What is M.A. (Master of Arts)?
Master of Arts or MA is a postgraduate degree which can be pursued by students who have completed their bachelors (also known as, undergraduate degree). There are various specializations. There are various colleges and universities like colleges affiliated to Delhi University, Narsee Monjee College, Loyola College, Chandigarh University that offer MA in various specializations. The basic eligibility criteria to pursue MA is that the candidates must have graduated from a recognized institution/university and must have secured a valid percentage of marks (which may differ for each university or institution).
What is the Full Form of M.A?
The full form of M.A is Masters of Art. Only those candidates who have completed their graduation, they will be eligible to pursue M.A in the subject of their choice.
Some universities or institutions may also conduct an entrance exam to check if the candidate is eligible to get admission to the certain programme or not. To know more about the programme, like ways to pursue MA, specializations in master of arts, eligibility criteria in different colleges offering MA, benefits of pursuing master of arts, MA fees in different colleges that offer master of arts, syllabus of MA and frequently asked questions related to Master of Arts, continue reading the article.
Types of Master of Arts
Master of arts is a postgraduate degree offered to students who have completed graduation in any specialization from a recognized university and must have scored a valid percentage of marks. There are various specializations under master of arts and students can choose one to make a career out of it. If a student is interested in choosing a career that is based on a foreign language, such as, Spanish, then he/she can opt for bachelor of arts in Spanish. After graduating, to strengthen the base of the career, the student can pursue a master of arts in Spanish from a renowned university.
Quick Facts
- MA Admission 2023 eligibility requires a Graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized University.
- The average MA fees for the course ranges between INR 20,000 - 30,000.
- Some of the top colleges offering Master of Arts are Calcutta University, JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, etc.
- Apart from regular mode, Master of Arts can be pursued through Distance from colleges like IGNOU, Annamalai University, Osmania University, etc.
- There are several MA entrance exams such as DUET, PU CET, JNUEE, etc.
- After completion of MA, students can pursue PhD in their respective fields of specializations.
- The average salary post the completion of Master of Arts range between INR 3.5 - 5 LPA.
Master of Arts Syllabus
M.A syllabus is an academically oriented syllabus that includes theory and practical lessons, internships, research projects, and assignments. The syllabus and the course curriculum are different for every specialization. The core subjects that are taught in the first year of the curriculum.
See Also: MA Syllabus
There are different types of elective courses that students can choose in the second year. Some of the special disciplines for M.A course are - English, Bengali, History, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Hindi, Philosophy, etc. Below mentioned tables will discuss separately the subjects and syllabus for various Master of Arts courses.
MA English Syllabus
Semester I
Structure of Modern English |
English Fiction |
Phonology |
Jonathan Swift: Gulliver’s Travels |
Communication |
Henry Fielding: Joseph Andrews |
Morphology |
Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice |
Semantics |
Charles Dickens: David Copperfield |
Syntax |
George Eliot: Middlemarch |
Traditional English Drama |
Indian Verses (Elective) |
Ben Jonson: Volpone |
Background to Indian English Poetry |
Christopher Marlowe: Dr Faustus |
Nissim Ezekiel |
William Congreve: The Way of the World |
Arun Kolatkar – Jejuri |
Sheridan: The School for Scandal |
The Old Playhouse and Other Poems – Kamla Das |
William Goldsmith: She Stoops To Conquer |
- |
English Language and Literature Teaching (Elective) |
Research Methodology (Elective) |
Methods and Approaches to Language Teaching |
What is Research? |
Teaching of Grammar |
Constructing Research Design |
Dimensions of Research in English Language and English Literature |
Research Process |
Teaching of Language Skills |
Dimensions of Research in English Language and English Literature |
Approaches to Teaching of Literature |
Development, Hypothesis and Preparation of Research Proposal |
Teaching of Poetry, Drama, Fiction |
Research Process |
- |
Parts of the Dissertation |
