Master of Arts Syllabus

The Master of Arts (MA) is a two-year postgraduate program designed to build advanced theoretical knowledge, research capability, critical thinking, and subject specialisation in humanities and social sciences. Updated for 2026 and aligned with NEP 2020, the syllabus emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, flexible electives, academic writing, and research-driven outcomes.

The program prepares students for careers in education, civil services, administration, media, research, public policy, NGOs, and higher academic pursuits such as PhD.

MA Course Structure (2026)

• Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
• Credit System: CBCS (Choice Based Credit System)
• Evaluation: Internal Assessment + End Semester Exams
• Final Component: Dissertation / Project & Viva-Voce

Semester 1: Foundation & Academic Orientation

• Research Methodology: Qualitative & Quantitative methods, ethics, data collection.
• History of the Discipline: Evolution and schools of thought.
• Academic Communication Skills: Writing, presentation, referencing.
• Foundations of Social & Cultural Theory: Classical theoretical frameworks.

Semester 2: Core Knowledge & Contemporary Perspectives

• Contemporary Issues: Society, governance, economy, culture.
• Critical Thinking & Analysis: Interpretative and analytical skills.
• Core Subject Paper I
• Core Subject Paper II
• Elective I

Semester 3: Specialisation & Research Development

• Core Subject Paper III
• Core Subject Paper IV
• Elective II
• Academic Writing & Publication Skills
• Seminar Presentation

Semester 4: Dissertation, Fieldwork & Viva

• Dissertation / Research Project: Independent research under supervision.
• Internship / Field Study: Policy, education, media, NGO or research-based.
• Elective III
• Viva-Voce

Recommended Books for MA Students

Subject	Book & Author
Research Methodology	C.R. Kothari – Research Methodology
Sociology	Haralambos & Holborn – Sociology Themes
Literature	William J. Long – History of English Literature
Economics	Samuelson & Nordhaus – Economics
Political Science	Andrew Heywood – Political Theory