About IGNOU MPS – Master of Arts (Political Science)
This postgraduate programme provides a deep dive into the world of political systems, international relations, and governance. It prepares students for careers in civil services, journalism, research, and non-governmental organizations by building a strong foundation in political thought.
The curriculum is carefully built to cover both Indian and global political landscapes. You will study everything from ancient political theories to modern-day democratic challenges. These subjects matter because they help you understand how laws are made, how countries interact with each other, and how social movements change the world. For a student in a smaller city or town, this degree offers the same level of academic depth as any major central university, making it a great choice for competitive exam aspirants.
After completing the Master of Arts (Political Science), you will be able to analyze political events with a critical eye. You will develop the skills to write policy briefs, conduct social research, and participate in administrative decision-making. Many students find these skills useful for roles in teaching, political consultancy, and community leadership where understanding the link between the state and the society is vital.
IGNOU MPS Syllabus Highlights
The following table summarizes the administrative details of the Master of Arts (Political Science) programme for the 2026 session. This overview helps you understand the academic framework of your degree.
| Academic Attribute | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Arts (Political Science) |
| Programme Code | MPS |
| Minimum Duration | 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 64 |
| Offering School | School of Social Sciences |
IGNOU MPS Course Structure
The Master of Arts (Political Science) follows an annual system. This means you will take exams once a year rather than every six months. In the first year, you study core compulsory subjects, while the second year allows you to choose from a wide range of elective courses to complete your total credit requirement.
| Academic Year / Semester | Nature of Courses | Credits |
| 1st Year | Core Courses | 32 |
| 2nd Year | Elective Courses | 32 |
IGNOU MPS Syllabus: 2026
Below is the detailed list of subjects you will study during your two-year journey in the Master of Arts (Political Science) programme.
1st Year
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MPS-001 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS-002 | International Relations: Problems & Theory | 8 |
| MPS-003 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS-004 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
2nd Year
In the second year, students must select elective courses totaling 32 credits from the list below. Each course is worth 4 credits.
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| MPSE-001 | India and the World | 4 |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America | 4 |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought | 4 |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India | 4 |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa | 4 |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India | 4 |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society | 4 |
| MPSE-011 | The European Vision in World Affairs | 4 |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia | 4 |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy | 4 |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges | 4 |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment | 4 |
| MGP-004 | Gandhi’s Political Thought | 4 |
| MGPE- 007 | Non-violence Movements after Gandhi | 4 |
| MGPE- 008 | Gandhian Approach to Peace and Conflict Resolution | 4 |
| MGPE-010 | Conflict Management, Transformation and Peace Building | 4 |
| MGPE-011 | Human Security | 4 |
| MGPE-013 | Civil Society, Political Regimes and Conflicts | 4 |
Total Credits: 64
IGNOU MPS Credit System
The credit system at IGNOU is designed to measure the time you spend studying. For the Master of Arts (Political Science), one credit is equal to roughly 30 hours of study time, which includes reading the books, watching videos, and writing assignments. To earn your degree, you need a total of 64 credits. These are split evenly, with 32 credits in the first year and 32 in the second. If you find a particular course difficult and do not pass the exam, you do not need to re-enroll in the whole year; you can simply appear for that specific subject’s exam again in the next cycle.
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 MPS students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MPS 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
