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BA Liberal Arts at DYPIU

B.A.- Liberal Arts (Hons.)

Program Overview

The B.A. (Hons. / Hons. with Research) Liberal Arts programme offers a rigorous, flexible, and interdisciplinary undergraduate education designed to develop intellectually agile, socially responsible, and industry-ready graduates. Structured as a four-year programme with multiple entry and exit options in alignment with NEP 2020, the curriculum provides a strong foundation in the Humanities and Social Sciences while enabling students to progressively specialise in Psychology or English.

Spread across eight semesters, the programme integrates perspectives from Liberal Arts, Psychology, English Literature, Applied English Language, Storytelling, Film and Society, Statistics, Digital Humanities, Artificial Intelligence, Human Values and Ethics, Indian Knowledge Systems, Sustainability, and Global Studies, among other courses. This broad-based yet focused approach equips students to understand human behaviour, society, culture, communication, and contemporary social challenges in depth.

The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication through a carefully sequenced blend of Core Courses, Major Courses, Minor Courses, Discipline-Specific and Interdisciplinary Electives, Multidisciplinary Courses, Ability Enhancement Courses, Skill Enhancement Courses, and Value-Added Courses, including summer internships. Students receive structured training in academic writing, research methodology, leadership, and persuasion, enabling them to analyse complex issues and articulate ideas with clarity across written, oral, and digital platforms.

Experiential learning is a defining strength of the programme. Internships are embedded across academic years, complemented by field projects, project-based learning, interdisciplinary assignments, and a substantial research dissertation in the final year for students opting for Honours with Research.

In the Psychology track, students build a strong foundation in Cognitive, Social, Biological, Counselling, Organisational, and Health Psychology, supported by Research Methodology, Advanced Statistics, and hands-on field engagement. This prepares them for research pathways, mental health–adjacent roles (non-clinical), and people-centric professions.

In the English track, students engage deeply with British, American, Indian, and World Literatures, along with courses in Research Methodology, Indian Writing in English and Translation Studies, Literary Forms and Movements, and Creative Writing. Opportunities for public-facing literary engagement—such as festivals, book discussions, and cultural events—further strengthen analytical, interpretive, and cultural competencies.

Graduates of the programme are well prepared for diverse career pathways, including Human Resources, Learning and Development, Mental Health Support Services (non-clinical roles), Media and Content Development, Publishing, Education, NGOs, Public Policy and Development Organisations, Cultural and Creative Industries, Corporate Communication, Research Assistance, and Social Enterprises. The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Psychology, English, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Liberal Studies, and other interdisciplinary fields, as well as preparation for competitive examinations.

Program Objectives:
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding and application of interdisciplinary knowledge across the Humanities and Social Sciences, with particular emphasis on human behaviour, cognition, culture, and communication.
  • Apply critical, analytical, and reflective thinking skills to identify, evaluate, and address complex academic and real-world problems with creativity, clarity, and intellectual rigour.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in written, oral, and digital communication, effectively adapting ideas and research findings to diverse audiences and professional contexts.
  • Cultivate leadership attributes and collaborative competencies required for effective teamwork in diverse, inclusive, and interdisciplinary environments.
  • Foster an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset to conceptualise, initiate, and manage projects or ventures with a focus on sustainability, ethical responsibility, and social impact.
  • Develop global awareness and intercultural competence through engagement with diverse cultures, perspectives, and contemporary global issues.
  • Integrate ethical principles, human values, and sustainable practices into personal and professional decision-making, ensuring responsible, socially conscious, and culturally grounded action.

Program Outcomes (POs) :

Upon successful completion of the B.A. (Hons.) Liberal Arts programme, graduates will be able to:

  • PO1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and integration of concepts, theories, and perspectives from the Humanities and Social Sciences to analyse human behaviour, culture, society, and communication.
  • PO2. Apply critical, analytical, and reflective thinking to evaluate information, interpret complex issues, and formulate well-reasoned arguments and solutions.
  • PO3. Design and conduct basic research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods, including data interpretation, academic writing, and evidence-based analysis.
  • PO4. Demonstrate effective written, oral, and digital communication skills suitable for academic, professional, and public contexts.
  • PO5. Integrate ethical principles, human values, and social responsibility in personal, academic, and professional decision-making.
  • PO6. Exhibit awareness of diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues while demonstrating intercultural competence and responsible global citizenship.
  • PO7. Work effectively in teams, demonstrate leadership qualities, and contribute constructively in diverse and interdisciplinary environments.
  • PO8. Apply creative thinking, storytelling, and innovative approaches to interpret ideas, produce original content, and address real-world challenges.
  • PO9. Utilise digital tools, statistical reasoning, and data-informed approaches to analyse social phenomena and communicate insights effectively.
  • PO10. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and professional competencies required for higher education, employment, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning.

Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs)

    PSO1: Psychology Track
  • PSO1.1 Demonstrate foundational knowledge of major domains of psychology including cognitive, social, biological, counselling, organisational, and health psychology.
  • PSO1.2 Apply research methods and statistical techniques to investigate psychological phenomena and human behaviour.
  • PSO1.3 Analyse individual and group behaviour within social, organisational, and cultural contexts using psychological frameworks.
  • PSO1.4 Demonstrate ethical awareness and sensitivity in addressing mental health–related and people-centric issues in non-clinical professional settings.
  • PSO2: English Track
  • PSO2.1 Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of British, American, Indian, and World Literatures and their historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.
  • PSO2.2 Analyse literary texts using diverse critical approaches and interpretive frameworks.
  • PSO2.3 Produce effective academic, creative, and professional writing across multiple genres and platforms.
  • PSO2.4 Engage with translation studies, storytelling, and literary forms to interpret and create culturally informed narratives.

Program Educational Outcomes (PEOs)

  • PEO1. Pursue successful careers or higher education in fields such as psychology, media and communication, education, publishing, human resources, public policy, development sector, research, and related interdisciplinary domains.
  • PEO2. Demonstrate ethical leadership, social responsibility, and commitment to addressing societal challenges through informed and culturally sensitive perspectives.
  • PEO3. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills to solve complex problems in professional, community, or academic contexts.
  • PEO4. Engage in research, knowledge dissemination, and innovation, contributing to academic scholarship, policy discourse, or professional practice.
  • PEO5. Demonstrate adaptability, global awareness, and commitment to lifelong learning in an evolving social, technological, and professional landscape.

Assessment

Courses shall include Continuous Assessment, Mid-Term Examinations, and End-Term Examinations, as determined by the School. Certain courses may be evaluated entirely through Continuous Assessment, depending on their nature and learning outcomes.

Standard of Passing

Student performance in each course shall be evaluated using a relative grading system. To successfully pass a course, students must independently satisfy the minimum passing requirements in the Continuous Assessment, the Mid-Term Examinations, and the End-Term Examination components (where applicable).

A minimum grade point of 4.00 is required to pass a course. Students securing less than 40% in any evaluation component shall be declared “Fail” in that course.

The University shall award a Certificate, Diploma, Degree, or Degree with Honours to students who attain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.00 on a 10-point scale in the respective programme, subject to the fulfilment of all prescribed academic requirements.

Course and Specialisation

  • Psychology
  • English

Award of Degree

  • Certificate in Liberal Arts: Shall be conferred at the end of the second semester, subject to satisfactory academic performance in all semester examinations, attainment of a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 10-point scale, and successful completion of the prescribed 4-credit summer internship.
  • Diploma in Liberal Arts: Shall be conferred at the end of the fourth semester, subject to satisfactory academic performance in all semester examinations, attainment of a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 10-point scale, and successful completion of the prescribed 4-credit summer internship.
  • B.A. in Liberal Arts (Applicable Track): Shall be conferred at the end of the sixth semester in the applicable track, subject to satisfactory academic performance in all semester examinations and attainment of a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 10-point scale.
  • B.A. (Hons. / Hons. with Research) in Liberal Arts (Applicable Track): Shall be conferred at the end of the eighth semester in the applicable track, subject to satisfactory academic performance in all semester examinations and attainment of a minimum CGPA of 4.00 on a 10-point scale, along with fulfilment of all additional requirements prescribed for the Honours or Honours with Research pathway.
Course Structure

Psychology Track

Graduates of the Psychology track develop a strong understanding of human behaviour, cognition, and social interaction, along with analytical and research skills that are highly valued across people-oriented professions. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme enables students to apply psychological principles in organisational, educational, and community contexts.

Potential career pathways include:

  • Human Resources and Talent Management
  • Learning and Development
  • Organisational Behaviour and Workplace Well-being
  • Mental Health Support Services (Non-clinical roles)
  • Counselling Support and Community Outreach
  • Social and Development Sector Organisations
  • Market Research and Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • Behavioural Research and Research Assistance
  • Educational and Academic Support Roles

The track also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Psychology, including areas such as Counselling Psychology, Organisational Psychology, Clinical Psychology (with further professional training), Applied Psychology, Behavioural Sciences, and other interdisciplinary programmes.

English Track

Graduates of the English track acquire advanced competencies in literary analysis, critical interpretation, communication, and creative expression. The programme prepares students for a wide range of careers that require strong writing, analytical thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills.

Potential career pathways include:

  • Media and Content Development
  • Publishing and Editorial Work
  • Journalism and Digital Media
  • Corporate Communication and Public Relations
  • Advertising and Creative Industries
  • Cultural and Literary Organisations
  • Education and Academic Support
  • Scriptwriting and Storytelling for Film and Digital Platforms
  • Translation and Language Services

The programme also prepares students for higher studies in English, Literature, Cultural Studies, Media Studies, Communication, Linguistics, Public Policy, and other interdisciplinary humanities programmes.

Why Study B.A. (Hons.) Liberal Arts at DYPIU?

The B.A. (Hons.) Liberal Arts programme at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune offers a distinctive undergraduate experience that combines academic depth, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world engagement. Designed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the programme prepares students to become thoughtful scholars, adaptable professionals, and responsible global citizens.

