M.A. in Media and Cultural Studies in Mumbai

We, at TISS, are working to radically transform our academic culture and spirit that have long been constrained by structural bottlenecks and the meagre and consistently declining resources available to universities. One of the most significant initiatives undertaken during the X Plan period was the comprehensive restructuring of the academic structure and programmes. Academic collaboration and networking with other institutions, both in India and overseas, is a priority area. We expect these collaborations to strengthen our capacities to fulfill our vision of being an institution of excellence in higher education that develops and applies knowledge in pursuit of social justice and human rights for all. By instituting chairs, fellowships and scholarships, we seek to further strengthen independent research, in a climate of intellectual rigour and academic freedom. We are upscaling our capacity to develop and disseminate print, electronic and audio-visual knowledge resources, thus enabling us to reach out and deepen our dialogue with civil society. We are also seeking to augment and upgrade our academic, administrative and infrastructural capacities. Drawing on the nourishment from close relationship with government, inter-governmental, academic, communities and NGOs, industry and other civil society groups and our alumni, the TISS hopes to meet the new challenges that we face as we strike a new path. Vision To be an institution of excellence in higher education that continually responds to the changing social realities through the development and application of knowledge, towards creating a people-centred and ecologically sustainable society that promotes and protects the dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all, with special emphasis on marginalised and vulnerable groups. Mission In pursuance of its vision and guiding principles, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences organises teaching programmes to facilitate the development of competent and committed professionals for practice, research and teaching; undertakes research; develops and disseminates knowledge; and reaches out to the larger community through extension, at the local, national, regional and international levels. Guiding Principles Deriving from the vision, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences is guided by the following principles: -Appreciation of and respect for freedom of expression and cultural, ideological and intellectual diversity; -Equal opportunities for all and non-discrimination on grounds of caste, class, gender, sexual preference, religion, and disability; -Accountability and transparency in all work matters; -Decision-making in management and organisational processes, which is collective, participatory and non-hierarchical; -Pedagogy which is participatory and experiential, fostering dialogue, mutual learning and critical reflection; -Emphasis on rigour, creativity and innovation in academic activities; -Recognition of the synergy resulting from teamwork, including multi-disciplinary perspectives and trans-disciplinary collaborations; -Creation of an enabling environment that fosters teamwork, cooperation and mutual support; -Development of interlinkages across teaching, research and extension; -Fostering of a spirit of self-reflection and critical appreciation.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was established in 1936, as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work. Its establishment was the result of the decision of the Trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust to accept Dr. Clifford Manshardt's vision of a post-graduate school of social work of national stature that would engage in a continuous study of Indian social issues and problems, and impart education in social work to meet the emerging need for trained human resources. In 1944, the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work was renamed as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The year 1964 was an important landmark in the history of the Institute, when it was recognised as a Deemed University by the Government of India (GoI).Since then, the TISS has been expanding continuously in terms of educational programmes and infrastructure. While responding to the changing needs of the social and educational system in the country, the Institute has gone far beyond the initial concern of social work education. Since its inception in 1936, the TISS has consistently worked for the promotion of sustainable, equitable and participatory development, social welfare and social justice through: -Value-based professional education in social work, human resources management, health administration, hospital administration, disaster management and other human service professions; -Social research and dissemination of socially relevant knowledge; -Social intervention through training and field action projects; -Contribution to social and welfare policy and programme formulation at the state, national and international levels; and -Professional response to natural and human-made disasters, through relief, rehabilitation and disaster management. Over the years, the Institute has made consistent contributions to civil society and the development sector, through its education, research, field action and extension and today, the TISS has earned recognition as an institution of repute from different Ministries of the GoI; various State Governments; international agencies such as the United Nations; and the non-government sector, both national and international. A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the positive work ethos and creativity in the Institute facilitating strong linkages between education, research, field action and dissemination, whose bulwark is a commitment and responsiveness to social needs.