BENGALURU: Students of the master’s course in communication at Bangalore University want the title of their course retained. Recently, the Syndicate and Academic Council directed a change in nomenclature for some courses, in keeping with guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
A university order issued on June 19, 2015 says MS in communication is now called MA in mass communication and journalism. That changes the stream from science to arts.
“We have taken the first semester exams as students of MS in communication and the second as MA in mass communication and journalism,” a student said.
Before taking such an important decision, the university should have consulted students, the class chorused.
“We want the title of MS Communication retained for the current batch,” another student said.
The issue has already reached the Lokayukta, Human Rights Commission and the Karnataka State Council for Higher Education. “We have lodged complaints with all these authorities,” she said.
The point of contention is that the MS communication course falls under the science stream, while the MA in mass communication and journalism is considered an arts course. “The university is cheating us. We want our degree certificates to say MS in communication,” a student explained.
But why not next year?
Students are confused about what to write on their K-SET and NET application forms. Such exams open doors to higher studies and jobs. “We have appeared for the first semester exams as MS communciation students, and second semester as students of MA in mass communication and journalism. What will our marks cards and degree certificates say? And what do we write on our NET and K-SET applications?” a student demanded to know.