State Highway 34, Madhuvan, Dumri, Near Ratoh Taal, Mau, Uttar Pradesh - 275101
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SMT. INDIRA GANDHI PG COLLEGE

Affiliated to Maharaja Suhel Dev State University
Mau, Uttar Pradesh

M.A. Political Science

Programme Overview & Eligibility Criteria

Programme Overview

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science is a postgraduate programme designed to provide advanced knowledge of political theory, constitutional studies, public administration, governance, international relations and contemporary political processes.

The programme enables students to critically analyze political institutions, public policies, democratic systems and global political developments while developing strong research and analytical skills.

Students study diverse areas such as Modern Political Analysis, Indian Constitution and Politics, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, Contemporary Political Theory, International Politics, Human Rights, Federalism, Governance and Research Methodology.

Special emphasis is placed on policy analysis, constitutional values, democratic governance, international affairs and research-based learning through project work and academic investigations.

The programme prepares graduates for careers in civil services, public administration, research, academia, journalism, public policy, political consultancy, international organizations, NGOs and higher studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Qualification

Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or equivalent) from a recognized university.

Preferred Background

Graduates with Political Science or related Social Science subjects are preferred, subject to university regulations.

Admission Process

Admission shall be granted according to the rules, regulations and admission guidelines prescribed by the affiliating university and the college from time to time.

Learning Objectives & Programme Outcomes

M.A. Political Science

Learning Objectives

  • Develop advanced understanding of political theory, political philosophy and contemporary political thought.
  • Examine the structure, functioning and constitutional framework of the Indian political system.
  • Study public administration, governance mechanisms and policy implementation processes.
  • Analyze political institutions, democratic processes and public decision-making systems.
  • Understand comparative political systems and major approaches to political analysis.
  • Develop knowledge of international relations, global politics and international organizations.
  • Explore issues related to human rights, gender, social justice, citizenship and constitutional values.
  • Enhance critical thinking and analytical abilities for interpreting political events and public policies.
  • Develop research skills through project work, data analysis, academic writing and field investigations.
  • Prepare students for careers in public administration, civil services, teaching, research, policy analysis and political consultancy.

Programme Outcomes

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of political theories, ideologies and philosophical traditions.
  • Critically evaluate constitutional provisions, governance structures and public policies.
  • Apply theoretical concepts to analyze national and international political developments.
  • Interpret political institutions, administrative systems and democratic processes using analytical frameworks.
  • Assess issues related to human rights, social justice, gender equality and citizenship from constitutional and policy perspectives.
  • Analyze comparative political systems and international relations using contemporary approaches and methodologies.
  • Conduct independent research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Demonstrate effective communication, debate, leadership and policy analysis skills.
  • Apply ethical values, democratic principles and constitutional morality in professional and civic life.
  • Become prepared for careers in Civil Services, Public Administration, Academia, Research, Journalism, Public Policy, NGOs, International Organizations and Political Consultancy.

Academic Curriculum Structure

Semester-wise Curriculum Framework of M.A. Political Science

Semester Course Title Course Type Credits Marks
I Modern Political Analysis Core Course 4 100
Indian Constitution: Law and Politics Core Course 4 100
Public Administration Core Course 4 100
Comparative Politics Core Course 4 100
Research Methodology / Project Component Practical / Research 4 100
II Contemporary Political Theory Core Course 4 100
International Politics Core Course 4 100
Human Rights and Social Justice Core Course 4 100
Governance and Public Policy Core Course 4 100
Dissertation / Research Project Project Work 4 100
Semester I Credits 20 500
Semester II Credits 20 500
Total Programme Credits 40 1000
Curriculum Highlights

Semester-wise Course Distribution

Detailed Structure of M.A. Political Science Programme

Semester I
  • Modern Political Analysis
  • Indian Constitution: Law and Politics
  • Public Administration
  • Comparative Politics
  • Research Methodology / Project Component

Focus Areas:

  • Political Concepts and Analytical Approaches
  • Constitutional Development and Governance
  • Administrative Systems and Public Management
  • Comparative Political Institutions
  • Research Design and Academic Writing
Total Credits: 20
Semester II
  • Contemporary Political Theory
  • International Politics
  • Human Rights and Social Justice
  • Governance and Public Policy
  • Dissertation / Research Project

Focus Areas:

  • Contemporary Political Debates and Ideologies
  • International Relations and Global Affairs
  • Human Rights, Equality and Justice
  • Policy Formulation and Governance Mechanisms
  • Independent Research and Dissertation Writing
Total Credits: 20
Programme Summary

Duration: 1 Year (2 Semesters)

Total Credits: 40 Credits

Core Areas: Political Theory, Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, Governance, Public Policy and Research Methodology.

Career Opportunities: Civil Services, Public Administration, Policy Analysis, Political Consultancy, Journalism, Research Organizations, International Agencies, NGOs, Teaching and Higher Studies.

Academic Guidelines

Guidelines for Academic Excellence, Research and Professional Development

Attendance & Academic Participation

Students are expected to maintain regular attendance in lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and academic activities. Active participation in classroom discussions, debates and scholarly engagements is essential for successful learning.

Continuous Assessment

Academic performance is evaluated through assignments, presentations, seminars, internal assessments, project work, dissertation evaluation, viva-voce and end-semester examinations as prescribed by the university.

Research & Dissertation Work

Students are encouraged to undertake independent research, policy analysis, field investigations and dissertation work to strengthen analytical thinking, academic writing and evidence-based decision-making skills.

Seminars & Academic Discussions

Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, debates, panel discussions, mock parliamentary activities and policy forums to enhance communication, leadership and critical thinking abilities.

Academic Integrity & Ethics

Students must maintain honesty, integrity and ethical conduct in research, assignments, examinations and academic activities. Proper citation of sources and avoidance of plagiarism are mandatory.

Academic Progression

Successful completion of coursework, internal assessments, project reports, dissertation work and semester-end examinations is required for progression and award of the M.A. Political Science degree.

Important Academic Note

All academic regulations relating to attendance, internal assessment, dissertation submission, grading, promotion, examination procedures and award of the degree shall be governed by the ordinances, regulations and guidelines of the affiliating university as amended from time to time.

Student Development

Student Support & Engagement

Comprehensive academic support and vibrant student engagement opportunities.

Academic Support Services

  • Faculty Mentoring System
  • Bridge Courses
  • Remedial Classes
  • Tutorial & Academic Guidance
  • Career Guidance & Counselling
  • Grievance Redressal Support
  • Library & Digital Learning Resources

Student Clubs & Activities

  • Discipline-Based Clubs
  • Cultural Clubs & Activities
  • Sports & Fitness Activities
  • Mental Well-being Initiatives
  • NSS & Community Engagement Programmes
Downloads

Academic Resources

Access syllabus, programme documents and academic resources.

S.No. Document Download
1 Syllabus Download
2 Programme Outcomes Download
3 Course Structure Download
4 Academic Calendar Download
5 Examination Guidelines Download