IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography Syllabus 2026: Semester-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme spans four semesters, totalling 80 credits, and includes practicals and an 8-credit project. The first semester begins with core courses like MGG 001 Introduction to Geographical Thought and MGGL 001 Cartography.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography syllabus structure: 4 semesters, 80 credits
The IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme has a total of 80 credits, spread across four semesters. Each of the first three semesters carries 20 credits, comprising both theory and practical courses. The fourth semester is heavier, with 28 credits, and includes compulsory theory and practical courses, an elective, and a compulsory project.
Learners must complete the project (MGGP 001) in the fourth semester, which carries 8 credits. Synopsis and topic finalisation for this project occur in the third semester, with registration for the project itself in the fourth semester. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 28,400 (Rs. 14,200 per year for two years) for the July 2026 session, excluding registration, development, and exam fees. The minimum duration to complete the programme is two years, with a maximum duration of four years.
MA Geography / MSc Geography structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 6 courses | 20 |
| 2nd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 3rd semester | 5 courses | 20 |
| 4th semester | 6 courses | 28 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 1st semester subjects: Introduction to Geograhical Thought, Advances in Geographical Thought
The first semester of the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme covers foundational and advanced geographical thought, alongside core areas of physical and human geography. Students complete 20 credits in this semester.
MGG 002 Geomorphology, MGG 003 Regional Geography of India, MGG 004 Population and Settlement Geography, and MGGL 001 Cartography each carry 4 credits, making them the heaviest courses by workload. MGGL 001 Cartography is the only practical course in the first semester, requiring hands-on work with cartographic principles and data models. MGG 001 Introduction to Geograhical Thought and MGG 008 Advances in Geographical Thought are theory courses, each worth 2 credits, providing the conceptual framework for the programme. The eGyanKosh blocks for these courses, such as “Understanding Geography” and “Search for Relevance,” guide the study material.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 1st semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGG 001 | Introduction to Geograhical Thought | 2 | Theory |
| MGG 008 | Advances in Geographical Thought | 2 | Theory |
| MGG 002 | Geomorphology | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 003 | Regional Geography of India | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 004 | Population and Settlement Geography | 4 | Theory |
| MGGL 001 | Cartography | 4 | Practical |
MGG 001 Introduction to Geograhical Thought: study blocks
- Block 1: Understanding Geography
- Block 2: Cosmography to Chorology
- Block 3: The Regional Concept
MGG 008 Advances in Geographical Thought: study blocks
- Block 1: Search for Relevance
- Block 2: Human Geography as Spatial Science
- Block 3: Political Economy and Critical Geography
MGG 002 Geomorphology: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Geomorphology
- Block 2: Evolution of Landforms
- Block 3: Geomorphic Processes: Static and Dynamic-I
- Block 4: Geomorphic Processes: Static and Dynamic-II
- Block 5: Applied Geomorphology
MGG 003 Regional Geography of India: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Regions and Regional Geography
- Block 2: Schemes of Regionalization
- Block 3: Macro Regions
- Block 4: Select Meso Regions of India
- Block 5: Select Micro Regions of India
MGG 004 Population and Settlement Geography: study blocks
- Block 1: Development of Population Geography
- Block 2: Population Dynamics
- Block 3: Evolution and Growth of Human Settlements
- Block 4: Settlement Structure and Hierarchy
MGGL 001 Cartography: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Cartography
- Block 2: Thematic Mapping
- Block 3: Data Models
- Block 4: Map Design and Output
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 2nd semester subjects: Climatology, Economic Geography, Environmental Geography
The second semester of the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme includes five core subjects, each carrying 4 credits. These subjects are MGG 005 Climatology, MGG 006 Economic Geography, MGG 007 Environmental Geography, MGG 010 Urban Geography, and MGGL 002 Methods of Geographical Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative. The programme totals 80 credits over 4 semesters, making these 20 credits a significant part of the overall degree.
