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The University of Cochin came into existence, following a legislation enacted by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 1971. The then Chief Minister of Kerala, C. Atchuta Menon, was very keen to see that a University is established in Cochin. In 1986, it was elevated as a “Science and Technology University”, turning the dream of many a visionary into reality.
Within a short span of time, CUSAT became well known in the international academic circuit as a centre for excellence in Science and Technology research, with a number of exchange programmes for faculty and students. Several collaborative pacts were signed for the exchange of the methodology and technology of learning and teaching, with reputed institutions in the USA, Russia, Europe, Japan and Korea.
CUSAT conducts nation-wide entrance examinations to select the candidates for its graduate courses., and there are further departmental tests for post-graduate courses. The University Grants Commission of India has recognized CUSAT as the premier learning centre for Laser and Opto-Electronics. The central Ministry of Human Resources Development has allotted several research and study departments to CUSAT. Close to a thousand technical papers are coming out from the University every year.
The motto of CUSAT, "tejaswin/avadita/mastu", meaning "let learning make us shine bright", has proved to be so prophetically self-fulfilling.
What makes CUSAT stand out from the other universities in Kerala is not the fact that it is an exclusive science and technology university but also that it is home to the Department of Ship Technology, the first (and the only one) of its kind in the Country. The department , CUSAT's "very own", is arguably the pride of the University, and is one of the country’s most prominent Naval Architecture departments. The Department opened in 1975, with the aim of nurturing and moulding a highly effective young generation of naval architects. With the active collaboration and exchange of ideas with top scientific institutions, universities abroad and shipyards in India, the modern technological practices ship design and construction were systematically imparted to the students. The association established with the Rostok University of Germany in 1978 proved to be the most pivotal one for an accelerated growth of the Department. As the course curriculum is drawn up after prolonged consultations with eminent experts from a number of educational institutions and industrial houses, it maintains consistent international standards. The course encourages the students to be moulded through a hands-on approach towards the industry, by arranging for Industrial Apprenticeships for two months every year. Students attach themselves to leading national and international shipyards, Classification societies and design consultancies. This apprenticeship has turned out to be mutually beneficial for the industry as well as for the students.
The students of the B Tech course in Naval Architecture are equipped to set foot into the vast world of Marine Engineering as well, by virtue of the award of the MOT certificate by the Ministry of Surface Transport of the Government of India. There can be no better testimonial for the excellence of the Department than the recommendation of the Department by the Indian Navy for the pursuance of higher studies by its officers. Behind the meritorious track-record of the department there lies the tales of relentless hard work and dedication of the faculty members over the years. The Department has a well-equipped library , which is a virtual treasure-trove of books on ships and related themes, a modern computer centre and well-equipped laboratory and workshops. The faculty's various members have, between them, more than a hundred research publications. The placement history of the Department has been consistent and enviable, with top firms in the industry from all over the world ready to recruit the students even before they pass out.
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So far, 29 batches have graduated from the Department. The course was totally residential in the beginning with 15 students in a batch. The duration, which used to be five years originally, is now reduced to four years. With the increase in facilities, the intake has been increased to 36 of which twelve seats are reserved for the Indian Navy.
The Society of Naval Architecture Students (SNAS), which is the Student’s body of the Department of Ship Technology, plays a central role in creating cohesion and visibility for the Department as well as for the students. SNAS is responsible to bring out an annual technical journal, "Shipstechnic", which publishes research papers and articles by the students and experts from the Industry and academia. Shipstechnic is widely popular in the Industry circles, and over the last 25 editions of Shipstechnic, the journal has managed to carve a niche in the industry as a one-of-its kind publication.
The Ship Technology department is an integral part of the cultural arena in CUSAT. The department's annual cultural fest, called "Anchorage", has a pan-South Indian ambit, and was noted for enthusiastic participation. The department bagged the overall champion’s title for four consecutive years in the prestigious “Talent Time” contest organized by the Management students of CUSAT.
Unity, fraternity and mutual co-operation inculcated in the students during their days in the Ship Technology Department is carried over in to the Professional Careers and the graduates have formed vibrant Alumni associations in various parts of the World. The Alumni have active Chapters in Europe, USA, Middle East, South East Asia and in India. Close cooperation between the Alumni and Alumni Chapters is fostered through frequent meetings where knowledge-sharing pertinent to the latest industry trends occurs. The various Alumni chapters are actively involved in promoting Technical Seminars regionally, arranging International Seminars and various other activities to re-inforce the sense of belonging amongst the members.
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