- |
Presentation of Research |
- |
Presentation of Research |
- |
Major Concerns in the Thesis |
Semester II
The Structure of Modern English |
English Fiction |
Language and Society |
Thomas Hardy: Jude the Obscure |
Distinctive Features of British, American and |
Joseph Conrad: Lord Jim |
Indian English |
D. H. Lawrence: Sons and Lovers |
Pragmatics |
Graham Greene: The Power and the Glory |
English in India |
EM Forster: A Passage to India |
Introduction to Stylistics |
- |
Modern English Drama |
Indian Prose Works (Elective) |
GB Shaw: Candida |
Background to Indian Prose |
TS Eliot: Murder in the Cathedral |
Kanthapura |
Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot |
Lokmanya Tilak – Essays from Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
Harold Pinter: Home Coming |
RK Narayan: An Astrologer’s Day |
John Osborne: Look Back in Anger |
Rohinton Mistry: A Fine Balance |
Semester III
Literary Theory and Criticism |
English Poetry |
Aristotle: The Poetics |
John Milton: Paradise Lost Book 1 |
Dr Johnson: A Preface to Shakespeare |
John Donne: The Sun Rising |
Philip Sidney: An Apology of Poetry |
Alexander Pope: The Rape of The Lock |
William Wordsworth: A Preface to Lyrical Ballads |
Andrew Marvell: To His Coy Mistress |
Matthew Arnold: The Study of Poetry |
William Blake: From Songs of Innocence |
English Language and Literature Teaching (Elective) |
Methods and Approaches to Language Teaching |
Teaching of Grammar |
Relationship between Psychology and Teaching of Language |
Approaches to the Teaching of Literature |
Teaching of Poetry, Drama and Fiction |
Teaching of Language Skills |
Semester IV
Literary Theory and Criticism |
English Poetry |
T.S.Eliot: Tradition and the Individual Talent |
Coleridge: The Rime of Ancient Mariner |
F.R.Leavis: Literature and Society |
William Wordsworth Poetry |
Northrope Frye: The Archetypes of Literature |
Tennyson Poetry |
Elaine Showalter: Feminist Criticism in the Wilderness |
Robert Browning Poetry |
Ronald Barthes: The Death of the Author |
W. B. Yeats Poetry |
Shakespeare |
American Literature (Elective) |
Julius Caesar |
Arthur Miller: The Death of a Salesman |
Tempest |
Background Topics |
Macbeth |
John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men |
Measure for Measure |
Edward Albee: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf |
King Lear |
Poetry |
MA Political Science Syllabus
The table given below will familiarise you with the latest MA Political Science Syllabus taught in most of the best MA colleges in India.
First Year Syllabus |
Semester I |
Semester II |
Western Political Thought (From Plato to Hegel) |
Political Sociology |
Political Development |
Comparative Politics |
Research Methodology |
Administrative Theory |
Ancient Indian Political Thought |
Indian Constitutional System |
Theories of International Relations |
Comparative Politics |
Contemporary Political Theory |
Texts of Philosophers |
Practical Work/ Exercise |
Practical Work/ Exercise |
Second Year Syllabus |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Public Administration |
Concept and Issue in Political Science |
Politics in India |
Post-Cold War International Relations |
Modern Indian Political Thought |
Indian Administration |
International Politics |
State Politics with Special Reference to U.P. |
Political Sociology |
Dissertation and Viva Voce |
Interpreting Modern World |
- |
Electives |
- |
MA Economics Syllabus
Check out the detailed MA Economics Syllabus tabulated below along with various optional subjects.
First Year Syllabus |
Semester I |
Semester II |
Microeconomic Analysis |
Macroeconomic Analysis |
Elementary Statistics |
Theory of Pricing and Distribution |
Monetary Economics |
Quantitative Methods |
International Trade |
International Finance |
Optional Paper I |
Viva-Voce |
Second Year Syllabus |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Economics of Growth |
Indian Public Finance |
Economics of Industry |
Selected Problems of the Indian Economy |
Issues in the Indian Economy |
Growth Models in Economics |
Public Economics |
Economics of Agriculture |
Optional Paper-II |
Viva-Voce |
Optional Papers |
Quantitative Economics I & II |
Labour Economics I & II |
Economics of Gender and Development I & II |
Economics of Infrastructure I & II |
Demography I & II |
Econometrics I & II |
Financial Institutions and Markets I & II |
Economics of Insurance I & II |
MA History Syllabus
Check out the following table to get familiar with the latest MA History Syllabus taught in various Indian Colleges. Note: The final semester Syllabus emphasises history related to a particular state.
