Mumbai University introduces more than 500 open elective courses

This year, the University of Mumbai (MU) has introduced over 510 new open elective courses comprising humanities, science, commerce, technology, and other disciplines. Among the new EO courses, 200 are from humanities, over 100 are from sciences, 81 are from the commerce stream, 88 are from interdisciplinary courses, and 28 are from the technology field.

According to the Hindustan Times reports, MU has also shortlisted a few courses which will be uploaded on the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) SWAYAM portal, where students can access them online for free.

The move gives students the chance to study subjects beyond their main subjects, helping them learn new things, build skills, and keep their career options open. More than 550 professors spent two years creating and finalising the new curriculum.

Also read Mumbai University CDOE extends registration deadline for distance courses till October 11

MU’s vice chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni said: “The impact of electives is already visible. Students are excited to explore beyond their main subjects. A science student can now earn credits in music, while an arts student can learn chemistry,”

MU’s new elective courses

According to the HT reports, the new elective courses blur the lines between subjects, making it easier to connect unrelated areas, such as economics and psychology. For insurance, an economics student can explore topics such as gender economics, health economics, climate change, and resource management.

Meanwhile, a psychology student can choose subjects like behavioral economics, peace psychology, consumer psychology, and psychology for conservation and climate change. This flexibility allows students to add value to their academic experience and equips them with multiple skills.

“This range ensures that students are not restricted to one narrow path. Instead, they can build personalised journeys that reflect their passions and goals,” Kulkarni further added.

He also said the new electives are rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allows flexibility, holistic learning, and removal of boundaries between different fields of study.

Furthermore, he added new electives that also have creative options such as Urdu shayari, daily life chemistry, Marathi songs, gardening, and small-scale farming, which let students explore their personal interests alongside their main studies.