IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The first semester starts with four core courses: MSO 101, MSO 102, MSO 103, and MSO 104.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA Sociology (MASO) programme is structured across four semesters, with a total of 80 credits. Learners complete 20 credits in the first semester and another 20 credits in the second semester, making a total of 40 credits for the first year. The second year includes 32 credits in the third semester and 44 credits in the fourth semester.
The minimum duration for the programme is two years, with a maximum duration of four years. The programme fee is Rs. 8,200 per year for the July 2026 session, making the total fee for the minimum duration Rs. 16,400, excluding registration, development, and exam fees. The MA Sociology programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums. Eligibility requires a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognised university. Admissions are conducted in both the January and July cycles.
MA Sociology (MSO) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 8 courses | 32 |
| 4th semester | 11 courses | 44 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 1st semester subjects: Sociological Concepts and Theories-I
Students study MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I, MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II, MSO 103 Sociology in India -I, and MSO 104 Sociology in India -II. Each of these core courses carries 4 credits.
The first semester also includes one elective, MSOE 105 Introduction to Urban Sociology, which is also a 4-credit course. MSO 101, Sociological Concepts and Theories-I, covers foundational topics such as Approaching Sociological Theory and Theories of Social Stratification across its four eGyanKosh blocks.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 101 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-I | 4 | Core 1 |
| MSO 102 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-II | 4 | Core 2 |
| MSO 103 | Sociology in India -I | 4 | Core 3 |
| MSO 104 | Sociology in India -II | 4 | Core 4 |
| MSOE 105 | Introduction to Urban Sociology | 4 | DSE1* |
MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I: study blocks
- Block 1: Approaching Sociological Theory
- Block 2: Concept, Structure and Function
- Block 3: Theory of Capitalism
- Block 4: Theories of Social Stratification
MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II: study blocks
- Block 1: State and Society
- Block 2: Understanding Power
- Block 3: Issues of Modernity
- Block 4: Contemporary Issues in Ethnicity and Identity
MSO 103 Sociology in India -I: study blocks
- Block 1: Emergence of Sociology in India
- Block 2: Perspectives on Caste
- Block 3: Perspective on Family, Marriage and Kinship
- Block 4: Perspective on Class, Caste and Gender
MSO 104 Sociology in India -II: study blocks
- Block 1: Perspective on Tribes in India
- Block 2: Perspective on Sociology of Religion
- Block 3: Dynamics of Social Processes
- Block 4: Perspective on Social Movements
MSOE 105 Introduction to Urban Sociology: study blocks
- Block 1: Concepts
- Block 2: Urban Ecological Processes and Theories
- Block 3: Evolution of Indian Urban Structure
- Block 4: Emergence and Development of Urban Sociology in India
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 2nd semester subjects: Rural Sociology, Foundations of Social Science Research
Students study MSO 106 Rural Sociology, MSO 107 Foundations of Social Science Research, MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods, MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data, and MSOE 110 Urbanisation and Urban Development. Each of these courses carries 4 credits.
The second semester focuses on research skills, with MSO 107 Foundations of Social Science Research providing the base for MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods and MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data. MSO 109, for instance, covers both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, along with report writing. The eGyanKosh blocks for MSO 106 Rural Sociology cover five distinct areas, from an introduction to rural sociology to processes of change.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 106 | Rural Sociology | 4 | Core 5 |
| MSO 107 | Foundations of Social Science Research | 4 | Core 6 |
| MSO 108 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | Core 7 |
| MSO 109 | Analysis and Presentation of Data | 4 | Core 8 |
| MSOE 110 | Urbanisation and Urban Development | 4 | DSE2** |
MSO 106 Rural Sociology: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction of Rural Sociology
- Block 2: Rural Social Structure
- Block 3: Rural Economic Structure
- Block 4: Rural Political Structure
- Block 5: Rural Society and Process of Change
MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods: study blocks
- Block 1: Types, Methods and Design of Research
- Block 2: Data Collection
- Block 3: Survey Research
MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data: study blocks
- Block 1: Qualitative Analysis of Data
- Block 2: Presentation of Data
- Block 3: Quantitative Analysis of Data
- Block 4: Statistical Inference
- Block 5: Report Writing and Presentation of Research Findings
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 3rd semester subjects: Sociology of Development, Development and Global Society
Learners also select from several Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs), such as MSOE 113 Sociology of Religion, MSOE 114 Sociology of Diaspora, and MSOE 115 Globalisation and Transnational Communities, each worth 4 credits.