First Year Syllabus |
Semester I |
Semester II |
Principles of History |
Polity and Economics in Mediaeval India |
Twentieth Century world (up to the end of World War II) |
History of Ideas in Mediaeval India |
History of Ideas in Modern India |
Society, Culture and Religion in Mediaeval India |
History of the Marathas (A.D. 1600 – A.D. 1707) or History of Republican China |
State in India |
History of Ideas in Modern India |
- |
Research Methodology and Historical Investigation |
- |
Second Year Syllabus |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Indian Nationalism upto 1905 |
Tribal History of India With Special Reference of particular state |
Indian National Movement (1905-1947) |
Status of women in Indian History |
18th to 19th century world |
Historical Application in Tourism |
History of a Particular State |
Dissertation |
MA Sociology Syllabus
The latest MA Sociology Syllabus in a semester wise breakdown is given below in the table chart:
First Year Syllabus |
Semester I |
Semester II |
Foundational Sociology |
Methodology of Sociological Research |
Classical Sociological Theory |
Economic Sociology |
General Sociology |
Sociology of Development |
Religion and Society |
Modern Sociological Theory |
Political Sociology |
Industrial Sociology |
Contemporary Social Theory |
Perspectives on Indian Society |
Second Year Syllabus |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Advanced Social Theory |
Population and Society |
Social Change and Political Order |
Urban Sociology |
Gender and Society |
Sociology of Violence |
Sociology of Education |
Social Problems |
Sociology of Environment |
Design of Social Research |
- |
Dissertation |
MA Hindi Syllabus
The following tables give you details about the prescribed MA Hindi Syllabus by various popular and reputed colleges and universities.
First Year Syllabus |
Semester I |
Semester II |
History of Literature – Ancient and Mediaeval |
History of Literature – Modern Period |
Novel and Short Story |
Prose II – Drama and One-Act Plays |
General Linguistics |
Ancient and Medieval Hindi Poetry |
Translation – Theory and Practice |
Origin and Development of Hindi Language and Structure of Hindi |
Second Year Syllabus |
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Modern Hindi Poetry including Chayavad |
Post-Chayavad Hindi Poetry |
Theory of Literature - Indian and Western |
Current Trends in Indian literature |
Electives (any 1) |
Electives (any 1) |
Dalit Literature in Hindi/ Official Language Hindi and Functional Hindi/ Sanskrit |
Feminist Writing in Hindi/ Special Author: Mohan Rakesh/ Minor Literary Forms in Hindi |
Indian Theatre/ Journalism and Media/ Cultural Tourism |
Hindi Writings in Kerala/ Special Author: Premchand/ Sanskrit |
- |
Project Work/ Dissertation |
- |
Viva-Voce Examination |
Master of Arts: Specializations
M.A courses have a variety of specializations which give the opportunity of exploring in-depth knowledge about that subject. MA or Master of Arts is a huge field of study, thus the lines of specializations are also huge and are subject to radical changes depending on the course and its core structure.
MA English
MA English is a 2-years PG course that deals with the study of concepts and topics of grammar and literature. MA English Syllabus covers various English poetry, fictions, Indian verses, English Dramas and Research methodology for English Language and Literature. The top MA English colleges in India include Loyola College Chennai, Fergusson College Pune and Presidency University Kolkata. The average MA English Fees can be between INR 40,000 - 50,000 annually. There are plenty of MA English Jobs like Journalist, Teacher, Editor, Script Writer etc. with average annual salary between INR 3.5 - 4 LPA.
See: MA English Admission Process
MA History
MA History covers a wide range of topics of Indian as well as Foreign History in the field of arts & humanities. MA History Syllabus imparts knowledge about Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern History of India in terms of social status, culture, events, etc. The best MA History colleges in India are Miranda House College Delhi, Hindu College New Delhi, Loyola College, Chennai, etc. The average MA History fees can range between INR 10,000 - INR 40,000 in private while INR 500 - INR 2,000 in MA History government colleges. MA History Jobs include historian, archivist, archaeologist, etc. with average earnings around INR 3.71 - 7.97 LPA.
