MA Sociology Syllabus 2025: Subjects, Topics & Semester-Wise

So you’re checking out the MA Sociology syllabus? Good call. This two-year master’s program literally decides what kind of readings, theories, and assignments will haunt you. The syllabus covers everything from core papers like sociological theories and research methods to fun-but-heavy electives on gender, politics, culture, and global issues. Most colleges run it semester-wise, so you don’t get all the stress dumped at once. In this blog, we have broken down the MA Sociology syllabus properly, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

MA Sociology Syllabus: Quick Highlights

Before we get into the long semester-wise breakdown, here’s a quick overview of the MA Sociology syllabus. This gives you the gist of what the course covers, how long it runs, eligibility, fees, and even career scope after it. 

Course Name	Master of Arts in Sociology (MA Sociology)
Duration	2 years (4 semesters)
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably Sociology or Social Sciences
Admission Process	Merit-based or entrance exam
Core Subjects	Sociological Theories, Research Methodology, Indian Society, Globalization, Gender Studies
Electives	Urban Sociology, Political Sociology, Culture & Media, Development Studies
Average Annual Fees	INR 10,000 – INR 80,000
Top Universities	DU, JNU, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia, TISS, Hyderabad University
Career Scope	Researcher, Civil Services, NGOs, Teaching, Policy Analyst, Media

What is MA Sociology?

MA Sociology is a 2-year postgraduate program that studies how society actually works. The MA Sociology syllabus covers subjects like religion, political sociology, economic sociology, and big debates around social change. It also trains you in research methods, allowing you to delve deeper into real-world problems. After finishing this degree, you can move into careers like research, teaching, civil services, NGOs, media, consulting, or even push ahead with a PhD if you’re into academics.

MA Sociology Syllabus

MA Sociology has a broader scope and allows its scholars to study various shades of society in this degree. It is generally classified in semesters, either two or four, depending upon the duration of the course. Here is a semester-wise structure for the Sociology syllabus as a 2-year degree program:

Semester	Major Subjects Covered
Semester I	Foundational Sociology Sociological Theories General Sociology Religion and Society Political Sociology Contemporary Social Theory
Semester II	Methodology of Sociological Research Sociology of Development Economic Sociology Modern Sociological Theory
Semester III	Advanced Social Theory Gender and Society Social Change and Political Order Sociology of Education Sociology of Environment
Semester IV	Population and Society Urban Sociology Social Problems Sociology of Violence Design of Social Research Dissertation

MA Sociology: Core Subjects

Sociology syllabus comprises a vast range of subject areas that can be new for those who haven’t studied Sociology at an undergraduate level. During the first semester of this program, students are provided with a foundational understanding of sociology thus helping them explore the advanced topics in a better way. Below, we have detailed some of the major subjects covered under the syllabus of MA Sociology:

Sociological Theory

This is a vast area of study and covers abstract thoughts and ideas in relation to various historical occurrences. It involves diverse sociological theories provided by major sociologists like Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Karl Max, etc. 

Methodology of Sociological Research

Under the Sociology Syllabus, this specialised subject emphasizes on qualitative research to instil a practical approach in the theoretical module. Students are taught various research techniques and methodologies and their practical applications. This is an integral part of the course enabling the students to explore a career in research.

Social and Political Change Order

This topic focuses on the transitioning social world and how various political ideas like communism, liberalism and democratic political order affect countries worldwide and conceptions that help in understanding the structure of the society from a political viewpoint and in a social sphere. 

Sociological Violence

This module focuses on the multifaceted understanding of the term “violence” and involves discussions on the theoretical and practical understanding of its terminology and the implications in contemporary society. 

Design of Social Research

This segment presents an idea about central topics of social research and the logic associated with each topic. As an essential component of Sociology Syllabus, this subject incorporates rigorous debates and discussion on how social research should be carried out on popular issues concerning the society.

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Elective Subjects

Along with the core subjects mentioned above, here are the major electives under the Sociology syllabus:

• Social Suffering
• Politics and Sociology of the Environment
• Critical Social Research: Truth, Ethics and Power
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Social Change & Political Order
• Sociology of Violence
• Design of Social research

MA Sociology Syllabus DU

Let’s take a look at the syllabus of DU for MA Sociology.

Year 1

• Religion and Society
• Sociology of Kinship
• Sociological Theories
• Sociological Theory: Some Conceptual Issues

Year 2 

• Methods of Sociological Research
• Social Stratification
• Sociology of Development
• Sociology of Symbolism

MA Sociology Syllabus IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a flexible Sociology syllabus through distance learning, making it a top choice for working students or those who want to study at their own pace. The program is spread over four semesters and covers sociological theories, research methods, Indian society, development studies, and various electives.

