In tune with the UN Sustainable Development Decade (2005-2015), and recognizing the increasing need for expertise and human resources to deal with the issues of sustainability, an innovative inter-disciplinary 2-year M.A. degree programme encompassing various facets of Sustainable Development is jointly offered by the Departments of Sociology and Ecology & Environmental Sciences of Pondicherry University.  This innovative PG programme is funded by a special grant of UGC under their Innovative Programme Support.
The learning programme consists of several web- based learning modules, covering both basic and applied aspects, closer interactions with the Government and the civil society organizations/groups & guest lectures by practitioners, facilitating application oriented interdisciplinary learning. The duration is 2 years (3 Semesters of course work + 1 semester field work).

Eligibility:
  Indian & foreign nationals with any Bachelors Degree (excluding linguistics) with a minimum second class marks (50 % and above) are eligible and those with commitment and aptitude to environmental and sustainable development issues will have an edge over others.

Fees:
  The approximate fees per semester would be Rs. 2,500 which works out to a total cost of less than Rs. 10,000 for the entire course.  The University also has a scheme for merit scholarships, merit-cum-means scholarships, freeships for deserving students.  The University also has an earn-while-you-learn scheme to a small number of deserving students

Facilities:
  The University has a good library and 24-hour Internet access through a 256 kbps wireless link.  A dedicated computer laboratory with sophisticated software and hardware for field work and research on sustainable development is being established with earmarked funds from the UGC. Hostel facilities (both for men & women) are available.  For the fourth semester, meritorious students will get placement opportunities with leading national and international GOs and NGOs for preparing their dissertation.  

Employment Opportunities:
  Local/National/International NGOs/ Government/ Organizations, besides self employment (as consultants)

Application Procedure:
  Prospective candidates can apply in A4 sized plain paper giving the following details affixing an attested photograph of the candidate: 1. Name; 2. Sex; 3. Date of Birth; 4. Degree Held/Appeared for (with name of the University/College); 5. Major Subject; 6. Year of Passing; 7.Percentage of Marks obtained in Part I, Part II and Part III of the degree course; 6. Whether belongs to SC/ST/Physically Handicapped; 7.  Address and Telephone Number; 8. Declaration that the facts given above are accurate; Signature.  Applications should be accompanied by a demand draft for Rs 300/- drawn in favour of the Finance Officer, Pondicherry University.  In the case of SC/ST and physically handicapped candidates, the amount is only Rs. 100/-.

Dead Line for Receipt of Completed Application is: 17th July 2005

Entrance Examination:
  Applicants satisfying the eligibility criteria should appear for the Entrance Examination to be held at the Department of Sociology, Pondicherry University at 10:00 AM on 18th July 2005.  No separate hall ticket will be sent; however, applicants should produce a copy of their application form along with attested self-photograph to be admitted to the entrance examination.  If selected, the candidate should come prepared to pay the first semester fees of approximately Rs. 3,000/- on 19th July 2005.