Four of the second-semester courses are theory-based, with MGGL 002 Methods of Geographical Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative being the practical component. This practical course is crucial for applying the theoretical knowledge gained in other subjects. Each theory course, such as MGG 005 Climatology, is structured into five blocks on eGyanKosh, covering topics from fundamentals to contemporary issues. For instance, MGG 007 Environmental Geography includes blocks on Environmental Hazards and Disasters, and Environmental Policies and Management.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 2nd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGG 005 | Climatology | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 006 | Economic Geography | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 007 | Environmental Geography | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 010 | Urban Geography | 4 | Theory |
| MGGL 002 | Methods of Geographical Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative | 4 | Practical |
MGG 005 Climatology: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Climatology
- Block 2: Atmospheric Processes
- Block 3: Atmospheric Disturbances
- Block 4: Climatic Classification
- Block 5: Contemporary Issues
MGG 006 Economic Geography: study blocks
- Block 1: Fundamentals of Economic Geography
- Block 2: Stages of Growth and Evolution of Economic Systems and Sectors
- Block 3: Space Economy of Rural and Urban Systems with Reference to India
- Block 4: Space Economy of International Systems
- Block 5: Contemporary Developments in Economic Geography
MGG 007 Environmental Geography: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Environmental Geography
- Block 2: Ecology and Environment
- Block 3: Environmental Hazards and Disasters
- Block 4: Environment, Health and Society
- Block 5: Environmental Policies and Management
MGG 010 Urban Geography: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Urban Geography
- Block 2: Urban Economy
- Block 3: Organisation of Urban Space
- Block 4: Contemporary Urban Challenges
- Block 5: Urban Planning in India
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 3rd semester subjects: Social Geography, Oceanography, Geographical Information System (GIS)
The IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography third semester includes five courses, totalling 20 credits. Students study three theory courses and two practical courses. MGG 009 Social Geography, MGG 013 Oceanography, and MGG 011 Geographical Information System (GIS) are all 4-credit theory courses. Each theory course has four blocks available on eGyanKosh.
The practical component includes MGGL 003 Geospatial Analysis and MGGL 004 Field Survey Methods: Physical and Socio-Economic. Both practical courses carry 4 credits each.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 3rd semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGG 009 | Social Geography | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 013 | Oceanography | 4 | Theory |
| MGG 011 | Geographical Information System (GIS) | 4 | Theory |
| MGGL 003 | Geospatial Analysis | 4 | Practical |
| MGGL 004 | Field Survey Methods: Physical and Socio-Economic | 4 | Practical |
MGG 009 Social Geography: study blocks
- Block 1: On Social Geography
- Block 2: Difference, Hierarchy and Identity
- Block 3: Social Transformation and Social Justice
- Block 4: Contemporary Issues and Challenges
MGG 013 Oceanography: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Oceanography
- Block 2: Oceanic Features and Deposits
- Block 3: Properties of Oceans
- Block 4: Ocean Cirulation and Contemporary Issues
MGG 011 Geographical Information System (GIS): study blocks
- Block 1: GIS Fundamentals
- Block 2: Data Models and Geographic Framework
- Block 3: GIS Functionalities
- Block 4: GIS Applications
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 4th semester subjects: Introduction to Remote Sensing, Remote Sensing Techniques
The 4th semester of the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme includes two compulsory courses: MGG 012 Introduction to Remote Sensing and MGGL 005 Remote Sensing Techniques. MGG 012 is a 4-credit theory course, while MGGL 005 is a 4-credit practical course. These courses connect directly, with the practical component building on the theoretical foundations of remote sensing. Students also choose one 4-credit elective from MGGE 002 Natural Resources Management, MGGE 003 Natural Hazards and Disaster Management, or MGGE 004 Hydrology and Water Resources.
