NEWS! Double Degree with the University of Hyderabad, India

Following the scientific and academic partnership agreement between the Department of Political and Social Sciences of the University of Pavia and the Department of Political Sciences of the University of Hyderabad (India), a Double Degree Programme has been established, enabling admitted students to obtain a double qualification: a Master’s Degree in African and Asian Studies (University of Pavia) and a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences (University of Hyderabad).

The language of instruction and research for the exchange programme is English. During their period of mobility at the partner university, students earn 60 credits, corresponding to one academic year, including research activities aimed at preparing their thesis. The study plan is defined annually by mutual agreement between the two universities, on the basis of their respective academic programmes.

During their period of study at the University of Hyderabad, students also earn 18 credits in Urdu. Hyderabad is one of South Asia’s major historical and cultural centres for the Urdu language. The city has played a fundamental role in the development of Urdu literary and intellectual production and continues to provide an important environment for learning the language. Knowledge of Urdu, the official language of Pakistan and one of the twenty-two officially recognised languages of India, provides access to written and oral sources of fundamental importance for the study of the history, politics, society, and culture of the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia. It also enables effective interaction in everyday contexts in both Urdu- and Hindi-speaking environments, as the two languages are closely related and mutually intelligible in oral communication, while differing primarily in their writing systems.

The programme also offers students the opportunity to explore topics such as gender studies, contemporary Indian politics and society, and postcolonial perspectives on international relations, complementing the curriculum of the Master’s Degree in African and Asian Studies with courses and approaches specific to the academic context of the partner university.

Located in southern India and serving as the capital of the state of Telangana, Hyderabad is one of the country’s major university and research centres. The city is home to important academic institutions and technology hubs, combining a rich historical and cultural heritage with a strong drive for innovation.

The Double Degree Programme forms part of the internationalisation strategy of the University of Pavia, promoting international mobility, academic dialogue, and joint education.