Overview

The MA in South Asian Studies — The Idea of South Asia is a research-led, interdisciplinary postgraduate programme offered jointly by the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Liberal Arts and the Advanced Study Institute of Asia (ASIA) at SGT University. It is designed to develop analytically strong graduates capable of understanding India through its historical, cultural, political, and economic dimensions. Moving beyond traditional descriptive approaches, the programme treats India as a dynamic field shaped by competing narratives, institutional structures, and lived social realities.

Structured around four interconnected domains—history, culture, politics, and economy—the programme encourages students to examine how these areas interact to shape both past and present realities. It is offered in both one-year (intensive, globally aligned) and two-year (in-depth, research-oriented) formats, providing flexibility while maintaining academic rigour. Students also engage in integrated specialisations such as Political Economy, Public Policy, Cultural Policy, and Development Studies, combining theoretical insights with practical exposure.

The programme emphasises seminar-based learning, where students actively participate in discussions, critically engage with texts, and develop independent perspectives. Assessment is entirely research-driven, including essays, seminar papers, and a final dissertation, aligning with the standards of leading international humanities and social science programmes.