The heaviest course by credits in the 4th semester is MGGP 001 Project, which carries 8 compulsory credits. This project requires independent work and submission. The eGyanKosh blocks for MGG 012 cover topics from the basics of remote sensing to image interpretation techniques and remote sensing applications. The programme totals 80 credits over 4 semesters.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography 4th semester: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGG 012 | Introduction to Remote Sensing | 4 | Theory (Compulsory) |
| MGGL 005 | Remote Sensing Techniques | 4 | Practical (Compulsory) |
| MGGE 002* | Natural Resources Management | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MGGE 003* | Natural Hazards and Disaster Management | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MGGE 004* | Hydrology and Water Resources | 4 | Theory (Elective) |
| MGGP 001 | Project** | 8 | Project (Compulsory) |
MGG 012 Introduction to Remote Sensing: study blocks
- Block 1: Basics of Remote Sensing
- Block 2: Remote Sensing Platforms, Sensors and Programmes
- Block 3: Remote Sensing Data Products, Principles and Advances in Remote Sensing
- Block 4: Image Interpretation Techniques and Remote Sensing Applications
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. Learners must submit their Tutor Marked Assignments to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before taking the Term-End Examination. If an assignment fails, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country. There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For projects and practicals, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme includes practical courses such as MGGL 001 Cartography (4 credits) in the first semester and MGGL 005 Remote Sensing Techniques (4 credits) in the fourth semester. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory. The programme also features a compulsory MGGP 001 Project worth 8 credits in the fourth semester. The synopsis and topic finalisation for this project occur in the third semester, with registration in the fourth semester.
Hall tickets for the term-end examinations are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. Learners can request numerical marks and division (I, II, or Pass) for their degree. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides printed self-instructional study material as a print book or an e-book for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme. Learners who choose the soft copy option for study material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 28,400 (Rs. 14,200 per year for two years) for the July 2026 session, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.
All self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is available on eGyanKosh. For MGG 001 Introduction to Geographical Thought, eGyanKosh offers study blocks on Understanding Geography, Cosmography to Chorology, and The Regional Concept. MGG 002 Geomorphology includes five blocks, covering Fundamentals of Geomorphology, Evolution of Landforms, Geomorphic Processes, and Applied Geomorphology. The MGGL 001 Cartography course has four blocks, including Fundamentals of Cartography, Thematic Mapping, Data Models, and Map Design and Output. Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources.
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 Geography / MSc Geography?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography is Rs. 28,400 for the minimum two-year duration. This amount is calculated at Rs. 14,200 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and excludes registration, development, and examination fees.
Which semester has the most credits in the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme?
The fourth semester has the most credits, totaling 28. The first, second, and third semesters each have 20 credits. This higher credit load in the final semester includes an 8-credit compulsory project.
Are there any practical courses in the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography syllabus?
For example, the first semester includes MGGL 001 Cartography (4 credits, Practical), and the second semester has MGGL 002 Methods of Geographical Analysis: Quantitative and Qualitative (4 credits, Practical).
When do learners work on the project for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography?
Learners begin working on the project in the third semester, where the synopsis and topic finalisation occur. The formal registration for the MGGP 001 Project (8 credits) takes place in the fourth semester.
How many credits must be completed each year for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography?
The first year comprises 20 credits in the first semester and 20 credits in the second semester.
Where can I find the study blocks for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography courses?
The study blocks for courses like MGG 001 Introduction to Geographical Thought and MGG 008 Advances in Geographical Thought are available on eGyanKosh. For instance, MGG 001 has three blocks: Understanding Geography, Cosmography to Chorology, and The Regional Concept.
Can I choose elective courses in the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme?
Yes, learners can choose one elective course in the fourth semester. Options include MGGE 002 Natural Resources Management, MGGE 003 Natural Hazards and Disaster Management, or MGGE 004 Hydrology and Water Resources, each carrying 4 credits.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme?
To be eligible for the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme, applicants must hold a graduate degree in any stream. The programme is offered in English medium.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all requirements.
Does the IGNOU MA Geography / MSc Geography programme include any courses on GIS or Remote Sensing?
Yes, the programme includes dedicated courses on GIS and Remote Sensing. MGG 011 Geographical Information System (GIS) is a 4-credit theory course in the third semester, and MGGL 005 Remote Sensing Techniques is a 4-credit compulsory practical course in the fourth semester.