MA Political Science
MA Political Science or Master of Arts in Political Science is a 2-years PG course which offers specialised knowledge in the field of Indian and International Politics. MA Political Science Syllabus covers subjects or topics related to Political Theory, Political Sociology, International Relations along with several texts of philosophers. The best MA Political Science colleges in India include Hindu College New Delhi, St. Xavier’s College Kolkata, Presidency College Chennai and many others. MA Political Science average fees range between INR 10,000 to 25,000. Graduates can find various MA Political Science jobs like Political Consultant, Activists, etc. with annual salary between INR 4-8 LPA.
MA Sociology
MA Sociology deals with the study of society and different related mechanisms for the development of Society. MA Sociology Syllabus covers topics such as Society, Religion, Political and Economic Sociology, Methodology of Sociological Research and Development. The Top MA Sociology colleges in India include Nizam College Hyderabad, Loyola College Chennai, Jesus and Mary College New Delhi and many others. The average fees for the course can be anywhere between INR 5,000 - 2,00,000. Apart from MA Sociology Jobs, students can also go for higher education and are eligible to pursue M.Phil or Ph.D. in Sociology.
MA Economics
MA Economics is a 2-years PG course that imparts knowledge about several aspects of Economics, banking, Marketing and many other concepts related to Economics. MA Economics Syllabus covers a broad range of topics such as econometry, macroeconomics, microeconomics, international and financial economics and many more. MA Economics Fees into the top MA Economics colleges in India like Loyola College Chennai, Miranda House New Delhi, Christ University Bangalore, etc. can range between INR 10,000 - 50,000. Research Analyst, Data Analyst and Economist are some high profile and reputable MA Economics Jobs with average annual salary between INR 3 - 7 LPA.
Some of the Popular Specilizations in MA Include:
MA in Bengali |
MA in Urdu |
MA in Literature |
MA in Fine Arts |
MA in Public Relations |
MA in Hindi |
MA in Film Studies |
MA in Philosophy |
MA in Psychology |
MA in Persian |
MA in Malayalam |
MA in Geology |
MA in Social Work |
MA in Sanskrit |
MA in Japanese |
MA in Gujarati |
MA in Tamil |
MA in Telugu |
MA in Spanish |
MA in Punjabi |
MA in Linguistics |
MA in Anthropology |
MA in Ancient History |
MA in Fashion Design |
MA in Painting |
MA in Disaster Management |
MA in Music |
MA in Mathematics |
MA in Marathi |
MA in Gender Studies |
MA in Kannada |
MA in Development Studies |
MA in French |
MA Colleges in India
Many popular colleges in India offer M.A in various Specializations. Almost all the top five metropolitan cities of India have famous colleges that teach various MA courses. Some of the famous colleges of these cities are mentioned below,
MA Colleges in Delhi
Check out some of the best MA colleges in Delhi along with their average annual fees structure:
Colleges Name |
Average Annual Fees |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women - [LSR], New Delhi |
INR 17,976 |
Miranda House, New Delhi |
INR 14,530 |
Hindu College, New Delhi |
INR 18,010 |
Hansraj College - [HRC], New Delhi |
INR 13,309 |
Jesus and Mary College - [JMC], New Delhi |
INR 17,046 |
Sri Venkateswara College - Delhi, New Delhi |
INR 13,191 |
Shri Ram College of Commerce - [SRCC], New Delhi |
NA |
Indraprastha College for Women - [IP], New Delhi |
NA |
IIT Delhi - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITD], New Delhi |
INR 20,000 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University - [JNU], New Delhi |
INR 371 |
MA Colleges in Mumbai
There are around 52 recognized arts colleges in Mumbai offering MA courses. Tabulated below are some of the best MA Colleges in Mumbai with fees structure:
