The School of Social Sciences and International Studies is the second largest School of the Pondicherry University, consisting of 5 Departments and 5 Centres which are: the Departments of Anthropology, History, Sociology, Social Work and Politics and International Studies and the Centres for Women’s Studies, Study of Social Inclusion, South Asian Studies, Maritime Studies and European Studies. The School offers 25 Programmes, which include a Four-Year Honours Programme, a Five-Year Integrated MA Programme, a Master’s Programme and a Doctoral Research Programme leading to Ph. D. Degree.

The faculty members of the School, having had their Ph. D. Degrees from premier institutions in India and abroad, cater to the learning requirements of 1400 plus students and Ph. D. Scholars across the different disciplines. The School is recognized along the length and breadth of India through the distinguished Alumni, serving in educational institutions of importance. The School’s strength is its inter-disciplinary approach and rigorous academic training, coupled with practical exposure in the field. Due to the dedicated contribution of the teachers the students either go for higher education or get placed in institutions of national importance. Some of them are presently enrolled in Universities in Europe and USA for further studies.

The School has to its credit 10 MOUs with International Institutions and another 12 MoUs with national and regional educational institutions, Industries, research foundations and NGOs. The MOUs lead towards knowledge sharing, exchange of students and teachers, collaborative research and Training Programmes and conferences.

A unique initiative is a Dual Degree Programme under MOU with the French University of Paris 1. Meritorious students from either side obtain Dual Degrees, viz. Master of Arts in Social and Economic Administration and Law from the Pondicherry University and Licence Administration Économique et Sociale from the University of Paris- 1. During 2022 and 2024, eighteen Indian students got Dual Degrees

The School of Social Sciences and International Studies at Pondicherry University stands out for its comprehensive academic offerings, strong research orientation, and commitment to producing socially responsible and globally aware individuals. Its collaborations, innovative programmes and focus on interdisciplinary learning make it a leading centre for social science education in India. As the Dean of the School, I have great pleasure in welcoming young minds to join any of the disciplines of the School of Social Sciences and International Studies and get the advantage of studying in the evergreen campus of the prestigious Pondicherry University.