TISS will offer 3 dual degree programmes

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is making its first foray into dual degree programmes. Three Masters programmes of one-year duration to be offered by the School of Social Work are presently being developed.

“There is a huge need for trained personnel in various areas,” said professor S Parasuraman, Tiss director. “These programmes will be super-specialty courses, and candidates will undergo intensive training. The programmes are an attempt to address those areas where there is a dearth of skilled personnel in our country.”

The three programmes will be on public policy, mental health and the management of non-profit organisations. The first will be open for students currently studying a Masters course at the Tiss and interested in pursuing super-specialisation as well as for working professionals in need of additional capabilities.

The programme on mental health is slated to be launched in June 2011. It is being started in association with the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

“Students who do their Masters in social work and want to specialise in mental health can apply. They will spend six months each at the Tiss and in Belgium,” said Parasuraman.