What Is the IGNOU MAPC Course About?

IGNOU MAPC course is a Master of Arts in Psychology programme delivered through Open and Distance Learning. It is aimed at graduates who wish to develop an understanding of human behaviour, mental processes, personality, learning, counselling, psychological assessment and behaviour in the workplace.

MAPC involves theoretical study, practical work, an internship and a research project. It can be useful for fresh graduates, teachers, working professionals, HR employees and students preparing for research or psychology related support roles.

What Is the IGNOU MAPC Course About

IGNOU MAPC Course Details

IGNOU’s School of Social Sciences offers the programme. Its key purpose is to prepare learners with a theoretical and practical knowledge of psychology in a range of settings.

Key information about the course is

  • Program code: MAPC
  • Complete form: Master of Science in Psychology
  • Mode of study: Open and Distance learning Language of instruction: English
  • Minimum stay - 2 year
  • Max duration 48 months
  • Availability internationally: Not available for international students at this time

The program offers courses with laboratory practicum, field internship and research project. In the second year the students also choose a specialisation.

Who can apply for IGNOU MAPC?

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or above in any discipline from a recognised university. Bachelor's degree in Psychology is not necessary.

Graduates from arts, science, commerce, education, nursing, management and other streams are eligible. However, students without a psychology background may need additional time to understand statistics, research methods and psychological terminology.

No mention is made about an entrance exam for admission to the regular MAPC programme.

Duration and Fees of IGNOU MAPC

The minimum duration of IGNOU MA Psychology is 2 years and maximum duration is 4 years.

The annual programme fee for Indian students is Rs. 10,500. The above fee does not include Examination Fee which is to be paid separately at the time of submission of Term-End Examination form. Note: The fee structure of IGNOU is subject to change and hence applicants need to check the official programme and admission portals for the exact amount before making the payment.

IGNOU MAPC Syllabus and Subjects

The first year provides a common foundation in major areas of psychology.

Main subjects for the first year students are:

  • MPC-001: Psychology of Learning and Memory
  • MPC-002 : Psychology of Life Span.
  • MPC-003: Personality: Theories and Assessment
  • MPC-004 Advanced Social Psychology
  • MPC-005: Research Methodology
  • MPC-006: Statistics for Psycholog
  • MPCL-007: Experimental Psychology and Psychological Testing Practicum

Practicum is a practical course, 8 credits. Theoretical study on its own will not be sufficient for practical attendance and assessment. Students must ensure that an appropriate Learner Support Centre is available.

Focus areas for year 2

In the second year students choose a major. The specialisation includes theory, practice, internship and a project.

Clinical Psychological

This specialization includes psychopathology, psychodiagnostics, psychotherapeutic methods, practicum, internship and research project.

Counselling Psychology

This option consists of counselling psychology, assessment in counselling and guidance, counselling interventions, practicum, internship and project work.

Organisational and Occupational Psychology

This specialisation is focused on organisational behaviour, human resource development, organisational development, workplace practicum, internship and research.

Students should choose a specialisation based on their career aspirations, availability of internship opportunities and interest in the subject.

Will MAPC Turn You Into a Clinical Psychologist?

IGNOU MAPC graduates will not be RCI registered clinical psychologist.

The Rehabilitation Council of India registers professionals having recognized rehabilitation qualifications. It currently has a list of regular-mode clinical psychology programmes including specific professional qualifications such as Master in Clinical Psychology, Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology.

MAPC is an abbreviation of Master of Arts in Psychology and is an academic degree. Students wishing to use protected professional titles or to work in a regulated clinical or rehabilitation role should check the latest RCI recognised qualifications and registration requirements.

IGNOU MAPC Career Opportunities

The programme can support opportunities in education, research, training, human resources, advocacy and social service organisations. IGNOU identifies education, research, training, services and advocacy among its future prospects.

Graduates may explore roles such as:

  • Assistant researcher
  • HR or training executive
  • Academic Co-ordinator
  • Behaviour research associate
  • Community program officer
  • Student-support professional
  • Content writer, Psychology
  • Non-governmental organizations projects coordinator
  • Organisational development support

Recruitment depends on the needs of the employer, experience and other qualifications. Recognised professional training and registration may be required for regulated professional practice, psychotherapy and clinical diagnosis.

Once You’re In, What To Do?

Verify Admission Confirmation

Log on to the admission portal and confirm your programme code, Regional Centre, Study Centre and admission session.

Enrolment Number Save

Your enrolment number is required for assignments, practicals, examinations, grade-card checks and student-service requests.

IGNOU ID Card Download

Keep a copy in print and digital. You may be asked to produce your identity card at counselling sessions, practical examinations and the TEE.

Read the MAPC Program Guide

Programme guide contains details of the entire syllabus, practical requirements, specializations, internships, projects and evaluation process.

Study Material Available

Refer the printed books of IGNOU or the digital material available in the self learning resources of IGNOU. For simplified academic updates and student guidance, IGNOU Galaxy may also be consulted.

Finish MAPC Assignments and Practicals

Assignments are mandatory for the eligible theory courses. Download only those assignments which are applicable to your course codes and admission session.

IGNOU Solved Assignments help students to get feel of the answer structure and IGNOU Handwritten Assignments help in presentation guidance. Final submission should be original and from the official course material.

Reports of practicums are prepared following the instructions of the approved centre. Do not leave practical work until the end of the academic year.

Internship and Project Conditions

Internship and project work are compulsory parts of the second-year specialisation.

Students should:

  • Select the specialisation carefully.
  • Identify an appropriate internship organisation.
  • Check supervisor eligibility.
  • Prepare the project synopsis.
  • “You’ve got to get permission if you go out and collect data.
  • Do your research ethically.
  • Document your internship and research.
  • If any, prepare for project evaluation or viva.

IGNOU Projects can help students understand general synopsis and report formats, but the final research work should follow the official MAPC project handbook.

Errors to Avoid

  • Assuming that MAPC automatically provides professional registration
  • Choosing a specialisation without checking for internship facilities
  • Neglecting statistics and research methods
  • No practicals
  • Copies of projects, reports or assignments that have been duplicated
  • Collecting research data prior to approval
  • Conducting psychological testing without consent
  • Missing examination and re-registration cut-offs

Common questions

1. What is the IGNOU MAPC?

It is two year Master of Arts in Psychology programme offered by IGNOU through distance mode.

2. Who is eligible to apply for MAPC?

Applications are invited from graduates or holders of higher degrees of any recognised university.

3. Do you Need a BA in Psychology?

No. Other stream graduates may also apply.

4. What are the current MAPC fees?

The said fee is Rs. 10,500/- per year (Examination Fees Extra).

5. Does MAPC contain practical work?

Yes. It includes practicum courses, research-based project and internship courses.

6. What are the specializations?

The main second year options are Clinical, Counselling and Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

7. Are MAPC graduates clinical psychologists?

MAPC does not offer registration as a clinical psychologist with RCI on its own.

8. Is assignment mandatory?

Yes. * Students have to submit assignments for the courses they have enrolled.

9. Do you need a project?

Yes. In the second year specialisation a compulsory research project is included.

10. Can it be availed by the working professionals?

Yes but time has to be allocated for mandatory practical, internship and project requirements.

Conclusion

The IGNOU MAPC course provides a wide-ranging academic grounding in human behaviour, research, assessment and applied psychology. It combines distance learning with practical work, internship and a specialised research project .

The programme can support careers in the areas of education, research, HR and community service. Students interested in regulated clinical practice should check on their own the professional qualifications and registration requirements set out by RCI.