The Publics Petition dated 11-11-1839 initiated the establishment of Madras University. It was in January 1840 with Mr.George Norton as its President, The University Board was constituted. In 1984 after a lapse of 14 years Government of India formulated a systematic educational policy for India and as a sequel to this on 5th September 1857 by an act of legislative council of India. The University of organised and the Model of London University.

Madras University is the mother of almost all the Old Universities of Southern India. The University area of Jurisdiction has been confined to, however, 3 districts of Tamil Nadu in recent years. This is consequent to establishment of various Universities in the State and demarcation of the University territories. This University has been growing from strength to strength while widening its teaching and research activities.

The Organisation structure of Madras University encompuses :

1. The Senate
2. The Syndicate
3. The Academic Council
4. The Faculties
5. The Finance Committee
6. The Board of Studies

His excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu is the Chancellor of The University.

The Vice-Chancellor who is appointed by a term period is the principle executive officer. The Registrar of the University Who is the Secretary of the Syndicate is the custodian of all the records and Chief Administrator. Yet another function the Examination of the University is managed by Office of the Controller of Examinations.

The University imparts both Under Graduate and Post Graduate Education to the Affiliated Institutions which are spread over the district of Chennai, Thrivallur and Kanchipuram. Apart from teaching research activities in Arts, Humanities, Science, Management and Technology are the main portals at the University. A number of institutions affiliated to Madras University Concentrate in research activities were Ph.D., Programme is available in the respective specialisations.

University has also offer teaching and Research in 4 Campuses of Madras University. The University Department of study and Research which are 68 Departments spread over in 4 Campuses organised into 18 Schools offer Post Graduate Courses in respective specialisation part time and full time Ph.D. Programmes, Diploma and Certificate Programmes.

Accessing the need for educating large number of the people in the Country The University offered both under Graduate and Post Graduate education through the Institute of Correspondence Education of the University of Madras. The Institute which is popularly called ICE of Madras offers courses both under Open University System and Regular formal University system. Some of the courses offered by ICE as no parallel in this country to name a few,

1. B. Music - Traditional Indian Music
2. M. Music - Indian Music at Post Graduate level
3. M.A. in Vaishnavism and Christian Studies - The courses of religious Philosophy

M.Sc. in Psychology and M.Sc. in Geography - well designed practical and Professional training for the aspiring graduate in the respective specialisations.

In recent years, The University by its quality education has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with the highest rating. The UGC has recognised as the first centre for potentials of excellence in the Country.

Courses offered:

• 2-year MBA (Regular and Self-Suppotive).
  Eligibility: Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree of the University of Madras or any other University or a qualification accepted by the Syndicate of this University as equivalent thereto.
  Selection Prcdure: Selection is made on the basis of marks obtained in the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) conducted by Anna University on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, following the Community - wise reservation as stipulated by the Government. Therefore, the candidates (including other State candidates) who aspire for admission in the University of Madras have to appear for the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET). 15% supernumerary seats are available for MBA (regular). Last date for issue of applications:) June. Last date for submission of completed applications: June. Test: May.
  
  
• Part - Time P.G. Diploma courses in Marketing Management, Foreign Trade, Materials Management, Financial Management and Health Administration, Computer Management, Information Management.
  Eligibility: Candidates who have qualified for a degree of this University or of any other University or a Diploma in any branch of Engineering awarded of State Board for Technical Education, Tamil Nadu or an examination recognized by the Syndicate as wquivalent thereto. And Two years Professional experience after earning the Degree and in the case of Diploma the experience shall be not less than five years after earning the Diploma.