a Sustainable Development (CSD) is designed to equip students with the analytical tools, practical skills, and contextual knowledge required to work at the intersection of communication, development, sustainability, and public policy. This programme draws from interdisciplinary traditions, bringing together critical media studies, development communication, sustainability practices, public policy, and South Asian studies with an aim to produce graduates who are both policy-aware and practice-ready. Moreover, the course entails expertise of academics, policy thinkers, and practitioners from the field bridging the gap between theories and practices.

Offered at the Faculty of Social Sciences, this MA programme has one-year stream with internship opportunities or development project report writing in the second semester. The two-year MA programme is divided into four semesters that offers a combination of compulsory and optional courses. Last two semester will have mandatory dissertation, internship and research seminar.

This unique MA programme is offered in collaboration with the Moody College of Communication and the South Asia Institute of University of Texas-Austin (UT-Austin) as Knowledge Partners, adding a global and multidisciplinary outlook to the curriculum. The Global Development Network (GDN) serves as the Development Partner, enhancing the programme's links to development practice, research, and policy engagement, connecting academics with practice.

One-Year Programme

A candidate must have passed Bachelor’s degree under 10+2+4 pattern from a recognized institution or an examination recognized by the University as its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks (or an equivalent grade).

Two-Year Programme

A candidate must have passed a Bachelor’s degree under 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern from a recognized institution or an examination recognized by the University as its equivalent with a minimum of 55% marks (or an equivalent grade).

Note : In the case where Master's Programme is available in one as well as in two-year format, the candidates are advised to choose the programme appropriately as per their eligibility. In case, a candidate has opted for one-year programme and later it is found that he/she is not eligible for the one-year programme but is eligible for the two-year programme, he/she will be offered the two-year programme. Moreover, if eligible for both, at the time of admission, the switch between one-year and two-year programmes is allowed.

Modes of Admission

Admission to various Master’s programmes is offered through two modes:

1. SAU Entrance Test Mode:

• For Indian Candidates: Center-based online tests conducted by the University.
• For other SAARC Candidates (excluding India): Proctored online tests on stipulated dates.

2. Direct Admission Mode (Without SAU Entrance Test):

• In India: Based on scores from national-level tests (Like JEE/CUET/NEET/CAT/CLAT/NET/GATE etc).
• In Other SAARC Countries: Based on national-level test scores or qualifying examination results from recognized institutions.
• For Non-SAARC Candidates: Based on scores obtained in their qualifying examination.

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Note: Vacant seats in one category will be transferred to another category.

• The duration of the Entrance Test will be 2 hours.
• The question paper will consist of 70 multiple choice questions.
• There will be no negative marking.

The syllabus for the entrance test comprises issues of development, sustainability, society, and culture in South Asia. Multiple-choice questions will be asked to assess students’ general knowledge and awareness of issues of topical importance in the afore-mentioned areas.

For a sample test paper , Click Here.