	Year 1
Course Code	Course Name	Credits
MSO-001	Sociological Theories and Concepts	8
MSO-002	Research Methodologies and Methods	8
MSO-003	Sociology of Development	8
MSO-004	Sociology in India	8
	Year 2
Course Code	Course Name	Credits
MSOE-001	Sociology of Education	8
MSOE-002	Diaspora and Transnational Communities	8
MSOE-003	Sociology of Religion	8
MSOE-004	Urban Sociology	8
MPS-003	India: Democracy and Development	8
MPA-016	Decentralisation and Local Governance	8

MA Sociology Syllabus for JNU

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has one of the most reputed sociology departments in India. The Sociology syllabus at JNU is research-heavy and theory-driven, with a focus on classical sociology, social stratification, political sociology, and contemporary global issues, giving students a strong base for higher studies or careers in research and policy.

Compulsory Courses

• SS 451N – Methodology of Social Sciences
• SS 452N – Sociological Thinkers
• SS 453N – Culture, Personality and Society
• SS 454N – Family Life and Kinship in India
• SS 455N – Anthropological Theories
• SS 456N – Economy and Society in India
• SS 457N – Sociology of Social Stratification in India
• SS 458N – Religion and Society in India
• SS 459N – Sociological Theory
• SS 460N – Techniques of Social Research
• SS 461N – Polity and Society in India

Optional Courses

• SS 413N – Industry and Society in India
• SS 414N – Sociology of Knowledge
• SS 415N – Law and Society in India
• SS 416N – Sociology of Medicine
• SS 417N – Sociology of Science
• SS 418N – Sociology of Minorities and Ethnic Groups
• SS 419N – Bureaucracy and Development in India
• SS 420N – Sociology of Education in India
• SS 421N – Tribal Sociology in India
• SS 422N – Peasant Sociology in India
• SS 423N – Sociology of Urban Life in India
• SS 424N – Sociology of Professions
• SS 425N – Themes in Social Anthropology – Analysis of Monographs
• SS 426N – Statistics in Social Sciences
• SS 427N – Population and Society in India

Note: The aforementioned list of the optional subjects is not exhaustive.

Syllabus for MA Sociology HPU

Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) offers a comprehensive Sociology syllabus that mixes classical foundations with modern debates. The course runs semester-wise, covering areas like sociological theories, Indian society, social research methods, and electives in development, gender, and rural studies.

Semesters	Subjects
Semester 1	-Classical Sociological Tradition- I -Methodology of Social Research -Social Stratification and Change
Semester 2	-Classical Sociological Tradition- II – Perspectives on Indian Society -Sociology of Environment
Semester 3	-Theoretical Perspective in Sociology- I -Sociology of Development -Rural Sociology or Urban Sociology or Social Demography or Criminology
Semester 4	-Theoretical Perspective in Sociology- II -Comparative Sociology -Social Psychology or Science, Technology and Information Society or Sociology of Health and Aging or Sociology of Kinship, Marriage and Family

MA Sociology Syllabus Lucknow University

The Sociology syllabus at Lucknow University is designed to give students a deep understanding of society, culture, and social institutions. It runs semester-wise and covers key areas like sociological theories, Indian society, social research methods, and modern issues such as globalization and development.

Semester 1

• Classical Sociological Tradition I 
• Methodology of Sociological Research 
• Sociology of Change and Development 
• Comparative Sociology 

Semester 2

• Classical Sociological Tradition II
• Methods and Techniques of Sociological Research 
• Theoretical Perspectives on Development
• Comparative Sociological Theories 

Semester 3

• Modern Sociological Theories 
• Perspectives on Indian Society
• Optional Paper
• Optional Paper

Semester 4

• Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
• Contemporary Society and Culture in India 
• Optional Paper
• Optional Paper

MA Sociology Syllabus Kanpur University

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (Kanpur University) offers an Sociology syllabus that combines theory, fieldwork, and research. The program is structured semester-wise, focusing on classical sociology, research methods, and applied areas like rural development, gender studies, and social change.

Semester 1

• Classical Sociological Tradition I 
• Methodology of Sociological Research 
• Sociology of Change and Development 
• Comparative Sociology 

Semester 2

• Classical Sociological Tradition II
• Methods and Techniques of Sociological Research 
• Perspective on Indian Societies 
• Sociology of Environment and Disaster Management 

Semester 3

• Industry and Societies in India 
• Social Movements in India
• Optional Paper
• Optional Paper

Semester 4

• Science Technology, and Society
• Contemporary Society and Culture in India 
• Optional Paper
• Optional Paper

MA Sociology Syllabus for MJPRU

 Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU) offers a detailed Sociology syllabus that balances classical sociology with contemporary themes. The course is designed semester-wise, covering core subjects, electives, and research components to prepare students for both academic and professional paths.