Beyond the core sociology subjects, the 3rd semester offers interdisciplinary choices. Learners can opt for MPSE 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India or MPSE 007 Social Movements and Politics in India, both from the Discipline of Political Science and worth 4 credits. Another option is MJM 024 Media and Society (SOJNMS), which also carries 4 credits and is structured into four eGyanKosh blocks covering topics from Mass Media and Society to Media and Contemporary Issues.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 111 | Sociology of Development | 4 | Core 9 |
| MSO 112 | Development and Global Society | 4 | Core 10 |
| MSOE 113 | Sociology of Religion | 4 | DSE 003 |
| MSOE 114 | Sociology of Diaspora | 4 | DSE 004 |
| MSOE 115 | Globalisation and Transnational Communities | 4 | DSE 005 |
| MPSE 004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 | Discipline of Political Science |
| MPSE 007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 | Discipline of Political Science |
| MJM 024 | Media and Society (SOJNMS) | 4 | SOJNMS |
MJM 024 Media and Society (SOJNMS): study blocks
- Block 1: Mass Media and Society
- Block 2: Media and Development
- Block 3: Media and Contemporary Issues-I
- Block 4: Media and Contemporary Issues-II
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 4th semester subjects: Sociology of Eduation -I, Sociology of Eduation -II
MSO 116 is Core 11, and MSO 117 is Core 12.
The 4th semester also offers several Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and other optional courses, each worth 4 credits. For example, MSOE 118 Sociology of Food and MSOE 119 Sociology of Health are DSEs. MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology and MAN 105 Tribes in India are also DSEs. MAN 107 includes four eGyanKosh blocks, covering topics from envisioning environmental anthropology to environmental movements in India. Similarly, MAN 105 has four blocks, addressing concepts, social organisations, challenges, and policies for tribes in India.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSO 116 | Sociology of Eduation -I | 4 | Core 11 |
| MSO 117 | Sociology of Eduation -II | 4 | Core 12 |
| MSOE 118 | Sociology of Food | 4 | DSE 006 |
| MAN 107 | Environmental Anthropology | 4 | DSE 007 |
| MSOE 119 | Sociology of Health | 4 | DSE 008 |
| MAN 105 | Tribes in India | 4 | DSE 009 |
| MGSE 1 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | 4 | SOGDS |
| MGSE 7 | Gender, Organisation and Leadership | 4 | SOGDS |
| MGSE 10 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | 4 | SOGDS |
| MED 002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 | SOS |
| MED 008 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 | SOS |
MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology: study blocks
- Block 1: Envisioning Environmental Anthropology
- Block 2: Approaches
- Block 3: Environmental Issues and Concern
- Block 4: Environmental Movements in India
MAN 105 Tribes in India: study blocks
- Block 1: Concepts, Definition, and Debates
- Block 2: Social Organisations and Institutions
- Block 3: Challenges for the Tribes
- Block 4: Provisions, Policies and Development for the Tribes in India
MED 002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Sustainable Development
- Block 2: Developmental Issues
- Block 3: Initiatives Towards Sustainable Development
- Block 4: Strategy for Sustainable Development
MED 008 Globalisation and Environment: study blocks
- Block 1: Global Concerns
- Block 2: Global Responses
- Block 3: Global Movements and Experiences
- Block 4: Emerging Concerns
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
IGNOU MA Sociology (MASO) courses are assessed through a combination of assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses before they can take the Term-End Examination (TEE) for that course.
Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. These Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme are held twice a year, in June and December. These examinations take place at centres across the country and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. Learners may write their exam in Hindi even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division have one opportunity to improve their division.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides self-instructional study material for the MA Sociology programme as printed books and/or e-books. Learners who choose the soft copy option receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The eGyanKosh repository provides self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including the IGNOU MA Sociology.
