SABS University Jamshoro Approves Major Curriculum Reforms, New Associate Degree Programmes

SABS University has approved major academic and curriculum reforms during the third meeting of its Academic Council.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto. The Council reviewed several academic matters and approved key proposals covering curriculum development, programme structures and academic policies.

The decisions focus on Higher Education Commission (HEC) policies, outcome-based education and updated academic programmes. The Council also approved new Associate Degree Programmes in several disciplines.

Fine Arts Programme Gets Revised Curriculum

The Council approved the revised Scheme of Studies for the four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programme at SABS University.

It also approved the Associate Degree Programme (ADP) in Fine Arts. The revised programmes will apply to students from the 2025 batch onwards.

The changes follow the HEC Undergraduate Education Policy 2025 and revised Fine Arts curricula.

FBR IRIS Glitches Threaten Taxpayers With Late-Filing Penalties, PCDMA Warns

The Council also approved assessment criteria for the eighth-semester Final Thesis Project of the Fine Arts Department.

Architecture Curriculum Updated

For Architecture, the Council approved revised course contents for the third to fifth years of the B.Arch. programme at SABS University.

It also approved Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs), Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and a revised Scheme of Studies for the 2025 batch onwards.

Course contents for the first and second semesters of the first year also received approval.

The changes aim to strengthen academic outcomes and align the programme with updated HEC requirements.

New Associate Degree in Interior Design

The Interior Design programme also received major academic updates.

The Council approved the revised Scheme of Studies, PEOs and PLOs for the Bachelor of Interior Design (B.I.D.) programme at SABS University.

It also approved revised course contents for the Foundation Year and sixth to eighth semesters.

A major decision involved the introduction of a two-year Associate Degree Programme in Interior Design from the 2026 batch onwards.

The Council approved the first-year course contents for the new programme. It also approved internship regulations for both B.Arch. and B.I.D. programmes.

Textile Design Programmes Expand

The Council approved mission statements for the Department of Textile Design, Bachelor of Textile Design and Bachelor of Fashion Design programmes at SABS University.

Members also discussed strategic planning directions for the Department of Textile Design.

The Council approved syllabi for the first and second semesters of the 2025 batch in line with revised HEC curricula.

It also approved the Associate Degree Programme in Textile Design and its four-semester syllabus.

Communication Design Adds New Programmes

The Communication Design Department presented proposals for new academic programmes.

The Council approved recommendations to launch two new Associate Degree Programmes.

It also considered and approved recommended Schemes of Studies for the department’s programmes for further implementation at SABS University.

Academic and Examination Policies Reviewed

The meeting also covered wider academic and administrative matters.

The Council reviewed and recommended Semester and Examination Regulations for 2026 and onwards.

It approved admission policies for the Fall 2025–26 and Fall 2026 admission sessions. Members also endorsed the Academic Calendar for 2025–26.

These decisions aim to provide clearer academic procedures for students and departments at SABS University.

HEC Outcome-Based Education Discussed

The Council discussed HEC communications concerning the standardisation of graduate attributes through Programme Learning Outcomes.

Members also reviewed the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in undergraduate Art and Design programmes.

The objectives and composition of the National Task Force (NTF) were also discussed. The task force will review degree programmes and curricula in the context of Industrial Revolution 5.0.

Standard Course Coding Pattern Considered

The meeting also discussed a standardised course coding pattern for all bachelor’s programmes at SABS University.

The proposed system follows the HEC framework. A standard coding structure could help improve consistency in academic records and course identification across departments.

The Council considered the proposal as part of its wider academic reform agenda.

Academic Council Members Attend Meeting

Deputy Secretary Universities and Boards Department, Government of Sindh, Labika Ikram, attended the meeting.

Eminent Academic Council members Babar N. Shaikh, Ar. Maria Aslam and Tazeen Hussain also participated.

Acting Registrar Muhammad Suleman Bhutto attended along with Chairpersons Shaukat Ali Khokhar, Muhammad Saleem Jhatial and Ar. Fahad Shams Nizamani.

Faculty members Fazal Ellahi Khan, Rajkumar, Zubair Ahmed Bhutto, Saba Qayoom Laghari and Rabia Pir Bux also attended.

Senior Librarian Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah and In-charge Examinations Munawar Hussain Laghari were present. Director QEC Dr. Shabina Shaikh attended as an observer.

Ar. Irfan Brohi and Chander Kumar also delivered presentations on matters related to their respective departments and sections.

The third Academic Council meeting highlights SABS University‘s focus on curriculum development, HEC alignment and outcome-based education.

The approval of new Associate Degree Programmes will also expand academic opportunities in art, design and related disciplines.