A unitary and residential university, it focuses on the advancement of Tamil studies through various programs and projects. Research work is done in various aspects of Tamil culture and civilization, namely, arts, culture, dance, sculpture, architecture, literature, grammar, linguistics, history, and philosophy and siddha medicine.

The university includes five faculties comprising 22 departments. Tamil Virtual University is a part of the distant education program of this university. The Tamil University Museum has a collection coins and musical instruments.