IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus 2026 (IGNOU MSO Syllabus – Complete 1st & 2nd Year Guide)
Are you planning to pursue MA Sociology from IGNOU or already enrolled in the programme? Then it’s essential to understand the complete course structure, subjects, and study resources. In this article, we provide the full IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus – also referred to as the IGNOU MSO Syllabus – for both 1st and 2nd year, following the latest 2026 guidelines.
Whether you’re a new student or preparing for your final year, this guide will help you plan your studies better. Let’s explore each year in detail.
📄 IGNOU MA Sociology Programme Structure (IGNOU MSO Syllabus Overview)
The MA Sociology programme is divided into two academic years. Each year carries 32 credits, and students must complete a total of 64 credits to earn the degree.
- 1st Year: 4 Core Courses (All compulsory)
- 2nd Year: 6 Optional Courses (Choose any 4)
🔄 Also Known As:
The MA Sociology programme offered by IGNOU is officially titled “Master of Arts in Sociology,” but is also widely searched and referred to as the IGNOU MSO syllabus. Both terms mean the same course and structure.
📘 IGNOU MA Sociology 1st Year Syllabus
In the first year, students have to study 4 compulsory core courses. Each course is of 8 credits.
Course List:
- MSO-001: Sociological Theories and Concepts
- MSO-002: Research Methodologies and Methods
- MSO-003: Sociology of Development
- MSO-004: Sociology in India
Each of these courses is divided into 8 blocks, covering various sociological concepts, theories, Indian society, and research techniques.
👉 Read Full Details Here: IGNOU MA Sociology 1st Year Syllabus
👉 हिन्दी में पढ़ें: IGNOU MA Sociology 1st Year Syllabus in Hindi
📚 IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus
The second year offers flexibility. You can choose any 4 out of 6 available courses, each worth 8 credits.
Available Subjects (Choose any 4):
- MPS-003: India: Democracy and Development
- MSOE-001: Sociology of Education
- MSOE-002: Diaspora and Transnational Communities
- MSOE-003: Sociology of Religion
- MSOE-004: Urban Sociology
- MPA-016: Decentralisation and Local Governance
Each subject is divided into multiple blocks covering detailed topics and case studies.
👉 Read Full Details Here: IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus
👉 हिन्दी में पढ़ें: IGNOU MA Sociology 2nd Year Syllabus in Hindi
🚀 How to Download IGNOU MA Sociology Study Material?
You can access free study material for all MSO courses from IGNOU’s eGyanKosh portal.
- Visit https://egyankosh.ac.in
- Use the course code (e.g., MSO-001, MSOE-002) in the search bar
- Download block-wise PDFs for each course
This is useful for exam preparation and assignment writing.
📅 IGNOU MA Sociology Credit System at a Glance
| Year | Courses | Credits | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | 4 | 32 | Compulsory |
| 2nd Year | Choose 4 out of 6 | 32 | Elective |
| Total | 8 Courses | 64 Credits |
FAQs – IGNOU MA Sociology (IGNOU MSO) Syllabus
Yes, the syllabus covered here is based on the latest 2026 structure.
No. There are no practicals or dissertations in MA Sociology.
Yes. Both English and Hindi medium materials are available on eGyanKosh.
Yes. You can choose 4 out of 6 available elective subjects.
IGNOU MSO Syllabus is simply another name for the MA Sociology IGNOU Syllabus. MSO stands for the official course code for MA Sociology at IGNOU.
🌟 Final Words
The IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus (also known as IGNOU MSO Syllabus) is well-structured and provides a solid foundation in classical and contemporary sociology. Whether you’re preparing for civil services, academia, or research, the course content will support your goals.
Make sure to check individual course pages for more depth, and stay updated with IGNOU guidelines.
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