The academic programmes in the University Departments are conducted in the frame work of credit and semester system. The Schools have tie-up with UGC, FIST, DRS, DST, ISRO, COSIST, CSIR, DAAD, STEC, ICMR, BARC, MOEF, ICCSR, ICHR and IED and taken up 70 Research Projects.

The University Departments have an excellent track record in collaborative teaching and research work. It Includes cooperation with Rennes Institute of Political Science, France, Bucknell University, USA, McGill University, Montreal Canada, Earlham College, Richmond, USA, EHESS, Paris, Toronto University,Catholic University, Belgium, Max Plank Institute of Technology, Germany, California, Institute of Technology, USA, University of Nantos, France, Edinburgh University, City University, USA, Ruth Cohn Institute of Theme Centred Interaction, Switzerland and Jinan University, Guang dong, China

At present, Mahatma Gandhi University offers research facilities and guidance in over 40 disciplines through its own Departments as well as 114 approved research Centres. The University is in the process of setting up a dedicated Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre, in order to promote research, acquisition of IPR's and technology transfer.

The university campus at Priyadarsini Hills hosts ten statutory teaching and research departments, University Library, Administration, Hostels and Guest house.

Currently, Mahatma Gandhi University is led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajan Gurukkal, who is a distinguished Social Scientist by profession. The Vice Chancellor is assisted by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajan Varghese, the Syndicate (Executive Body), the Senate and the Academic Council (Apex Academic Body). The university is an autonomous institution with the Governor of the State as its Chancellor. The University has established Advanced Centres of Study on Sustainable Development and Nano Technology recently. Mahatma Gandhi University has also established the University Centre for International Cooperation (UCIC), with the Vice Chancellor as its Chairman and Dr. Raju K. Tahdikkaran, as its Director.