IGNOU MA Sociology Course – Admission, Fees, Syllabus & Career

IGNOU MA Sociology course (now updated with programme code MASO) is probably something you’re exploring right now… especially if you’re planning to build a career in social sciences, research, or competitive exams.
👉 This guide is updated for the latest IGNOU admission cycle (2026), including MASO programme structure, syllabus and fees details.
But let me ask you something first 👇
👉 Are you trying to understand IGNOU MA Sociology admission, fees, and syllabus before applying?
👉 Confused about subjects, career scope, or whether this course is worth it?
👉 Or just want a flexible postgraduate degree from home?
If yes… you’re in the right place.
Because in this guide, we’ll break down the complete IGNOU MA Sociology programme — including eligibility, IGNOU PG fees, course structure, subjects, and career opportunities — in a simple, practical way.
If you’re new, you can check this complete IGNOU admission process before applying.
👉 Note: The programme code has been updated from MSO to MASO as per the latest IGNOU structure, so make sure you select the correct code while applying.
What is IGNOU MA Sociology Course? (Overview & Key Highlights)
The IGNOU MA Sociology programme is a postgraduate course offered by the School of Social Sciences (SOSS), designed as per NEP 2020.
But here’s what makes it different…
👉 It focuses on real-world social issues, not just theory
👉 It builds research and analytical skills
👉 It connects global and Indian social perspectives
You’ll study topics like sociological theories, Indian society, rural and urban sociology, research methods, development studies, globalisation, health, food, and social change.
So instead of just learning concepts, you understand how society actually works.
Who Should Choose IGNOU MA Sociology Course?
Thinking whether this course is right for you?
IGNOU MA Sociology is ideal for:
- Students preparing for UPSC, UGC NET, or other exams
- Learners interested in sociology, research, or teaching
- NGO and development sector professionals
- Students looking for affordable postgraduate options
👉 If you’re comparing IGNOU MA fees with private universities, you’ll notice a huge cost advantage.
IGNOU MA Sociology Eligibility, Duration & Medium of Instruction
Here are the basic details you must know:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Duration | 2 years (max 4 years) |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
👉 This flexible duration makes IGNOU ideal for working students.
IGNOU MA Sociology Admission Process
IGNOU conducts admissions twice a year:
- January session
- July session
The application is fully online.
👉 If you’re applying for the first time, you can check this step-by-step IGNOU admission process to avoid mistakes.
IGNOU MA Sociology Fees Structure (Complete IGNOU PG Fees Guide)
IGNOU MA Sociology fees is ₹7,300 per year, making the total programme fee ₹14,600. In addition, students may need to pay registration and development fees at the time of admission.
Now let’s break it down in a simple way 👇
👉 “Kitna actual kharcha aayega?”
Here’s the reality…
- Annual Fee: ₹7,300
- Total Fee: ₹14,600
That makes it one of the most affordable options under the IGNOU PG fees structure.
But wait… there’s something you should know 👇
Many students only look at the course fee and ignore additional charges.
In reality, your total IGNOU admission fees may include:
- Registration fee
- Development fee
👉 So your final payable amount can be slightly higher than the basic programme fee.
If you want to compare this with other postgraduate courses, you can also check the complete IGNOU admission fees structure to understand where this course stands.
Compared to IGNOU MBA fees and MCA fees, MA Sociology is one of the lowest-cost postgraduate courses offered by IGNOU.
IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus & Subjects (Updated Course Structure)
Now comes the most important part…
👉 What exactly will you study?
The IGNOU MA Sociology syllabus 2026 is divided into 4 semesters with a mix of core and elective courses. Check the table below:
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Nature of Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Year (First Semester) | |||
| MSO 101 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-I | Core 1 | 4 |
| MSO 102 | Sociological Concepts and Theories-II | Core 2 | 4 |
| MSO 103 | Sociology in India – I | Core 3 | 4 |
| MSO 104 | Sociology in India – II | Core 4 | 4 |
| MSOE 105 | Introduction to Urban Sociology | DSE1* | 4 |
| Total | 20 Credits | ||
| I Year (Second Semester) | |||
| MSO 106 | Rural Sociology | Core 5 | 4 |
| MSO 107 | Foundations of Social Science Research | Core 6 | 4 |
| MSO 108 | Research Methods | Core 7 | 4 |
| MSO 109 | Analysis and Presentation of Data | Core 8 | 4 |
| MSOE 110 | Urbanisation and Urban Development | DSE2** | 4 |
| Total | 20 Credits | ||
| Exit: Post Graduate Diploma in Research Methodology | |||
| II Year (Third Semester) | |||
| MSO 111 | Sociology of Development | Core 9 | 4 |
| MSO 112 | Development and Global Society | Core 10 | 4 |
| Any two from Discipline Specific Electives | |||
| MSOE 113 | Sociology of Religion | DSE 003 | 4 |
| MSOE 114 | Sociology of Diaspora | DSE 004 | 4 |
| MSOE 115 | Globalisation and Transnational Communities | DSE 005 | 4 |
| Open Elective from other Disciplines. Learner can select any one from the following courses (Multidisciplinary). | |||
| MPSE 004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | Discipline of Political Science | 4 |
| MPSE 007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | Discipline of Political Science | 4 |
| MJM 024 | Media and Society (SOJNMS) | SOJNMS | 4 |
| Total | 20 Credits | ||
| II Year (Fourth Semester) | |||
| MSO 116 | Sociology of Education – I | Core 11 | 4 |
| MSO 117 | Sociology of Education – II | Core 12 | 4 |
| Learner can select any two from the following Discipline Specific Electives | |||
| MSOE 118 / MAN 107 | Sociology of Food Or Environmental Anthropology | DSE 006 / DSE 007 | 4 |
| MSOE 119 / MAN 105 | Sociology of Health Or Tribes in India | DSE 008 / DSE 009 | 4 |
| Open Elective from other Disciplines. Learner can selects any one from the following courses (Multidisciplinary). | |||
| MGSE 1 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | SOGDS | 4 |
| MGSE 7 | Gender, Organisation and Leadership | SOGDS | 4 |
| MGSE 10 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | SOGDS | 4 |
| MED 002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | SOS | 4 |
| MED 008 | Globalisation and Environment | SOS | 4 |
| Total | 20 Credits | ||
👉 Total Credits: 80
IGNOU MA Sociology Study Material (Books & eGyankosh PDF)
IGNOU provides complete support for students:
- Printed books
- eGyankosh digital content
- Online resources
👉 You can also access IGNOU study material anytime for revision.
Career Scope After IGNOU MA Sociology (Jobs & Opportunities)
Let’s address the real question…
👉 “What can you do after this course?”
Here are top career options:
- Teaching & UGC NET
- Civil Services (UPSC, PCS)
- NGO & Social Work
- Research & Policy Analysis
- HR & Development Sector
👉 This course builds analytical thinking, which is valuable across careers.
You can also use IGNOU solved assignments to improve your scores.
Why Choose IGNOU for MA Sociology Course?
Still confused?
Here’s why IGNOU stands out:
- Affordable IGNOU course fees
- Flexible study schedule
- Recognized degree
- Wide subject coverage
- Suitable for working professionals
FAQs – IGNOU MA Sociology Course
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required.
Minimum 2 years and maximum 4 years.
The fees are affordable and come under IGNOU PG fees structure, plus additional charges.
Yes, it helps in understanding society, which is useful for UPSC and other exams.
Yes, IGNOU offers flexible distance learning.

