IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
| Detail | Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MASS |
| School | School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS) |
| Eligibility | Graduate in any Discipline |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 72 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) (MASS) is not an IGNOU mass communication course. This programme is offered by the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS). It focuses on sustainable development and the principles of Sustainability Science.
The programme requires 72 credits. The first year covers 36 credits, including courses like MSD 11 Sustainability Science and MSD 12 Ecosystem and Natural Resources. Learners can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science (PGDSS) degree after successfully completing the first year. The second year also accounts for 36 credits, featuring courses such as MEV 25 Climate Change and Society and MSDP 18 Project Work, which carries 8 credits. PGDSS holders can take lateral entry into the second year to complete the Master of Arts in Sustainability Science.
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) eligibility: who can apply
IGNOU Master of Arts eligibility requires a graduate degree in any discipline. The Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) programme, known as IGNOU Master of Arts, is offered by the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS). There is no specific eligibility for “mass communication” for this programme. The medium of instruction for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) is English. A recognised graduate degree is the only requirement to apply.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
IGNOU does not offer a Master of Arts in Mass Communication. The university offers a Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) (IGNOU Master of Arts) programme. The programme fee for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) is Rs. 8,200 per year, as per the July 2026 prospectus. For the minimum two-year duration, the total programme fee is Rs. 16,400, not including other charges.
Along with the programme fee, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 applies at admission for the July 2026 session. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also payable at admission. Learners applying through the ODL admission portal for July 2026 must pay these fees online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Learners who choose to receive soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. IGNOU provides programme fee exemptions for SC/ST students as per university policy, which is reviewed each admission cycle. Prison inmates are also exempt from both the programme fee and the registration fee.
Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 8,200/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 16,400 (Rs. 8,200 x 2 years) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) duration and credits
The IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Learners complete 72 credits in total. The first year requires 36 credits, and the second year also requires 36 credits.
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) (MASS) programme requires completion of 72 credits. Learners complete 36 credits in the first year and 36 credits in the second year. The programme provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge about sustainable development and the principles of Sustainability Science.
The first year includes nine theory courses, each carrying 4 credits. These courses cover foundational topics such as Ecosystem and Natural Resources (MSD 12) and Ecological Economics (MSD 14). Learners can exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science (PGDSS) degree after successfully completing the first year.
The second year includes six theory courses and one project work. Courses like Climate Change and Society (MEV 25) and Aquatic Ecosystem (MSD 22) are each worth 4 credits. MEDS 51, Fundamentals of CSR, and MEDS 44, Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects and Programmes, are both 6-credit theory courses, indicating a higher workload. The second year concludes with MSDP 18, Project Work, which is an 8-credit project.
PGDSS holders can take lateral entry into the second year of the IGNOU Master of Arts programme. For lateral entry, learners registered in PGDSS from July 2017 to July 2022 must complete three specific courses in place of MSDP 018: Project Work to complete the Master of Arts in Sustainability Science.
Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 9 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 7 courses | 36 |
| *Lateral Entry for PGDSS students | 3 courses | 12 |
Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSD 11 | Sustainability Science | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 12 | Ecosystem and Natural Resources | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 13 | Socio-Cultural System | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 14 | Ecological Economics | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 15 | Institutions, Governance and Policies | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 16 | Strategies and models for sustainability | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 17 | Challenges to Sustainable Development | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 19 | Global Strategies to Sustainable Development | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 20 | Population, Health and Sustainability | 4 | Theory |
Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEV 25 | Climate Change and Society | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 21 | Mountain and Hill Ecosystem | 4 | Theory |
| MSD 22 | Aquatic Ecosystem | 4 | Theory |
| MEDS 51 | Fundamentals of CSR | 6 | Theory |
| MSD 23 | Social Ecology, Globalisation and Sustainability | 4 | Theory |
| MEDS 44 | Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects and Programmes | 6 | Theory |
| MSDP 18 | Project Work | 8 | Project |
Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) *Lateral Entry for PGDSS students
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSD 19 | Global Strategies to Sustainable Development | 4 |
| MSD 20 | Population, Health and Sustainability | 4 |
| MEVE 16 | Urban Environment | 4 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
You must apply for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) through the Samarth portal. The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. IGNOU offers two admission cycles annually, in January and July. The current cycle on the ODL admission portal is the July 2026 cycle.
Follow these steps to apply for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science):
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
- Prepare soft copies of your documents. Your colour passport-size photograph must have a white background and be under 100 KB in JPEG format. The relevant educational qualification proof must be under 200 KB in JPEG or PDF format. If applicable, your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) must also be under 200 KB.
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the fees online. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 8,200 per year. In addition to this, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission. Payment modes include net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
IGNOU Master of Arts(Sustainability Science) (MASS) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Master of Arts (Sustainability Science) programme. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the university website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations (TEE) are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM for the December 2026 TEE. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes, for the December 2026 TEE.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post for the July 2026 session. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. 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 may improve their grade, with one opportunity only, as of January 2026. An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, only with proof of selection for a post or further studies, as of January 2026.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration is Rs. 16,400, based on the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes additional charges such as the registration fee, development fee, and examination fees. The annual fee is Rs. 8,200 per year.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science, you must hold a graduate degree in any discipline. There are no specific subject requirements for your undergraduate studies.
How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science is two years. Learners have a maximum of four years to finish the programme from their admission date.
Can I exit the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science programme early with a diploma?
Yes, you can exit the programme with a Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainability Science (PGDSS) degree after successfully completing the first year. This option provides a qualification if you cannot continue to the master's degree.
What is the total number of credits for the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
The IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science programme has a total of 72 credits. The first year comprises 36 credits, and the second year also accounts for 36 credits.
Which courses in the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science involve a project?
The second year of the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science includes a significant project component. MSDP 18 Project Work is an 8-credit course, making it the heaviest single course in the programme.
Are there any courses shared with other programmes in the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
The programme includes courses like MEDS 51 Fundamentals of CSR and MEDS 44 Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects and Programmes, which are 6-credit theory courses. These courses may be shared with other programmes offered by the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies.
What is the fee for examination in the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the Term-End Examination. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
What is the difference for PGDSS holders taking lateral entry into the Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
PGDSS holders from July 2017 to July 2022, taking lateral entry, complete three specific courses instead of MSDP 018 Project Work. These are MSD 19 Global Strategies to Sustainable Development, MSD 20 Population, Health and Sustainability, and MEVE 16 Urban Environment, totaling 12 credits.
Can I get a discount if I choose digital study material for the IGNOU Master of Arts in Sustainability Science?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process for the July 2026 cycle.