Vice-Chancellor attends historic graduation in Pune
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell attended Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to present certificates to the first cohort of students to graduate from the Blended Bachelor of Science (BSc Blended) program.
The BSc Blended program was jointly developed by the University of Melbourne and SSPU in 2016.
The program provides opportunities for students to undertake postgraduate study in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
BSc Blended graduates are eligible to apply for equivalent postgraduate Science programs at the University of Melbourne. The University of Melbourne also recognises the qualifications of the BSc Blended students who wish to explore postgraduate options at other institutions.
Similarly, BSc Blended graduates are eligible to apply for relevant Master of Science (MSc) programs at SPPU. SPPU and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research will promote the qualifications of BSc Blended students who are considering postgraduate options at other institutions in India.
One of the first BSc graduates, Rucha Patil, has started in the Master of BioSciences course at the University of Melbourne. Another, Soumitra Bhide, will begin the same course in 2020.
Earlier this year Soumitra came first out of nearly 11 000 students in India’s JAM (Joint Administration MSc) Test in the biological sciences category.
Professor Maskell said he was delighted to be at SPPU to meet the latest graduating class.
“I’d like to congratulate the students who have graduated from the Bachelor of Science (Blended) program,” Professor Maskell said.
“In particular, I am excited to be in Pune to meet the graduates and present their certificates. The Bachelor of Science (Blended) is an important part of the University’s undergraduate course offering and I look forward to returning to Pune in the future to meet many more graduates.”
Professor Maskell said that following the success of the Blended program, the University is looking to expand its relationship with SPPU.
“The success of the Blended program has shown that there is an opportunity for the University to do more with SPPU,” Professor Maskell said.
“In the coming week, senior staff from the University will meet with staff from SPPU in Pune to discuss potential opportunities to establish similar blended programs in arts and social sciences.”