University of Madras M.A Review By Lakshmi Prathyusha

University of Madras is a very renowned institution in India and has 5 campuses. The University is NAAC A+. It is known for its rich history for being one among the three important universities established during British India. The university currently comprising of different departments from Commerce to Physics, Law to Theology studies is offering a unique study environment and exposure. The campus of Chepauk and Marina is very special because of the sea view. The main campus of Chepauk has a Senate House which was once Legislative Assembly of Madras Presidency. The library at campus has very old archival of books. The university also provides facility for hostels and open education.

I am pursuing MA Public Administration at Madras University Chepauk campus. The course is comprehensively designed to support the new era demands of UPSC and NET exam preparation. The library is useful for referring to the books and support from staff for better understanding makes the learning experience comfortable. The admission to this course starts with notification on official website for application to the course. Later the applications are scrutinized and entrance test dates will be notified. The candidates successful in the test are given the opportunity for learning at the department of Politics and Public Administration. This department as of now (2024-2026) offers three courses Masters in Political Science, Masters in International Relation and Masters in Public Administration. In the previous academic year 2023-2025 only two courses were offered MA Public Administration and MA Political Science. The CBCS pattern of curriculum allows multiple ways for exploring different subjects.

The teaching style of staff of our department is lecture based and practical exposure related to subject needs some improvement. However, the relationship between staff and student is friendly and supportive. There is greater bonding and there is a parental touch in approach.

There is a placement cell in the Guindy Campus of the University which actually is the placement cell for all the campuses. They arrange for the placement of the students. This area for Humanities is to be given special efforts.

The university provides hostel facilities at Taramani where there are separate hostels for girls and boys. The hostel infrastructure is good and has a great open space for play and hangout. The girl’s hostel faces certain issues since the mess is located only at the boy’s hostel. The food is transported from boys hostel mess to girl’s hostel. The quality of food is good. The ventilation at rooms is decent. It is really enjoyable experience at hostel. The hostel is away from campus and not within the campus. The hostel provides both vegetarian and non vegetarian food as per designed menu.

The infrastructure of Chepauk campus is historical and cinematic since it is a campus built during the British period. The library, Parking, Canteen, e-library, free Wi-Fi is making the learning experience a joyful journey. There is great open space at Chepauk campus where you can sit and enjoy the leisure time.

Overall the campus life supports you to bring out the best. The people and staff are friendly and there is no ragging. The Pongal event, Onam event, departmental clubs, campus structure and panel discussion and other activities provide you lot of opportunities for putting test on your skills and develop great insights. The majority is Tamil speaking crowd and you can also find people from other states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There are also some North eastern students in the campus. Occasionally, you can spot some other nations students. This diversity is somewhat moderate as per geographic region criteria. The best place in Chennai along the sea shore would be University of Madras Chepauk.