Colleges Name |
Average Annual Fees |
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai |
INR 92,000 |
K J Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce - [KJSAC], Mumbai |
INR 16,850 |
Kishinchand Chellaram College - [KC College], Mumbai |
INR 24,920 |
Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College - [R.J.C], Mumbai |
INR 11,015 |
IIT Bombay - Indian Institute of Technology - [IITB], Mumbai |
INR 69,500 |
Mumbai University - [MU], Mumbai |
INR 34,405 |
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University - [SNDT], Mumbai |
INR 13,355 |
Bombay Teachers' Training College - [BTTC], Mumbai |
NA |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS], Mumbai |
INR 66,500 |
Thakur College of Engineering and Technology - [TCET], Mumbai |
NA |
MA Colleges in Kolkata
Kolkata, also known as "City of Joy" is a home to some of the most premier and prestigious institutions in India. Some of the top MA Colleges in Kolkata along with fees Structure are given below:
Colleges Name |
Average Annual Fees |
Presidency University, Kolkata |
INR 2,220 |
St. Xavier's College - [SXC], Kolkata |
NA |
Lady Brabourne College - [LBC], Kolkata |
INR 27,174 |
Jadavpur University - [JU], Kolkata |
NA |
Maulana Azad College - [MAC], Kolkata |
INR 4,185 |
Acharya Prafulla Chandra College - [APCC], Kolkata |
NA |
Ramakrishna Mission Residential College - [RKMRC], Kolkata |
INR 40,000 |
University of Calcutta, Kolkata |
INR 2,314 |
Amity University, Kolkata |
INR 1,02,000 |
University of Engineering and Management - [UEM], Kolkata |
INR 60,000 |
MA Colleges in Bangalore
Check out list of a top 10 MA Colleges in Bangalore along with their average annual fees Structure:
Colleges Name |
Average Annual Fees |
Christ University, Bangalore |
INR 20,000 (Total Fees) |
Kristu Jayanti College - [KJC], Bangalore |
INR 75,000 |
Jain (Deemed-to-be University) Online, Bangalore |
INR 57,000 |
Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women - [MLACW], Bangalore |
NA |
Jain University - [JU], Bangalore |
INR 4,00,000 |
Mount Carmel College - [MCC], Bangalore |
NA |
Garden City University - [GCU], Bangalore |
INR 94,500 |
National Law School of India University - [NLSIU], Bangalore |
INR 2,19,625 |
Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies - [AIGS], Bangalore |
INR 91,175 |
CMR University - [CMRU], Bangalore |
INR 90,000 |
MA Colleges in Pune
There are around 112 Arts colleges in Pune out of which around 54 colleges in Pune offer MA courses with various MA Specializations. Check out the table below for the best MA Colleges in Pune along with their average annual fees structure:
Colleges Name |
Average Annual Fees |
Fergusson College, Pune |
INR 9,680 |
Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce - [MCASC] Shivajinagar, Pune |
NA |
Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune |
INR 36,511 |
Dr. D.Y. Patil Arts, Science and Commerce College Pimpri, Pune |
INR 13,400 |
Gramonnati Mandal's Arts, Commerce & Science College - [ACSC] Narayangaon, Pune |
NA |
Poona College of Arts, Science and Commerce - [PCASC], Pune |
INR 15,920 |
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication - [SIMC], Pune |
INR 5,10,000 |
Savitribai Phule Pune University - [SPPU], Pune |
INR 26,980 |
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University - [BVDU], Pune |
INR 7,00,000 (Total Fees) |
Symbiosis International University - [SIU], Pune |
INR 3,25,000 |
MA Distance Education
MA being popular and highly sought after course is available in the form of Distance Education course as well. For professionals who cannot spare time but are also interested to study further, Distance in MA is highly recommended for them.
The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA in Distance method are as follows,
- Students should have cleared their graduation in a relevant stream for a recognized University.
