IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus (Updated 2026 – MASO Structure)
If you’ve already completed your first year or planning ahead, understanding the IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd year syllabus (MASO updated structure) is the next big step.
👉 But let me ask you something first…
Are you clear about:
- Which subjects are compulsory?
- Which electives you need to choose?
- And how the credit system works?
If not… don’t worry.
Before diving into second year, you can also check the complete IGNOU MA Sociology course to understand full programme structure, admission and fees.
👉 Note: The syllabus has been updated from MSO to MASO from January 2026, so make sure you follow the latest structure.
Related Articles: IGNOU MA Sociology 1st Year Syllabus
IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Subjects (Overview)
The second year is divided into:
- Third Semester
- Fourth Semester
👉 Each semester carries 20 credits, making total 40 credits in second year
IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus (Course structure)
| Semester | Course Code | Subject | Category | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Semester | ||||
| Sem 3 | MSO 111 | Sociology of Development | Core 9 | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MSO 112 | Development and Global Society | Core 10 | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MSOE 113 | Sociology of Religion | DSE 003 | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MSOE 114 | Sociology of Diaspora | DSE 004 | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MSOE 115 | Globalisation and Transnational Communities | DSE 005 | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MPSE 004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MPSE 007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 3 | MJM 024 | Media and Society | Open Elective | 4 |
| Total Credits (Semester 3) | 20 | |||
| Fourth Semester | ||||
| Sem 4 | MSO 116 | Sociology of Education – I | Core 11 | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MSO 117 | Sociology of Education – II | Core 12 | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MSOE 118 / MAN 107 | Sociology of Food OR Environmental Anthropology | DSE 006 / DSE 007 | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MSOE 119 / MAN 105 | Sociology of Health OR Tribes in India | DSE 008 / DSE 009 | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MGSE 1 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MGSE 7 | Gender, Organisation and Leadership | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MGSE 10 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MED 002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | Open Elective | 4 |
| Sem 4 | MED 008 | Globalisation and Environment | Open Elective | 4 |
| Total Credits (Semester 4) | 20 | |||
Total Credits for 2nd year: 40
How to Choose Electives in IGNOU MA Sociology?
Now this is where most students get confused 👇
👉 “Which subjects should I choose?”
Here’s a simple approach:
- Choose Sociology electives if you want strong subject understanding
- Choose multidisciplinary electives for broader knowledge
- Select subjects based on career goals (NET, UPSC, research)
Previous IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus (Old MSO Structure)
If you were admitted before the January 2026 session, your syllabus follows the old MSO structure, where students had to choose courses based on total credits.
👉 In the second year, you needed to select 32 credits from available subjects.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSOE 1 | Sociology of Education | 8 |
| MSOE 2 | Diaspora and Transnational Communities | 8 |
| MSOE 3 | Sociology of Religion | 8 |
| MSOE 4 | Urban Sociology | 8 |
| MPA 16 | Decentralization and Local Governance | 8 |
| MPS 3 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| Total Credits to Choose | 32 | |
What Was Different in Old MSO Syllabus?
Let’s simplify it 👇
👉 No semester system like today
👉 Students had to choose courses manually
👉 Each subject carried 8 credits
👉 Less flexibility compared to new system
MASO vs MSO (Second Year Change)
👉 Earlier (MSO structure):
- Fixed subjects
- Limited flexibility
👉 Now (MASO structure):
- More elective options
- NEP 2020 aligned
- Multidisciplinary choices
👉 This makes the course more flexible and career-oriented.
Where to Find IGNOU MSO Study Material?
You can download free study material in PDF format from the official eGyanKosh website. Just enter the course code (like MSOE-001 or MPA-016) in the search bar to access block-wise content.
📚 Visit: https://egyankosh.ac.in
FAQs – IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year
There are core subjects, electives and open electives totaling 20 credits per semester.
Yes, you can choose discipline-specific and open electives.
Yes, it is updated under MASO structure replacing MSO.
Yes, you must select required electives to complete credits.
Final Thoughts
The IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd year syllabus (MASO) is more flexible and practical compared to the old structure.
👉 If you choose subjects wisely, it can help you in:
Academic growth
Competitive exams
Research careers
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