  • The programme brings together diverse perspectives from the Humanities and Social Sciences, allowing students to explore connections between disciplines such as psychology, literature, communication, culture, and society. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to understand complex real-world challenges from multiple viewpoints.
  • Students have the opportunity to pursue specialised tracks in Psychology or English, enabling them to develop deeper expertise while continuing to benefit from the broad intellectual foundation of a Liberal Arts education.
  • From early semesters, students receive training in research methodology, academic writing, and analytical inquiry. Those opting for the Honours with Research pathway undertake an independent research dissertation and contribute to scholarly work, preparing them for postgraduate study and academic careers.
  • The curriculum emphasises internships, fieldwork, project-based learning, and community engagement, ensuring that students gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. These experiences help students build professional competencies and apply classroom learning to real-world contexts.
  • Students develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, persuasive communication, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and digital literacy. These transferable skills enable graduates to succeed across a wide range of professional domains.
  • Courses in Human Values and Ethics, Indian Knowledge Systems, Wellbeing, and Global Studies cultivate socially responsible thinking and encourage students to engage thoughtfully with global challenges and cultural diversity.
  • With its four-year structure and multiple entry–exit options, the programme offers flexibility while maintaining academic rigour. Students can progressively specialise and shape their academic journey according to their interests and career aspirations.
  • Graduates of the programme are well prepared for careers in human resources, media and communication, publishing, education, research, social development, cultural industries, and corporate communication, as well as for postgraduate studies in psychology, English, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
Tracks
  • Psychology
  • English

Psychology Track

The Psychology track provides students with a comprehensive and scientifically grounded understanding of human behaviour, cognition, and mental processes. The curriculum is designed to build a strong conceptual foundation across key domains of psychology while equipping students with essential research and analytical skills required to study human behaviour in diverse social and organisational contexts.

Students engage with core areas of psychology, enabling them to explore how individuals think, learn, interact, and adapt within complex social environments. These areas provide insights into psychological processes including perception, memory, motivation, personality, emotional regulation, group dynamics, workplace behaviour, and psychological well-being.

The track is further strengthened by training in Research Methodology and Statistics, which equip students with the ability to design and conduct psychological research, analyse behavioural data, and interpret empirical findings using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Through structured coursework, students develop competencies in research design, data analysis, critical evaluation of scientific literature, and academic writing.

Experiential learning forms a key component of the track. Field engagement, internships, and project-based learning allow students to observe and analyse human behaviour in real-world settings such as educational institutions, organisations, community initiatives, and social service environments. These experiences foster practical understanding of psychological principles and ethical considerations in working with individuals and groups.

The track also prepares graduates for research-oriented pathways, mental health–adjacent roles in non-clinical settings, and people-centred professions such as human resources, organisational development, learning and development, counselling support services, community development, and social impact organisations. It also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in psychology and related interdisciplinary fields.

English Track

The English track offers students a rich engagement with literature, language, and cultural expression across historical periods and global contexts. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, interpretive skills, and creative expression by encouraging students to explore literary texts as reflections of social, cultural, and philosophical ideas.

Students study a wide range of literary traditions including British, American, Indian, and World Literatures, examining how literary works engage with themes such as identity, power, culture, colonialism, gender, and social transformation. These courses provide both historical and theoretical perspectives, enabling students to analyse literary texts within their broader cultural and intellectual contexts.

The track also incorporates specialised courses such as Indian Writing in English, Translation Studies, Literary Forms and Movements, and Creative Writing, which allow students to explore diverse modes of literary production and interpretation. Through these courses, students develop skills in textual analysis, critical theory, literary criticism, and original writing across genres including fiction, poetry, essays, and narrative storytelling.

Research-oriented training is provided through Research Methodology, enabling students to undertake independent literary research, develop scholarly arguments, and engage with academic discourse in the field of literary and cultural studies.

Beyond the classroom, the programme encourages public-facing literary engagement, providing opportunities for students to participate in literary festivals, book discussions, cultural events, storytelling initiatives, and creative writing forums. Such activities strengthen interpretive, communicative, and cultural competencies while exposing students to contemporary literary and cultural conversations.

Graduates of the English track are well prepared for careers in media and content development, publishing, corporate communication, education, cultural and creative industries, journalism, and digital storytelling, as well as for advanced study in English, literature, cultural studies, communication, functional English and related disciplines.

Eligibility & Fees

Duration – 48 months (Multiple Entry–Exit Framework).

Eligibility:

Candidates must have passed XII (10+2) or an equivalent examination from any recognized Board with a minimum of 45% marks or an equivalent grade (40% marks or equivalent grade for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/PWD candidates).
Students opting for Honours with Research must secure a minimum of 7.5 CGPA at the end of the relevant semester, as per the University norms. For the award of Honours with Research, students are required to publish two research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Medium of Instruction

English

Program Pattern

Semester

Selection Procedure:

  • Entrance Examination
  • Personal interaction and interview
  • Tuition Fee: Rs. 1,00,000 per semester
  • Registration Fee: Rs. 2,500 per semester
  • Caution Deposit: Rs. 10,000 (Refundable at the end of the program)

*Semester fees are subject to change as per the approval of the Fee Fixation Committee.

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Prospectus