The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is a premier academic and research institution located in Manipal, a thriving coastal town in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It was granted Institution of Eminence status by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2020, and ranked as the Top Multi-Disciplinary Private University in India in 2024.

Taking forward the spirit of interdisciplinarity, MAHE has consolidated a dynamic new academic entity by merging six pre-existing institutes grounded in liberal arts education. The Manipal Institute of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (MISHA) represents the unification of six of MAHE’s most recognized centres and departments: the Centre for Excellence – Manipal Centre for Humanities (MCH), Manipal Centre for European Studies (MCES), Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences (GCPAS), Department of Philosophy (DOP), Department of Languages (DOL), and Department of Geopolitics and International Relations (DGIR). The newly formed institute has two campuses – one with a view of the Manipal Lake and the other overlooking the Manipal Valley.

The merger comes at a time when interdisciplinarity, contemporary focus, and multidimensional learning are shaping the future of liberal arts education globally and nationally. MISHA was created to foster a fluid, evolving learning environment that supports academic ecosystems where disciplines actively engage with one another.

The new structure aims to provide a highly individualized academic experience, allowing students to curate their programs from a wide range of courses and receive personalized guidance from domain experts in fulfilling their academic pursuits. The academic and research programs are designed to develop transferable skill sets such as critical thinking, observation and analysis, communication, and conceptual clarity, while building a strong sense of social awareness.

Courses are curated with faculty expertise to deepen focus and emphasize mentorship, enabling students to pursue research-intensive academic paths and gain admission to leading national and international institutions.

MISHA offers a complete suite of academic programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Its structure is based on contemporary pedagogical models that prioritize flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and research-led learning.

At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a BA/BA (Hons) with options to choose Majors, Double Majors, and Minors. The curriculum follows the Learning Pathways model, allowing combinations of subjects such as English, History, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Gender Studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, and European Languages like French and German. This model includes international collaborations with Deakin University (Australia) and the University of Southampton (UK).

 

The postgraduate portfolio includes MA programs in English, European Studies, History, Philosophy, and Sociology. Notably, the institute introduced India’s first MA program in Geopolitics and International Relations in 2010, offering students firsthand understanding of contemporary geopolitical issues through internships, site-visits, war games, debates, seminars, and simulation exercises.

Programs in Sanskrit Studies and Philosophy are also offered. MISHA’s MA graduates have gone on to pursue further studies at prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford, Cambridge University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Royal Holloway, The University of Western Ontario, University of Texas, New York University, University of Manchester, Michigan State University, University of Amsterdam, University of Oregon, York University (Canada), University of Massachusetts, and University of Kent, among others.

The Doctoral program spans the Humanities and Social Sciences and is designed to promote original, interdisciplinary research. PhD scholars undergo structured coursework and benefit from research workshops, international conference exposure, and close academic mentorship. The Institute places emphasis on early publication and scholarly dissemination, preparing candidates for both academic and policy-oriented careers.

The pedagogy at MISHA is inspired by global practices – ‘less lecture, more dialogue’ – to foster community-building. A defining feature of their ethos is the academic freedom granted to faculty, who design and teach only those courses they are deeply invested in, thereby ensuring high standards of both expertise and passion in the classroom. Another facet that sets them apart is the unmatched curatorial flexibility offered at the undergraduate level, allowing students to mix and match across eight majors and ten minors.

Meanwhile, the MA program showcases a deep commitment to personalisation and mentorship as students are required to identify their academic focus by the first semester itself and arrive at two research-based courses (Focus Area 1 and Focus Area 2) by the third semester. The two courses are tailored to the individual’s research interests by the faculty through personal investment and one-on-one guidance.

This strong academic foundation, combined with interdisciplinary training and research exposure, opens pathways to careers such as policy analyst, journalist, research associate, editor, teacher, diplomat, cultural programmer, translator, HR specialist, and communications executive. Many also pursue advanced degrees or join think tanks, NGOs, and international organizations like the UN and UNESCO.

The academic focus is supplemented by workshops, conferences, guest lectures, and seasonal schools. Student-led clubs in film, literature, theatre, music, and sports, along with access to the larger Manipal community, offer avenues for creative exploration and collaboration. The faculty and programs at MISHA guide students through a culture of choice, community, and mentorship.