The Higher Education Review

Indian fashion is making waves on the global platform, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics and influencing international trends. From cinema-inspired designs to sustainable practices rooted in Indian heritage, the world is taking notice. Medhavi Skills University (MSU) leads in fashion education, merging Indian sensibilities with global standards through an innovative curriculum that combines practical learning and academic rigor.

By offering new-age fashion design and management programs, the university is preparing the next generation of fashion professionals to lead and innovate the world. The MSU which traces its origins to the Medhavi Foundation was founded in 2021. Recognized by UGC in 2022, MSU has dynamically established itself in fashion education.

Specialized Programs in Fashion Design & Management
MSU stands out for its innovative curriculum that integrates practical learning with theoretical knowledge. The university offers specialized programs such as a Bachelor's in Fashion Design and a BBA in Fashion Management, designed to meet the evolving demands of the fashion industry. Medhavi's unique multiple entry and exit programs, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, provide students with flexibility and the opportunity to tailor their education according to their career goals.

Further, collaboration with industry partners allows students to earn while they learn, providing them with practical skills and financial support. This approach ensures that students gain real-world experience and are industry-ready upon graduation.

Medhavi's curriculum incorporates the latest advancements in fashion technology and sustainable practices, preparing students to lead and innovate in the global fashion landscape.

Speaking more on this, Pravesh Dudani, the Founder and Chancellor of MSU says, “Our university is a renowned leader in fashion education due to our commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry through practical learning and robust industry partnerships. We foster a dynamic learning

environment that combines creativity, technology, and industry demands. By emphasizing future technologies and industry experience, we’re making Medhavians future-proof.”

Enhancing the Quality of Fashion Education
MSU's outcome-based curriculum ensures professional competencies for each course module. Unlike traditional theory-based education, MSU integrates industry standards directly into infrastructure and curriculum. This includes co-designing programs with industry partners, ensuring that students gain practical, hands-on experience.

Through on-the-job training and apprenticeships, students acquire full-time work experience during their studies. The assessment system focuses on continuous evaluation, with 40- 50% of marks from class assignments, attendance, and practicals.

To take skill-based higher education beyond classrooms, MSU devised the innovative Work Integrated Skill-based Higher Education (WISE) initiative. MSU collaborates with industry leaders to upskill, fresh skill and reskill learners and make them future-ready.

MSU WISE's ‘Learn and Earn’ model offers degrees with salary propositions to learners, along with a deep understanding of industry requirements. Moreover, aligning with NEP2020, students earn credits during their course which are accumulated in the Academic Bank of Credits for future utilization.

"Central to MSU's success is its faculty, a team comprising industry veterans who bring years of practical experience to the classroom"

To revolutionize the fashion industry, MSU joined hands with industry leader NIFD Global to offer new-age industry-aligned programs to students under WISE. The collaboration offers- B.Voc and M.Voc in Fashion Design and Interior Design and BBA in Design Management and Retail Management.

Central to MSU's success is its faculty, a team comprising industry veterans who bring years of practical experience to the classroom. Approximately 70-80% of the faculty members have extensive industry backgrounds, ensuring that students receive mentorship that is both insightful and up-to-date with current industry trends.

The university adopts a blended learning method that combines online and offline teaching methodologies, maximizing learning outcomes for students.

Here, students get to participate in expositions, fashion shows, and events where they can showcase their talent and learn from industry experts.

Commitment to Inclusive Education
MSU stands out for its comprehensive infrastructure designed to facilitate hands-on learning. The university's campuses feature well-equipped libraries, sports facilities, specialized laboratories, and a robust digital infrastructure. Its comprehensive learning management system ensures seamless access to course materials, recorded lectures, and interactive modules. Additionally, the university has an efficient online grievance-handling system to promptly address student concerns.

MSU is dedicated to inclusive education, offering a wide range of scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds. These scholarships include merit-based awards and need-based financial assistance, ensuring broader access to quality higher education. Special initiatives, such as scholarships for wards of armed forces personnel and indigenous communities, highlight the university's commitment to equity and empowerment.

MSU strives to build D.E.I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in their campuses and workspaces, empowering all communities with acceptance and equal opportunities.

Strong Industry-Academia Partnerships
The university pioneers fostering industry-academia partnerships, which are central to its educational approach. By working closely with corporate entities and government organizations, Medhavi ensures its curriculum stays relevant and aligned with industry needs. Co-designed curriculums and joint programs and initiatives provide students with real-world experience, preparing them thoroughly for professional success.

Looking ahead, MSU plans to further utilize and promote the flexibility offered by the National Education Policy (NEP) to empower its educational programs. Future innovations in teaching will focus on incorporating emerging technologies, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and utilizing frameworks like the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

In conclusion, MSU embodies a forward-looking approach to higher education, particularly in fashion and is set to shape the next generation of fashion professionals in India.