For the first year, MSO 101 Sociological Concepts and Theories-I has study blocks covering Approaching Sociological Theory, Concept, Structure and Function, Theory of Capitalism, and Theories of Social Stratification. MSO 102 Sociological Concepts and Theories-II includes blocks on State and Society, Understanding Power, Issues of Modernity, and Contemporary Issues in Ethnicity and Identity. MSO 103 Sociology in India -I covers Emergence of Sociology in India, Perspectives on Caste, Perspective on Family, Marriage and Kinship, and Perspective on Class, Caste and Gender. MSO 104 Sociology in India -II focuses on Perspective on Tribes in India, Perspective on Sociology of Religion, Dynamics of Social Processes, and Perspective on Social Movements.
MSOE 105 Introduction to Urban Sociology study blocks are Concepts, Urban Ecological Processes and Theories, Evolution of Indian Urban Structure, and Emergence and Development of Urban Sociology in India. MSO 106 Rural Sociology covers Introduction of Rural Sociology, Rural Social Structure, Rural Economic Structure, Rural Political Structure, and Rural Society and Process of Change. MSO 108 Advanced Research Methods includes Types, Methods and Design of Research, Data Collection, and Survey Research. MSO 109 Analysis and Presentation of Data has blocks on Qualitative Analysis of Data, Presentation of Data, Quantitative Analysis of Data, Statistical Inference, and Report Writing and Presentation of Research Findings.
MAN 107 Environmental Anthropology covers Envisioning Environmental Anthropology, Approaches, Environmental Issues and Concern, and Environmental Movements in India. MAN 105 Tribes in India has blocks on Concepts, Definition, and Debates, Social Organisations and Institutions, Challenges for the Tribes, and Provisions, Policies and Development for the Tribes in India. MED 002 Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges includes Introduction to Sustainable Development, Developmental Issues, Initiatives Towards Sustainable Development, and Strategy for Sustainable Development. MED 008 Globalisation and Environment covers Global Concerns, Global Responses, Global Movements and Experiences, and Emerging Concerns.
Learners also receive technology-enabled support through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources. Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Sociology?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Sociology is Rs. 16,400 for the minimum two-year duration, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount does not include the registration, development, or examination fees. The annual fee is Rs. 8,200 per year.
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
The fourth semester has the most credits, totalling 44. The third semester has 32 credits, while both the first and second semesters each have 20 credits. This means the workload increases significantly in the second year.
Are there any courses in the IGNOU MA Sociology that are shared with other programmes?
Yes, several courses in the second year are shared with other disciplines. For example, MPSE 004 (Social and Political Thought in Modern India) and MPSE 007 (Social Movements and Politics in India) are from Political Science.
Where can I find the study blocks for the IGNOU MA Sociology courses?
The study blocks for many IGNOU MA Sociology courses are available on eGyanKosh. For instance, MSO 101 (Sociological Concepts and Theories-I) has four blocks, covering topics like Approaching Sociological Theory and Theories of Social Stratification. You can access these materials online.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree. Planning your studies is important to finish within this timeframe.
What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized University. There are no specific subject requirements for the undergraduate degree mentioned in the prospectus.
Does the IGNOU MA Sociology programme include any project work or practicals?
The facts provided do not explicitly mention any project work or practical components for the IGNOU MA Sociology programme. The course list primarily consists of theory courses, with credits assigned to each. Always check the specific course details for any updates.
What is the fee for appearing in the Term-End Examination for each course?
The examination fee for each theory course in the Term-End Examination is Rs. 200. If a course involves a project or practical, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits, or Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Can I choose to receive digital study materials instead of printed books for the MA Sociology programme?
Yes, learners can opt for soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books. Choosing this option provides a 15% discount on the programme fee. The digital materials are accessible through the eGyanKosh repository.
What is the total number of credits required to complete the IGNOU MA Sociology programme?
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme requires a total of 80 credits for completion.