Year 1

• Classical Sociological Traditions 
• Methodology of Social Research
• Gender and Society (Optional)
• Environment and Society (Optional)
• Royal Society in India (Optional)
• Sociology of Marginalized Communities (Optional) 
• Globalization and Society (Optional)

Year 2

• Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
• Perspective on Indian Societies 
• Urban Society in India (Optional)
• Sociology of Aging (Optional)
• Industry and Society in India (Optional)
• The Study of Indian Diaspora (Optional)
• Political Sociology (Optional)

MA Sociology Syllabus BHU 

Banaras Hindu University is one of the top picks for students pursuing sociology in India. BHU blends core theory with research training and electives, giving students a strong academic and practical foundation.

Semester 1 

• Paper  S1:01 Social Anthropology
• Paper  S1:02  Methodology Of Social Sciences
• Paper  S1:03  Group Processes And Dynamics
• Paper  S1:04 Classical Social Thinkers
• Paper  S1:05 Sociology Of Environment

Semester 2

• Paper  S2:01 Tribal Economy And Society
• Paper  S2:02 Social Statistics
• Paper  S2:03 Theories Of Group Interaction
• Paper  S2:04 Traditional Theoretical Foundations
• Paper  S2:05 Sociological Reviews And Viva- Voce               

Semester 3 

• Compulsory Papers
• Paper  S3:01 Modern Sociological Theories
• Paper  S3:02 Sociology of India
• Optional Papers
• Group A –  Rural and Urban Systems
  • Paper  S3:03 Rural Sociology
  • Paper  S3:04  Urban Sociology   
• Group B – Social Demography and Demographic Dimensions of Community Health
  • Paper  S3:03  Social Demography
  • Paper  S3:04  Demographic Dimensions of Community Health
• Group C – Women’s Studies
  • Paper  S3:03  Women and Society
  • Paper  S3:04  Women and Social Change in India
• Group D –  Industrial Organisation and Management
  • Paper  S3:03  Industrial Sociology
  • Paper  S3:04  Industrial Management
• Group E – Tribal Studies
  • Paper  S3:03  Social Anthropology: Conceptual and Methodological Issues
  • Paper  S3:04  Tribes in India
  • Paper  S3:05  Dissertation

Semester 4

• Compulsory Papers
• Paper  S4:01  Advanced Sociological Theories
• Paper  S4:02  Continuity and Change In India
• Optional Papers
• Group A – Rural and Urban Systems
  • Paper  S4:03  Peasant Society and Social Change
  • Paper  S4:04  Urbanization and Social Change
• Group B –  Social Demography and Demographic Dimensions of Community Health
  • Paper  S4:03  Population Growth and Policies
  • Paper  S4:04  Community Health Management
• Group C – Women’s Studies
  • Paper  S4:03  Gender and Development
  • Paper  S4:04  Gender Mobility and Change
• Group D – Industrial Organization and Management
  • Paper  S4:03 Working Class and Industrial Development
  • Paper  S4:04 Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
• Group E – Tribal Studies
  • Paper  S4:03  Tribal Institutions
  • Paper  S4:04  Perspectives of Tribal Development
  • Paper  S4:05  Viva -Voce

Best Universities for MA Sociology

Let’s do a quick comparison of the top universities in India and abroad for MA Sociology, with their course names and average annual fees.

Top Universities in India

Let’s first start with some popular Indian universities. 

University	Course Name	Average Annual Fees (INR)
Delhi University (DU)	MA Sociology	INR 10,000 – 15,000
Jawaharlal Nehru University	MA Sociology	INR 500 – 1,000
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	MA Sociology	INR 5,000 – 10,000
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)	MA Sociology	INR 8,000 – 12,000
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)	MA in Sociology / Social Work	INR 70,000 – 80,000
University of Hyderabad	MA Sociology	INR 7,000 – 9,000

Top Universities Abroad

Now, let’s move on to the top universities abroad. 

University	Course Name	Average Annual Fees (INR approx.)
London School of Economics (LSE), UK	MSc Sociology	INR 22,00,000 – 25,00,000
University of Cambridge, UK	MPhil in Sociology	INR 27,00,000 – 30,00,000
University of Oxford, UK	MSc / MPhil in Sociology	INR 25,00,000 – 28,00,000
Harvard University, USA	MA in Sociology (via PhD track)	INR 40,00,000 – 45,00,000
University of California, Berkeley, USA	MA Sociology (integrated PhD)	INR 35,00,000 – 38,00,000
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands	MSc Sociology	INR 12,00,000 – 15,00,000

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Sociology as a field is gaining more relevance with the rising demand for researchers, policy experts, social workers, educators, and global development professionals. With the right academic foundation and skills, you can shape a career in civil services, teaching, NGOs, research, media, or even pursue higher studies in top universities abroad. For more such helpful guides on courses, careers, and study abroad options, make sure to check out the Leverage Edu blog and stay updated.