Jamshedpur: Kolhan University is all set to start a two-year masters of arts (MA) in education course from the upcoming academic session 2018-19.

The decision was taken during the academic council meeting attended by vice chancellor Shukla Mahant and pro vice chancellor Ranjeet Kumar Singh at the varsity headquarters in Chaibasa on Wednesday.

According to Kolhan University proctor and spokesperson A.K. Jha, the new course will be different from the existing MEd, which is a NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education)-approved professional course catering to aspiring teachers.

"To study MA in education one needs to have a BEd degree or must have at least one paper in education in graduation. The two-year course will not only cater to teachers but anyone having an interest in educational studies and social work will be benefited from it," said Jha, adding after completing MA in education one can undertake research in topics like eighteenth-century educational philosophy, anti-racist pedagogy, youth sub-cultures or the impact of social media on contemporary education.

On the other hand, the academic council also approved of the university's decision to sign an MoU with Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, a wing of Brahma Kumaris, to impart value education in colleges.

"It was a long-standing demand. Even our honourable chancellor and governor Droupadi Murmu had suggested that we should impart value education in colleges," added Jha.

It was also decided that SP College, Chandil, will start a postgraduation course in history and Hindi and Jamshedpur Worker's College in Urdu, history and political science. Besides, MCom course will start in Baharagora College and LBSM College.

In another decision Kolhan University has asked all colleges to upload admission forms on the website www.kolhanuniversity.ac.in at the earliest.

The admission date has been extended to July 16 from earlier June 30. Colleges have also been asked to set up a help desks to solve all admission queries.