- They should have the minimum passing marks in all subjects to be considered fit for enrolling in MA in Distance Education mode
Some of the top colleges offering MA in Distance Education are tabulated below,
Name of the College |
Location |
Average Course Fees (INR) |
IGNOU |
New Delhi |
12,600 |
Mahatma Gandhi University |
New Delhi |
2,475 |
University of Mumbai |
Mumbai |
6015 |
Saraswati Distance Education |
Mumbai |
27,000 |
Rabindra Bharati University |
Kolkata |
6,800 |
Netaji Subhas Open University |
Kolkata |
7,600 |
IGNOU MA Economics Syllabus
Check out the table below to know the subject or topics taught in IGNOU MA Economics Syllabus:
First Year Syllabus |
Second Year Syllabus |
Microeconomic Analysis |
International Trade and Finance |
Macroeconomic Analysis |
Economics of Social Sector and Environment |
Quantitative Methods for Economic Analysis |
Public Economics |
Economics of Growth and Development |
Research Methods in Economics |
Indian Economic Policy |
Optional Courses |
- |
Econometric Methods |
- |
Actuarial Economics: Theory and Practice |
- |
Financial Institutions and Markets |
- |
Project Work |
- |
Women in the Economy |
- |
Gender Issues in Work Employment and Productivity |
- |
Development Issues and Perspectives |
IGNOU MA English Syllabus
The following table below provides you an insight about the IGNOU MA English Syllabus. Note: For second year one can choose any 3 optional subjects.
First Year Syllabus |
Second Year Syllabus |
British Poetry |
Literary Criticism and Theory |
British Drama |
Optional Subjects ( any 3 ) |
Aspects of Language |
Indian English Literature |
British Novel |
American Literature |
- |
New Literatures in English |
- |
English Studies in India |
- |
Australian Literature |
- |
American Novel |
- |
A Survey Course in 20th Century Canadian Literature |
- |
Contemporary Indian Literature in English Translation |
- |
Writings from the Margins |
- |
Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice |
- |
Indian Folk Literature |
IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus
Below we have tabulated the latest IGNOU MA Psychology Syllabus in semester wise breakdown. Also Note: In the Final year of MA Psychology at IGNOU, candidates are required to choose any one Group among the 3.
First Year Syllabus |
Second Year Syllabus |
Cognitive Psychology, Learning and Memory |
Group A: Clinical Psychology |
Lifespan Psychology |
Psychopathology |
Personality: Theories and Assessment |
Psychodiagnostics |
Advanced Social Psychology |
Psychotherapeutic methods |
Research Methods in Psychology |
Practicals: Clinical |
Statistics in Psychology |
Field Work |
Practicals: Experimental Psychology and Psychological Testing |
Project |
- |
Group B: Counselling Psychology |
- |
Counselling Psychology |
- |
Assessment in Counselling and Guidance |
- |
Interventions in counselling |
- |
Practicum in Counselling Psychology |
- |
Internship |
- |
Project |
- |
Group C: Industrial and Organisational Psychology |
- |
Organisational Behaviour (OBY) |
- |
Human Resource Development (HRD) |
- |
Organisational Development (OD) |
- |
Practicum: Industrial and Organisational Psychology |
- |
Internship |
- |
Project |
MA Colleges in Abroad
Nearly 22 lakh students visited abroad from India for further studies between the year 2016 - 2021. There are several prestigious universities and colleges abroad that offer degrees in MA subjects. Some of the top countries that offer MA specializations are tabulated below for your reference
Country |
Top colleges |
USA |
Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Texas, Columbia University |
UK |
Canterbury Christ Church University Treasure University Coventry University University of East London |
Canada |
University of Toronto University of Alberta University of British Columbia McGill University |
Australia |
University of Melbourne University of Sydney RMIT University University of Queensland |
MA Colleges in USA
USA is home to several prestigious colleges that offer MA Specializations along with a unique course structure. Every year a total of 1.1 million students get enrolled in various colleges across the USA. The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA in universities in USA are,
- Bachelor of Arts or BA with a minimum GPA of 3 out of 4
- A TOEFL or IELTS score of 80 or 6.5 respectively
- Certain colleges demand relevant work experience
Some of the top MA Colleges in USA are,
Name of the Colleges |
Average Fees (INR) |
Harvard University |
38,05,340 |
Stanford University |
50,69,400 |
University of Texas |
19,05120 |
Columbia University |
42,82,600 |
MA Colleges in UK
The United Kingdom is the second-best choice when it comes to studying abroad. There are many reputed MA colleges and Universities that offer 1 - 2 years MA degrees such as Oxford, LSE, etc.
