IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus 2026

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) has not officially released an updated syllabus for the MA Psychology program for 2025. However, based on the existing structure, the MA Psychology program is divided into four semesters with a combination of core, elective, and practical courses.

IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus (Current Structure)

The program consists of 12 courses (including practicals and a dissertation) spread over two years (four semesters). Below is a general outline:

First Year (Semester 1 & 2)

MPC-001: Cognitive Psychology, Learning, and Memory

• Cognitive processes

• Theories of learning and memory

• Problem-solving and decision-making

MPC-002: Lifespan Psychology

• Developmental stages (childhood to old age)

• Theories of development (Piaget, Erikson, etc.)

• Social and emotional development

MPC-003: Personality Theories and Assessment

• Major personality theories (Freud, Rogers, Bandura, etc.)

• Psychometric assessments

• Trait and type approaches

MPC-004: Social Psychology

• Social cognition, attitudes, and persuasion

• Group dynamics and leadership

• Aggression and pro-social behavior

MPC-005: Research Methods in Psychology

• Experimental and non-experimental designs

• Data collection and analysis

• SPSS and qualitative research methods

Second Year (Semester 3 & 4)

MPC-006: Psychopathology and Mental Health

• Classification of mental disorders (DSM-5, ICD-11)

• Anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders

• Therapeutic approaches (CBT, psychoanalysis, etc.)

MPC-007: Organizational Behavior

• Work motivation and leadership

• Stress and workplace dynamics

• Organizational development

MPC-008: Applied Social Psychology

• Health psychology

• Environmental psychology

• Community interventions

MPCE-011/012/013: Elective Courses (Choose one)

• MPCE-011: Clinical Psychology

• MPCE-012: Counseling Psychology

• MPCE-013: Industrial/Organizational Psychology

MPC-009: Practicals in Psychology (Lab Work)

• Psychological testing (Intelligence, Personality, Aptitude)

• Experimental psychology tasks

MPC-010: Dissertation / Project Work

• Independent research under faculty guidance

Key Updates Expected in 2025 (If Revised)

1. New Research Methodologies (e.g., AI in psychology, advanced stats)

2. Updated DSM/ICD references

3. More digital/online assessment tools

4. Expanded electives (e.g., Cyberpsychology, Neuropsychology)

How to Get the Official 2025 Syllabus?

• Visit IGNOU’s official website (ignou.ac.in)

• Check the Student Handbook/Program Guide for MA Psychology

• Contact Regional IGNOU Centers for updates