CHENNAI: Madras University on Friday announced its decision to discontinue the MPhil degree in university departments, affiliated colleges and research institutions from 2021-22 academic year.
The pre-research degree lost its sheen after the University Grants Commission made PhD, NET and SLET as minimum qualification for appointment of faculty members in colleges and universities.
The degree was only used as preparatory course for a PhD degree.
“As per the decision taken by the syndicate, no admission is allowed and entertained in the MPhil programme in university departments, affiliated colleges, autonomous colleges and research institutions from 2021-22,” a circular from registrar of the university to all college principals said.
“However, the candidates admitted during the previous academic years shall be allowed to complete their studies within stipulated time limit prescribed by the University of Madras for the award of MPhil degree,” the circular added.
There are around 130 colleges under the jurisdiction of the University of Madras.
“The colleges with postgraduate courses used to offer MPhil course.
Following the announcement that teachers will not get a pay hike for completing an MPhil degree by Tamil Nadu government, the enrolment in the course has come down,” a university official said.
Among the state universities, Madurai Kamaraj University has already discontinued the course and Madras University is the second state university to discontinue it.