MAPS is IGNOU’s Master of Arts (Political Science) programme from the School of Social Sciences: a 64-credit degree offered in English and Hindi, with four compulsory courses in the first year and optional courses in the second.
Programme Overview
The aim of the Master’s degree in Political Science is to give learners a sound base in political studies through an in-depth investigation of political phenomena at the national, regional and international levels. The programme provides options for specialising in Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Indian Government and Politics.
Learners develop skills in political analysis and sharpen their critical and analytical abilities.
Programme at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Master of Arts (Political Science) – MAPS (also referred to as MPS) |
| University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| School | School of Social Sciences (SOSS) |
| Mode | Open and Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Total credits | 64 |
| Duration | Minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Fee | ₹8,200 per year (exam fee not included) |
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Medium of instruction: English and Hindi.
- Not offered to international students.
Course Structure & Syllabus (64 Credits)
First Year – Compulsory Courses (32 Credits)
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MPS-1 | Political Theory | 8 |
| MPS-2 | International Relations: Theory and Problems | 8 |
| MPS-3 | India: Democracy and Development | 8 |
| MPS-4 | Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends | 8 |
Second Year – Optional Courses (32 Credits)
Learners choose optional courses worth 32 credits. The courses listed on IGNOU’s programme page include:
| Course Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MPSE-001 | India and the World |
| MPSE-002 | State and Society in Latin America |
| MPSE-003 | Western Political Thought |
| MPSE-004 | Social and Political Thought in Modern India |
| MPSE-005 | State and Society in Africa |
| MPSE-006 | Peace and Conflict Studies |
| MPSE-007 | Social Movements and Politics in India |
| MPSE-008 | State Politics in India |
| MPSE-009 | Canada: Politics and Society |
| MPSE-011 | The European Union in World Affairs |
| MPSE-012 | State and Society in Australia |
| MPSE-013 | Australia’s Foreign Policy |
| MED-002 | Sustainable Development: Issues and Challenges |
| MED-008 | Globalisation and Environment |
📚 Need Notes for MAPS – Master of Arts (Political Science)?
Get easy-to-understand notes and academic study support on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp: +91 9009368238
💬 GET NOTES ON WHATSAPPFees
| Fee | Amount (as per IGNOU programme page) |
|---|---|
| Programme fee | ₹8,200 per year |
Assignments & Examination
- A Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) has to be completed for each course in Political Science.
- Assignments must be submitted within the stipulated time to be eligible to appear in the term-end examination.
- Write answers in your own words and keep within the word limit given for each section.
- Check the latest assignment booklet and submission dates for your session on the official IGNOU website.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for IGNOU MAPS?
A Bachelor’s degree or a higher degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
What is the medium of instruction?
English and Hindi.
How many credits is the programme?
64 credits: compulsory courses worth 32 credits in the first year and optional courses worth 32 credits in the second year.
What are the first-year compulsory courses?
Political Theory (MPS-1), International Relations: Theory and Problems (MPS-2), India: Democracy and Development (MPS-3) and Comparative Politics: Issues and Trends (MPS-4), each worth 8 credits.
Is MAPS the same as MPS?
IGNOU lists the programme as MAPS in recent session listings, while its official programme page and the course codes (MPS-1 to MPS-4, MPSE electives) still use MPS. Both refer to the Master of Arts (Political Science) programme.
Are assignments compulsory?
Yes. As per IGNOU’s assignment booklet, learners must submit the Tutor Marked Assignments for each course within the stipulated time to be eligible for the term-end examination.
Is the programme available to international students?
IGNOU’s programme page states that this programme is not offered for international students.
📚 Need Notes for MAPS – Master of Arts (Political Science)? Get Help Today
Get easy-to-understand notes and academic study support on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp: +91 9009368238
💬 GET NOTES ON WHATSAPPThis is an independent educational support website and is not the official website of IGNOU. Students should verify important academic information through official IGNOU sources.