The eligibility criteria for studying MA In United Kingdom are,
- Bachelor of Arts or BA degree from a recognized University
- Students who have secured 1st position or top positions are eligible to apply at top MA Universities in UK
- A minimum of 80 in TOEFL or 6.5 in IELTS entrance examination
Some of the top MA colleges in UK are,
Name of the Colleges |
Average Fees (INR) |
Canterbury Christ Church University |
16,80,770 |
Oxford University |
23,10,000 |
Coventry University |
11,04,950 |
University of London |
7,37,100 |
MA Colleges in Canada
Canada is considered as one of the topmost student-friendly countries, along with its high-quality education methods that too in a very short amount of fees. There are also available various scholarships that international students can avail.
The eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue MA from Canada are enlisted below,
- Minimum 70% or a first-class degree in BA or a similar relevant course
- A valid IELTS or TOEFL score of 7 or 100 respectively. Scores could vary depending on the college cut-offs
- Certain Colleges / Universities demand relevant work experience
- Research Skills and Experience count a lot when one seeks to get admitted to Colleges in Canada
Some of the top colleges in Canada for MA courses are,
Name of the Colleges |
Average Fees (INR) |
University of Toronto |
23,27,920 |
University of Alberta |
9,80,000 |
University of British Columbia |
4,95,040 |
What after MA
After completing MA students can opt for further studies such as M.Phil or PhD in their relevant subjects. The eligibility criteria for M.Phil and PhD are different however students have to sit for an entrance exam for both the degrees, as there are no merit-based selection criteria when it comes to pursuing an M.Phil or PhD.
Apart from further studies, students can also choose to join corporates and other organizations to kick start their professional careers. Or, they can prepare for various government jobs and exams.
Course after M.A
Students can choose to pursue M.Phil or PhD post completing MA in relevant subjects or can also choose to pursue Diploma degrees in various professional courses. The below-mentioned table will discuss the various courses one can choose after completing MA.
M.Phil Courses
- Phil or Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate academic research degree course that tends to research the nature of ideas and circumstances in a specific field of study. The eligibility criteria for pursuing M.Phil are,
- Students should score a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the relevant subject for their MA degree course from a recognized university.
- Should sit for entrance examination and clear the minimum cut off as selected by the University
Some of the top and frequently attempted M.Phil courses are,
M.phil in English |
M.Phil in History |
M.Phil in Philosophy |
M.Phil in Political Science |
M.Phil in Sociology |
M.Phil in Economics |
M.Phil in Bengali |
M.Phil in Hindi |
M.Phil in Sanskrit |
Some of the top M.Phil Colleges are tabulated below,
Name of the Colleges |
Average Fees (INR) |
University of Calcutta |
4,000 |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University |
75,000 |
Delhi University |
6,000 |
Rabindra Bharati University |
9,500 - 12,000 |
PhD Courses
PhD also known as Doctor of Philosophy is a 5-year course that deals with an in-depth and intrinsic study of research for any relevant subject. The eligibility criteria for pursuing PhD is,
- Students should have scored a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Post Graduation in a relevant subject from a recognized university
- Should clear the cut off marks during entrance exams as decided by the presiding university
Some of the tops frequently attempted PhD subjects are,
PhD in English |
PhD in History |
PhD in Economics |
PhD in Political Science |
PhD in Philosophy |
PhD in Philosophy |
Some of the top PhD colleges in India are as follows,
Name of the College |
Average Fees (INR) |
Banaras Hindu University |
5,000 - 8,000 |
University of Calcutta |
5,000 |
Delhi University |
12,000 |
Jamia Millia Islamia |
23,100 |
M.A Jobs
Post completing MA, students are offered a wide set of job profiles, starting from teachers to part-time professors, managerial positions to owning a start-up. The below-mentioned table will discuss the various job profiles a candidate can be offered post completing an MA degree in relevant subjects.
Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters who hire fresh candidates post completing MA degree are tabulated below.
