Somaiya Vidyavihar University is transforming the landscape of arts and humanities education in India through its innovative portfolio of postgraduate and liberal arts programs. The university's Dr. Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Art and Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies are introducing groundbreaking initiatives that combine rigorous academic scholarship with practical, real-world engagement, creating an educational experience that is both immersive and future-ready.
At the center of this educational revolution is the MA Art History and Visual Studies program, which represents Mumbai's first MFA-track initiative in this field. This pioneering program is specifically designed to equip students with the essential skills, industry connections, and cultural fluency needed to work effectively within the global art ecosystem. The program stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining academic depth with professional immersion while training students to engage with art from diverse perspectives including Indian, South Asian, European, American, and African viewpoints.
The MA Art History and Visual Studies program offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that traces India's rich artistic heritage across classical, modern, and contemporary periods. Students explore fascinating intersections with anthropology, literature, gender studies, semiotics, and sociology, gaining a holistic understanding of how art forms evolve and communicate meaning across different time periods and cultures. The curriculum includes extensive archival and curatorial training, opportunities for original research, and hands-on experience in examining cultural expressions.
Complementing this flagship program is the MA Writing and Art Criticism course, another innovative offering from Somaiya that focuses on developing both creative and critical writing skills. This specialized program is particularly relevant for professionals aspiring to become art writers and curators, with experienced faculty members teaching both programs. The faculty roster includes practitioners, writers, critics, curators, gallerists, auctioneers, historians, sociologists, poets, translators, and teachers from across the country, bringing diverse expertise and real-world experience to the classroom.
The programs integrate publishing, curation, and museum experience directly into their core curriculum through strategic partnerships that provide students with access to leading museums, galleries, and media houses. This hands-on exposure is enhanced by innovative learning tools, including AI-powered initiatives, multilingual scholarships, and specialized translation training, ensuring students are prepared for the evolving demands of the art and culture sectors.
Expanding beyond specialized art programs, Somaiya Vidyavihar University offers BA (Hons) and MA Liberal Arts programs through its School of Civilisation Studies. These comprehensive programs are helping shift India's higher education narrative away from traditional rote learning toward interdisciplinary fluency, critical thinking, and civic engagement. By blending literature, philosophy, social sciences, and creative practice, these degrees enable students to think across boundaries, engage meaningfully with social issues, and participate actively in India's cultural and intellectual life.
The four-year Bachelor of Liberal Arts program allows students to major in diverse fields such as Anthropology, Literature, History, Philosophy, Area/Asian Studies, and Political Science. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and communication skills through seminars, expert lectures, and close mentorship relationships. Building on this foundation, the two-year Master of Liberal Arts program, launching in 2025-2026, offers deeper exploration of disciplines like History, Anthropology, Area Studies, and Indian and World Literature from civilizational and critical perspectives.
Dr. Gaurav Gadgil, Associate Professor at Somaiya School of Civilisation Studies, emphasized the university's educational philosophy: "At Somaiya Vidyavihar University, we believe that arts and liberal arts education must inspire curiosity, engage on contemporary issues and encourage cross-disciplinary thinking. Our programmes impart students with critical thinking abilities and practical skills. This empowers them to become thought leaders who will shape the future across sectors of journalism, policy making, creativity, and public service."
Mr. Abhay Sardesai, Director of Dr. Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Art, highlighted the school's vision: "At the Dr. Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Art, we see art education as a bridge between tradition and innovation. Through our Masters programmes in Art History and in Art Writing & Criticism, we equip students to engage critically with diverse cultural expressions while sharpening their analytical and creative skills. Our aim is to nurture thinkers, writers, and curators who can shape conversations around art and culture in India and beyond."
The comprehensive programs prepare graduates for diverse career paths in academia, cultural institutions, publishing, civil services, diplomacy, media, and beyond. Students develop interdisciplinary fluency, research expertise, and the ability to engage effectively with both global and regional issues. With its combination of scholarly rigor, industry integration, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Somaiya Vidyavihar University is establishing new standards for arts and humanities education in India, positioning itself as a leading institution for cultivating the next generation of art historians, critics, curators, and cultural policy leaders.
