About the Department
About the Department
Established in 1932, the Department of Geography at the University of Madras is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. With a legacy spanning over nine decades, the Department has built a strong reputation for excellence in both teaching and research.
The academic scope of the Department expanded significantly in 1976 with the introduction of the M.Sc. in Applied Geography and the strengthening of its faculty. Since then, the Department has continued to enhance its academic offerings through regular curriculum updates, ensuring alignment with emerging trends and global standards.
Demonstrating its commitment to academic innovation, the Department was among the first to adopt the Credit-Based Semester System (CBSS), later transitioning to the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), thereby providing students with greater flexibility and academic choice.
Academic Programmes
The Department currently offers academic programmes leading to M.Sc., M.Tech., and Ph.D. degrees. A central focus across these programmes is the integration of geospatial technology and its applications in sustainable resource planning and management. Through these advanced academic offerings, the Department of Geography at the University of Madras equips students and researchers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary environmental and developmental challenges.
M.Sc. APPLIED Geography
The M.Sc. Applied Geography Programme is a specialised one with heavy inputs on applied aspects of the discipline especially GIS, EIA and Remote Sensing. The intake of students is limited to 20. The success of the training imparted to the students is reflected in their ready absorption in jobs and in specialised research programmes.
M.Tech Geoinformatics
The MTech in Geoinformatics Programme at the University of Madras is an outstanding academic programme that provides high quality trainingin the fundamentals of spatial data modelling, analysis, and application.
The curriculum covers geospatial principles, techniques, and technologies, computational tools and techniques, digital map creation, 3D modelling, remote sensing image processing, data management and analysis, and 3D spatial modelling alongside coding and programming aspects.
- The programme is structured into four semesters and offers students a balance of classroom instruction and hands-on project-based learning opportunities.
Under the supervision of experienced faculty members, students develop an in-depth knowledge of the subject areas of their specialization through lecture-based instruction and laboratory-based projects. They learn how to apply their knowledge to solve real-world issues.
PhD. Programme
The Ph.D. programme is a specialised one with emphasis on socially relevant research such as agricultural and rural geography, watershed management, ground water resources,natural hazards and climate change, integrated area of planning, urban and metropolitan problems, quantitative and spatial analysis in geography,disparities in availability and access to resources, urbanisation and mental health,health care delivery systems and other environmental problems along various other relevant themes from physical, economic and social geography.
Institutional Collaborations and Academic Outreach
The Department of Geography has actively contributed to various state-level research and development initiatives. It has provided technical and academic support to the State Planning Department, the Ground Water Department of Tamil Nadu, the Water Resources Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Institute of Remote Sensing at Anna University. These collaborations have focused on the application of geospatial technologies and scientific research for informed policy-making and sustainable resource management.
In addition, the Department has built strong academic and professional linkages with premier national and state-level institutions, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO), the Survey of India, the Land and Survey Records Department of Tamil Nadu, the Town and Country Planning Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), among others.
To enhance the quality of geography education in its affiliated colleges, the Department has taken an active role in organizing Curriculum Development Programmes, Workshops, and Refresher Courses. These initiatives aim to update and standardize geography instruction in alignment with current academic and technological trends.
In recent years, faculty members have expanded their engagement through advisory roles and consultancy projects with both social impact and commercial relevance. Several high-profile consultancy assignments have been successfully completed, reflecting the Department’s growing presence in applied research and policy consultation.
International Collaborations
The Department of Geography has progressively expanded its international partnerships through collaborations with foreign universities, academic institutions, and research organizations. These collaborations have significantly enhanced the Department's academic and research profile. Key milestones include:
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1991: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the University of Madras and the University of Waterloo, Canada, under a linkage initiative funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). This partnership marked a pivotal shift towards the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing into core Geography curricula. As a result, the GIS Laboratory was established under the leadership of Prof. Ramesh.