ITC Limited |
Amazon. in |
Capgemini |
TCS |
BMW |
ICICI Bank |
Myntra |
Hindustan Times |
Times of India |
Top Job Profiles
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Content Writer |
The main job of a content writer is to write articles along with proper SEO research and updating oneself with adequate knowledge on the subject that s/he is writing. |
Journalist |
A journalist mainly goes out to cover news and events that are happening in society and present it to the citizens. A journalist profile can be bifurcated into an editor and anchor, based on his / her line of specialty |
Social Worker |
Someone who works for the society and the unprivileged sections for their better life and conditions. Social workers are divided into various sections such as people working for women empowerment, people working for the environment, people working for the unprivileged sections, etc. |
Teacher |
The main job of a teacher is to impart knowledge to her students based on her line of study |
Consultant |
A consultant works for a firm or corporate agency, who is mainly responsible for managing client meets and interacting with them. |
MA Salary in India
Keeping the various job profiles that are offered to an MA graduate, these range of salaries along with their designated positions are tabulated below for your reference,
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
Content Writer |
2.87 LPA |
Journalist |
3.46 LPA |
Social Worker |
3.88 LPA |
Teacher |
5 LPA |
Consultant |
5.5 LP |
Admission Process
For admission to graduate programs, most colleges have their own entrance exams, while others admit students on merit:
- Candidates for admission to the master’s program have to take and pass an entrance examination. Most universities and colleges require an entrance exam for bachelor’s degree programs.
- Some universities offer direct admission to master’s courses based on the results of the entrance exams. However, many colleges use additional rounds of screening, such as group discussions and face-to-face interviews, to identify the best candidates for admission.
- Applicants must pass a university/college exam to advance to the next round based on their grades/marks.
Eligibility Criteria
Before Applying For An Master Of Arts one Should Be Aware Of The Eligibility Criteria As Prescribed By The Colleges And Universities. Below Mentioned Are The Details For Eligibility To A MA Course,
- Candidates Should Have Completed Their Bachelor Of Arts With A Minimum Of 3 Years Duration Or Its Equivalent Degree From A Recognized University.
- They Have To Score At Least 50% In The Relevant Subjects.
MA Entrance Exams
As discussed several entrance exams are conducted for students to enroll for Master of Arts. Scores of DUET, CUCET, TISSNET, AUAT, IPU CET, JNUEE, etc are amongst the various entrance exams, based on which the admission to MA courses is determined.
MA Entrance Exams Dates
Entrance Exam |
Registration Date |
Exam Date |
TISSNET |
To be Announced |
To be Announced |
AUAT |
To be Announced |
To be Announced |
PUCET |
To be Announced |
To be Announced |
JNUEE |
To be Announced |
To be Announced |
CUSAT CAT |
January 27, 2023 |
April 29 to May 1, 2023 |
MA Entrance Exams Preparation Tips
- Students Should Be Well Versed In The Subject They Have Chosen For their Master Of Arts. They Can Divide The Syllabus Into Separate Modules To Make The Learning Process Easy.
- Literary Theory And Criticism On Respective Subjects Are Equally Important For Entrance Exam Preparation.
- Students Have To Practice How To Deal With Factual Questions.
- They Can Revise Previous Papers And Sample Papers Of The Respective Entrance Exam For Better Understanding.
Why study Master of Arts?
- Master of arts degree helps students to enhance their subject-specific knowledge. It provides an in-depth knowledge of the discipline they have selected.
- They also get an opportunity to attend Guest lectures and seminars by professionals in the academic circle or the business environment.
- Postgraduate courses have a larger curriculum and are more autonomous than UG courses. Students are required to put more effort into learning the entire process by developing new skills. The Masters’ degree instills the powers of inquiry, logical reasoning and critical analysis.
- Students can get a good position with their UG degree but for further advancement in the industry field, a Master's degree is a real turning point.
Who Should Pursue Master of Arts?
- Candidates who have a Bachelor's degree in art course or any special course with 50% marks(45% for reserved category), should pursue M.A degree.
- Candidates who want to pursue a Ph.D degree can opt for an M.A course.
- Students must be serious about their careers.
- The specialisation chosen will help to choose the career as students want.