Master of Arts (Sustainability Science)
Sustainability science connects environmental systems with social and economic decisions. This programme develops an understanding of sustainable development and the planning, implementation and assessment of sustainability initiatives.
Eligibility, duration and fees
Eligibility: Graduation in any discipline. Check the current admission portal for recognised-degree requirements and session-specific conditions.
School: School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies (SOITS).
Duration: 2–4 years. The July 2026 prospectus summary lists a minimum of 2 years and maximum of 4 years.
Programme fee: ₹8,200 per year as listed in the official programme/admission information reviewed. Registration, development, examination and applicable practical/project charges are separate; confirm the payable total before payment.
Academic structure below follows the July 2026 common prospectus. Your admission-session rules take priority where IGNOU publishes a revised structure.
MASS syllabus and course structure
The programme has 36 credits in each year. Successful first-year completion offers the PGDSS exit; lateral entry is subject to University norms. Older PGDSS cohorts may have a different replacement-course route, so check the prospectus against your admission session.
| Stage | Paper code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | MSD-011 | Sustainability Science | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-012 | Ecosystem and Natural Resources | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-013 | Socio-Cultural System | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-014 | Ecological Economics | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-015 | Institutions, Governance and Policies | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-016 | Strategies and Models for Sustainability | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-017 | Challenges to Sustainable Development | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-019 | Global Strategies to Sustainable Development | 4 |
| Year 1 | MSD-020 | Population, Health and Sustainability | 4 |
| Year 2 | MEV-025 | Climate Change and Society | 4 |
| Year 2 | MSD-021 | Mountain and Hill Ecosystem | 4 |
| Year 2 | MSD-022 | Aquatic Ecosystem | 4 |
| Year 2 | MEDS-051 | Fundamentals of CSR | 6 |
| Year 2 | MSD-023 | Social Ecology, Globalisation and Sustainability | 4 |
| Year 2 | MEDS-044 | Monitoring and Evaluation of Projects and Programmes | 6 |
| Year 2 | MSDP-018 | Project Work | 8 |
Source: IGNOU Common Prospectus, July 2026, programme section. Codes are presented in a consistent hyphenated format. This is the full programme-level list, including listed options; block/unit content should be checked in official study materials.
Project and practical requirements
MSDP-018 is the 8-credit second-year project in the July 2026 prospectus. Follow the applicable project handbook for topic approval, supervisor eligibility, research and submission.
Study material, assignments and examinations
Find the correct learning material
Search eGyanKosh using each paper code in the table. Match the title and medium before downloading. Consult the programme guide and learner-support communications for counselling arrangements.
Assignments
Download the official assignment booklet applicable to your registration session and paper code. Follow its questions, submission instructions and deadline. Keep your submission receipt and a copy of your own answers.
Examination and evaluation
Use the programme guide and current examination notification to establish component weightages, minimum passing marks, eligibility and fees. Theory, laboratory and project components can have different rules. No unverified common passing percentage or assignment weightage is applied in this article.
A useful preparation method
- Map each registered paper to its official blocks and units.
- Prepare concise concept notes and a list of key terms.
- Review previous official question papers after completing the corresponding topics.
- Plan assignments and project milestones separately from revision.
- Check the official date sheet, admit card and grade-card updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is IGNOU MASS?
MASS is the programme code for Master of Arts (Sustainability Science), an IGNOU postgraduate programme.
Who can apply?
Graduates in any discipline can apply, subject to the recognition and admission conditions stated by IGNOU.
What is the medium of instruction?
The official programme information lists English as the medium.
Where can I find the detailed syllabus and study material?
Use the current official prospectus for course structure and search eGyanKosh by the individual paper code for available blocks and units.
Are these WhatsApp notes official IGNOU material?
No. The WhatsApp service is independent educational support. Official study material and instructions should remain your primary reference.
Official resources
- MASS official programme page
- July 2026 Common Prospectus
- ODL admission portal
- Official assignment downloads
- eGyanKosh study material repository
Information reviewed: 6 October 2026. Fees and academic instructions may be revised by IGNOU.