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1996: An Indo-Australian Symposium on Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality was sponsored by RMIT University, Australia, fostering academic exchange in emerging areas of interdisciplinary research.
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2005: In collaboration with Staffordshire University, UK, and supported by the Commonwealth, the Department developed an M.A. programme in Sustainable Development, designed specifically for students from Indian Ocean countries.
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2009: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Staffordshire University and the University of Northampton (UK) to jointly offer online degree programmes, further strengthening the Department's global academic outreach.
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2011: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the University of Salzburg, Austria, to jointly offer online academic programmes, including an M.Sc. in Geographic Information Science & Systems and a Professional Diploma in Geographic Information Science & Systems.
Objective
• To provide both a theoretical and practical education of the highest calibre in the fields of geography and geoinformatics.
• To provide geoinformatics training to faculty members and students at the constituent colleges.
• To take on local, national, and worldwide projects that are socially significant.
• Choosing underserved locations for extension efforts.
Mission
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Vision
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RESEARCH AND INDUSTRIAL OUTREACH PROJECTS
In collaboration with significant government agencies, the department has been actively pursuing and working on initiatives that are contemporary and pertinent to the welfare of the public.
Occupying anactiverole in the University Industry Community Interaction Centre’s activities the department has been a leader in offering our services to members of the community.
The Department of Science and Technology (NRDMS), the Indian Council of Medical Research, the University Grants Commission, and the Central Waqf Board are some of the many organisations with whom the department has worked.
MILESTONE EVENTS
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YEAR
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EVENT
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1932
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Inception of the Department with Diploma Course
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1940
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Beginning of Enrolment for M.Litt. in the Department
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1948
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B.A./B.Sc. Honours Courses started under Inter Collegiate Co-Operative Scheme (QMC, Vivekananda College and University Department)
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1964
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Beginning of Enrolment for Ph.D.
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1973
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Orientation Courses for college Teachers
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1976
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Award of 1st Ph.D. Degree in the Department
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1976
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Introduction of M.Sc. Applied Geography in the Department under Semester System
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1976
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Introduction of the M.Phil. Degree
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1976
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All India Symposium on Resource Development and Planning
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1977
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Award of 1st M.Phil. Degree
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1979
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All India Advanced Summer Institute in Geography
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1979
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Indo British Seminar on Regional Development Policies in Developing Countries
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1980
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Inter Institutional Workshop on optional of Services:
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1981
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IGU working Group on Geography and Health Symposium on "Incidence of Infectious and Chronic Diseases: Geographical perspectives"
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1982
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The fourth National Cartographic Conference
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1985
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Instituting Pro. V. L. S. Prakasa Rao Geography Award
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1987
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Introduction of M.Sc. Cartography course
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1987
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Indian Geographical Society Diamond Jubilee Celebration National seminar on urban Growth. Water Supply and sanitation
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1987
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Instituting Indian Geographical Society Awards (1) Prof. B. M. Thirunaranan Award and (2) Dr. A.R. Irawathy Award
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1989
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Indian Geographical society seminar at Coimbatore centre on "Women and Job Resources"
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1990
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Indian Geographical society seminar at Thuvakudi centre on "Land and Water Resources"
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1991
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Seminar on Environment impact assessment sponsored by UGC and the Department of Geography.
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1991
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Indian Geographical society seminar at Kumbakonam Centre, on Environment and Rural Development
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1991
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MOU signed between the University of Madras and University of Waterloo, Canada for linkage programme, sponsored by CIDA, Canada
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1992
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Workshop on Introductory Remote Sensing and Geographic Information system conducted by Madras- Waterloo linkage programme
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1993
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National Workshop on Digital image processing
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1993
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Workshop on GIS for college Teaching
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1994
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Introduction of UGC SAP(DRS)
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1994
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Workshop on Application of GIS for Aquaculture Development, Bay of Bengal project
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1995
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Workshop on Slum Ecology
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