Multidisciplinary
The institution integrates Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary courses as a core component of the CBCSS curriculum, which was introduced in 2010 and revised in 2013 by the Academic Council, University of Kerala. The first four semesters of all CBCSS programmes ensure interdisciplinarity as its kernel structure. Every student, regardless of their chosen First Degree Programme, must complete a Common Course (Language Course) and a foundation Course (Environmental Studies and Disaster Management) in English (two courses each in Semesters 1 and 2, and one course each in Semesters 3 and 4). Students must also select a second language—Hindi, Malayalam, or Tamil—during the first four semesters. This requirement enhances their understanding of regional and classical languages and cultures. Another pertinent factor is that the learner must also study Complementary Courses from other disciplines as per the CBCSS regulations of the University of Kerala. Furthermore, students who are admitted to the First Degree Programme in Malayalam must study a course each in the classical language – Sanskrit, in the first four semesters. In the fifth semester, the students have the option to select an Open Course, which is designed and designated by the University of Kerala and available across all programs. VTM NSS College, Dhanuvachapuram, offers 11 programs, each providing one Open Course per discipline, including an Open Course in Health and Fitness, offered by the Department of Physical Education. These courses expand the students’ knowledge base by allowing them to engage in multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary studies and ensure the required credits to complete the First Degree Programme. Most Open Courses focus on skill or capability enhancement, helping students develop pathways beyond their primary field of study. Additionally, various departments, including the Central Library, offer Add-on Courses that cover skill enhancement, soft skills, life skills, and computational skills. As of July 2024, the institution has adopted the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) under the University of Kerala, in tune with the National Education Policy. The new programme was introduced in 2023-24 by the Kerala State Higher Education Council in association with the affiliating universities across the state. The four-year program includes Discipline Specific and Specialisation Courses, such as Major, Minor, Ability Enhancement Courses, Multidisciplinary Courses, Value Added Courses, Skill Enhancement Courses, internships, and research with honours. Students can choose from a variety of courses available in the College Course Basket. The faculty members of the institution are also members of the Academic Council and various Board of Studies constituted by the affiliating university and have contributed their expertise in formulating the Curriculum framework, regulations, syllabus, and scheme of Four Year Undergraduate Degree Programmes.