FOUR YEAR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME (FYUGP) STRUCTURE

The University of Kerala has introduced the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (UoK-FYUGP) from the academic year 2024–2025. The programme follows a flexible, multidisciplinary and choice-based curriculum with provisions for Major, Minor, multiple academic pathways, multiple entry/exit options, internship and research.

1. Semester

The FYUGP consists of 8 semesters for the four-year programme. The first three years comprise six semesters, after which a student may exit with a three-year Undergraduate Degree. Students continuing to the fourth year complete Semesters VII and VIII and may obtain a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) or Bachelor’s Degree (Honours with Research).

2. Course

Each course carries a specified number of credits. In the UoK-FYUGP, the major Discipline Specific Courses (DSC) and Discipline Specific Elective Courses (DSE) generally carry 4 credits, while the general foundation courses such as AEC, SEC, MDC and VAC generally carry 3 credits. The Summer Internship/field-based learning component carries 2 credits.

3. Major Course

The Major is the principal discipline selected by the student. It consists of Discipline Specific Core (DSC) and Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) courses. For the three-year UG Degree, a minimum of 68 credits is required from the Major. For the four-year UG Degree, the Major component requires 88 credits.

4. Minor Course

Students may choose a Minor discipline in addition to their Major. The Minor provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in another discipline. A minimum of 24 credits is required for the Minor in the three-year UG pathway. In the four-year programme, students may acquire additional advanced-level credits depending on the academic pathway selected.

5. Ability Enhancement Course (AEC)

Ability Enhancement Courses are intended to develop language, communication, critical reading, writing and related abilities. A total of 4 AEC courses carrying 12 credits are included. English and another language are offered through the AEC component.

6. Multi-Disciplinary Course (MDC)

Multi-Disciplinary Courses provide students with exposure to disciplines outside their Major and Minor. Students complete 3 MDC courses carrying 9 credits during the first three years. The third MDC includes Kerala Studies and may be offered through English/Other Language departments.

7. Skill Enhancement Course (SEC)

Skill Enhancement Courses are designed to develop practical, professional and employability-oriented skills. Students complete 3 SEC courses carrying 9 credits.

8. Value Addition Course (VAC)

Value Addition Courses are intended to develop values, ethics, social responsibility, environmental awareness and other broader competencies. Students complete 3 VAC courses carrying 9 credits.

9. Internship / Field-Based Learning

Students are required to undertake Summer Internship, field-based learning or equivalent experiential learning. The internship component carries 2 credits.

10. Research Project / Dissertation / Additional Courses

Students continuing to the fourth year may undertake a Research Project, Internship Project or prescribed additional advanced-level courses. The Honours with Research pathway includes a 12-credit research/project component in the fourth year.

11. Three-Year UG Degree – Exit Option

A student who successfully completes 6 semesters and acquires 133 credits may exit the programme with a three-year Undergraduate Degree with Major.

12. Four-Year UG Degree

Students continuing for 8 semesters and acquiring 177 credits are eligible for the four-year Undergraduate Degree. Depending on the pathway and eligibility, the student may be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) or Bachelor’s Degree (Honours with Research).

14. Academic Pathways

The UoK-FYUGP provides flexibility to select different academic pathways, including:

1. Major with Minor
2. Major with Multiple Disciplines

Students have opportunities to choose or modify their academic pathway subject to the University’s regulations and availability of courses.

15. Honours and Honours with Research

After completion of four years, students may be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree (Honours). Students satisfying the prescribed eligibility requirements may opt for the Honours with Research pathway, which includes advanced-level study and a research project.

The University regulations specify that students who secure the required academic performance may opt for the Honours with Research stream in the fourth year.

16. Flexibility and Multidisciplinary Learning

The FYUGP provides students with flexibility in choosing Major, Minor and multidisciplinary courses. Students are exposed to language learning, skill development, value education, multidisciplinary subjects, internships and advanced/research-oriented learning.