Manipal Academy of Higher Education’s Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (MISHA) is offering a two-year MA that blends humanities and social-science study with supervised research. The program begins with foundation coursework, then lets students choose a specialisation in the second semester from English, European Studies, History, Philosophy or Sociology. The final semester is reserved for original thesis work.
Key facts
- The MA is offered by MISHA at MAHE Manipal.
- It runs for two years and is designed around multidisciplinary learning and research.
- Students choose a domain specialisation after the first semester from five options.
- The final semester focuses on an original research thesis with faculty mentorship.
- Program fees are listed at INR 2,16,000 for general candidates and USD 3,500 for NRI/foreign candidates.
What does this mean for students?
For applicants who want an MA that combines broad disciplinary exposure with a single field of concentration, the program is structured to move from foundation study to specialised coursework and then to thesis writing. MISHA says students can build advanced disciplinary knowledge while also developing research and writing skills that support doctoral study and professional roles.
The admission route listed on the program page includes an online application, the MISHA admission form, a personal interview, a provisional admission offer and admission formalities. Eligibility is set at a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent.
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: bachelor’s degree in any discipline with 50% aggregate or equivalent
- Fee: INR 2,16,000 general; USD 3,500 NRI/foreign
- Specialisation options: English, European Studies, History, Philosophy, Sociology
How is the program structured?
The first semester comprises five foundation courses from different disciplines. By the end of that semester, students choose their specialisation. In the second semester, they study four domain courses and a research methods course. The program says students earn 40 credits by the end of the first year.
That structure is intended to combine breadth and depth: students are introduced to multiple disciplinary methods before narrowing into a chosen area of study. MISHA also says the curriculum includes interactive learning, MOOCs and self-directed study.
Why does MISHA link this MA to research training?
The program frames thesis writing as a core feature, not an add-on. Students are expected to work under faculty mentorship on an original piece of research in the final semester, with the aim of building the writing, analytical and scholarly skills needed for advanced study and research-oriented careers.
Beyond the thesis, the program highlights workshops, conferences, guest lectures and the option to learn foreign and Indian languages when offered as open electives or certificate courses. MISHA also points to international partner universities as a route to study abroad exchange or dual-degree options.
What scholarships are listed?
MAHE says scholarships are available for postgraduate students under several categories, including children of MAHE alumni, international scholarship, achiever category, scholar category, Konkani-speaking students, AGES scholarships and SAGES scholarship. The page also notes that continuation of a fee waiver depends on academic progression and conduct conditions, and that students who leave before completion may have to reimburse the total program fee for the scholarship years used.
The scholarship section says the award for subsequent years remains the same as granted at admission, but only students who clear all subjects in the previous year’s university examinations before the annual fee due date remain eligible for continued fee waiver.
FAQs
What is the eligibility for the MA at MISHA?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent.
What are the fees for the program?
The listed total program fee is INR 2,16,000 for general candidates and USD 3,500 for NRI/foreign candidates.
