JOIN US'Diplomatic red tape might delay dual degree programme'
The launch of a dual degree programme, offered jointly by University of Mysore (UoM) and Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom might be delayed due to diplomatic red tape, said Michael Thorne, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, here on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press meet, he said that even though both the varsities were eager to start the classes as soon as possible, “Government rules and regulations might delay the programme”, he said.
Students who enrol for the dual degree programme at University of Mysore, will study alternate semesters at Anglia Ruskin University. Issues related to student and faculty exchange will have to be sorted out prior to the beginning of the course, he said.
However, Vice Chancellor of UoM, K S Rangappa was hopeful that the dual degree programme will start by the next academic year. Recalling that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the varsities last year, he said that the programme would provide international exposure to students, while promoting admissions at the varsity.
The dual degrees will be offered in Business stream, he added.
Investment
A total of 10 vice chancellors from different parts of South East Asia, participated in a conference at UoM, to discuss the various developments in the field of higher education in the region.
Speaking about the conference, Michael said that governments should allocate a larger portion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and education. “It might seem that share markets are good places to invest one’s money in. But, governments must realise that money invested in education will be returned six fold, and is one of the most profitable sectors for investment,” he said.
Speaking about the condition of women in Islamic countries of the world, he said that education among women in such countries was improving in the past several years. “Many women are getting enrolled for higher education courses in countries such as Malaysia, which is good sign,” he said.
The conference, he said, discussed the role of universities in contributing to the economy of a country, measures to increase employability skill of students and steps to support and encourage entrepreneurship among students.
Rangappa said that the government should give more scholarships for research and the incentives provided for research scholars should be increased. “There are meritorious students who are attracted to professional courses, since research activities gets little support in the country. The government should try to encourage meritorious students in taking up research,” he said.
Encouraging research would result in the development of products and services, which were driving forces for a developing economy, he said.