About IGNOU MAGD – M.A. (Gender and Development Studies)
This master’s level programme focuses on the complex relationship between gender roles and the various processes of economic and social development. It prepares students for careers in social work, policy analysis, and international development agencies by teaching them how to integrate gender-sensitive perspectives into project planning.
The curriculum for the M.A. (Gender and Development Studies) is designed to be highly relevant for anyone looking to understand the nuances of social equity in the modern world. Students cover a wide range of subjects, from the basic concepts and strategies of gender development to specialized areas like gender auditing and mainstreaming. These subjects matter because they provide the analytical tools needed to identify and address gender gaps in agriculture, work, and financial inclusion. By studying these courses, learners move beyond simple theories and gain a practical understanding of how policies are formed and implemented on the ground.
Upon completing this programme, students will have developed several professional skills. They will be able to conduct gender-based research, evaluate development projects for their impact on different genders, and contribute to inclusive policy-making. This training opens doors to roles such as Gender Consultants, Social Welfare Officers, and Research Associates in both government and non-government sectors. The ability to apply a gender lens to real-world problems like entrepreneurship and natural resource management is a significant learning outcome that sets graduates apart in the job market.
IGNOU MAGD Syllabus Highlights
The table below summarizes the key administrative and academic features of the M.A. (Gender and Development Studies) programme. This overview helps students understand the total effort required for the degree.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | M.A. (Gender and Development Studies) |
| Programme Code | MAGD |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 72 |
| Offering School | School of Gender and Development Studies |
IGNOU MAGD Course Structure
The Master of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) is an annual-based programme, meaning exams are typically conducted once a year. The curriculum is divided into two parts: a foundational first year and a specialized second year. Each year requires the completion of 36 credits.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| First Year | Core Courses and Project Work | 36 Credits |
| Second Year | Elective Courses and Specializations | 36 Credits |
IGNOU MAGD Syllabus: 2026
The following tables provide a detailed breakdown of the course codes and subject names included in the 2026 academic cycle for both years of the programme.
First Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MGS-05 | Research Methodologies in Gender and Development Studies | 8 |
| MGS- 01 | Gender and Development: Concept, Approaches and Strategies | 6 |
| MGS- 02 | Gender, Development Goals and Praxis | 6 |
| MGS- 03 | Gender Analysis | 4 |
| MGS- 04 | Gender- sensitive Planning and Policy Making | 8 |
| MGSP-01 | Internship/Field-based Research Project | 4 |
Second Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MGSP-02 | Internship/Field-based Research Project | 4 |
| MGSE-01 | Gender Planning and Development Policies | 4 |
| MGSE-02 | Gender Audit and Gender Budgeting | 4 |
| MGSE-03 | Gender Mainstreaming | 4 |
| MGSE-04 | Gender Issues in Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods and Natural Resource Management | 4 |
| MGSE-06 | Gender, Resources and Entitlements | 4 |
| MGSE-07 | Gender, Organization and Leadership | 4 |
| MGSE-09 | Gender Issues in Work, Employment and Productivity | 4 |
| MGSE-010 | Gender and Entrepreneurship Development | 4 |
| MGSE-013 | Gender Training and Empowerment | 4 |
| MGSE-020 | Gender and Financial Inclusion | 4 |
Total Credits: 72
IGNOU MAGD Credit System
The credit system is a way to measure the workload required for each course. In this programme, 1 credit is equal to 30 hours of total study time, which include reading your books, writing assignments, and attending classes. The total credits for the M.A. (Gender and Development Studies) degree are 72, split equally between the first and second years. Most subjects are theoretical, but there are also project and internship components like MGSP-01 and MGSP-02 that require field work. If a student fails to pass a course in the first attempt, they can reappear in the next examination cycle without having to re-enroll in the entire programme, provided their registration period is still valid.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ The syllabus reflects the 2026 academic framework. IGNOU may revise course contents at its discretion. Always verify the latest syllabus at ignou.ac.in before starting your studies.
Also Read
More resources for MAGD students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MAGD Syllabus
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). The syllabus information provided here is for academic reference only and may be subject to revision by IGNOU. Always verify the latest course structure at ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
