Is an MA degree valid for university teaching jobs? Know eligibility rules and requirements.
MA Distance
(Master of Arts)
Looking to deepen your understanding of subjects like English, History, or Political Science? Tamil Nadu Open University’s MA program lets you do that from anywhere. It’s designed for graduates who want to sharpen their academic edge while enjoying the flexibility of distance learning—ideal for career growth and personal enrichment.
TNOU University Distance MA Course Overview
A Master of Arts degree is not just an academic step up—it’s a journey into advanced thinking, structured analysis, and subject expertise. TNOU’s UGC-DEB Approved Distance MA program supports learners who wish to specialise in their chosen field while managing other responsibilities. Whether your interest lies in literature, social sciences, or humanities, the curriculum is crafted to offer depth, context, and intellectual challenge.
The course encourages learners to explore theories, engage with texts, and understand cultural or political systems with clarity and insight. It’s perfect for educators, civil service aspirants, writers, researchers, and professionals seeking a second academic qualification. Each subject includes comprehensive learning material and academic guidance through TNOU network of study centres.
What makes this program stand out is its blend of flexibility and academic rigour. Learners can study at their own pace while preparing for advanced roles in teaching, policy-making, journalism, or doctoral research. With UGC recognition and strong subject focus, TNOU’s MA adds serious academic value to your profile.
Distance MA Course Duration & Eligibility
The MA program is a two-year postgraduate course, spread across four semesters. Each semester focuses on progressively advanced material in the chosen discipline, allowing learners to build depth and mastery over time. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 pattern) from a recognised university. There is no entrance test; selection is based on merit and adherence to TNOU’s admission process.
The distance education format makes it especially helpful for working professionals, parents, or those living in rural areas. With clear study schedules, printed learning material, and academic support, TNOU’s MA program ensures postgraduate education is accessible, structured, and meaningful.
Accreditations & Approvals of Tamil Nadu Open University
UGC Entitled
Recognized by the University Grants Commission
Grade NAAC A+ Accredited
Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council
NIRF Ranking
National Institutional Ranking Framework
AICTE Accredited
All India Council for Technical Education
TNOU Semester-wise Curriculum Distance MA
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| History of Ancient India up to 1206 A.D (MHYS‑11) | History of Modern India 1707–1947 A.D (MHYS‑21) | Contemporary India 1947–2014 A.D (MHYS‑31) | Indian Administrative System (MHYS‑41) |
| Social & Cultural History of India 1206–1707 A.D (MHYS‑12) | History of Tamil Nadu up to 1565 A.D (MHYS‑22) | History of Tamil Nadu since 1565 A.D (MHYS‑32) | Elective III (chosen specialisation) |
| History of Civilisation (excluding India) (MHYS‑13) | History of China & Japan (MHYS‑23) | Historiography (MHYS‑33) | Dissertation – Part II |
| Elective I (e.g. Archaeology & Museology) (MHYSE‑15A/B) | History of Europe 1789–2000 A.D (MHYS‑24) | History of USA 1865–2000 A.D (MHYS‑34) | |
| Elective II (e.g. Human Rights/Ecotourism) (MHYSE‑25A/B) | Dissertation – Part I |
Note: This syllabus is specific to the History specialisation. Other MA specialisations offer four subjects plus electives/dissertation each semester, following a similar credit distribution. TNOU may update the curriculum at any time—refer to the official TNOU website or prospectus for the latest details.
Distance MA Specializations
TNOU’s MA programme allows learners to choose from six specialisations in the arts and social sciences. These disciplines are structured to promote subject expertise, academic growth, and professional relevance. Each specialisation follows a similar semester pattern and offers balanced theoretical and research-based learning across two academic years.
Specialisations
- English
- Political Science
- Tamil
- Sociology
- History
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
TNOU MA Course Fees Structure
The MA programme at TNOU charges fees per semester, covering study materials, learner support, and academic services. Students pay for both tuition and institutional charges. This transparent fee plan supports accessible postgraduate education, while honours graduates or working professionals gain flexible academic advancement.
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per sem) | ₹3,800 |
| Other Charges (per sem) | ₹1,300 |
| Total per Semester | ₹7,820 |
| Total Programme Fee | ₹31,280 |
Additional Fees:
Examination Fee: ₹200 per subject
Registration Fee: ₹1,000 (one-time)
Note: EMI options are available for fee payment.
Top 5 Distance Universities for MA
| University | Per Semester Fee | Location | Approvals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amity University Online | ₹42,500 | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | UGC, DEB, NAAC A+ |
| Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU) | ₹6,500 | Jaipur, Rajasthan | UGC, DEB, NAAC A |
| Mangalayatan University (Online) | ₹8,000 | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | UGC, DEB |
| Jain University (ODL) | ₹22,500 | Bengaluru, Karnataka | UGC, DEB, NAAC A+ |
| Shoolini University | ₹10,500 | Solan, Himachal Pradesh | UGC, DEB, NAAC A+ |
Frequently Asked Question
Yes. You select your MA specialisation (English, History, Pol Sci, Tamil, Sociology, or Criminology & CJ) at the application stage and continue in that field.
Yes, your course includes research training and a dissertation spread over the last two semesters to enhance scholarly skills.
The MA provides a strong academic base for UPSC and State PSC exams, especially in arts, social studies, and research.
Alongside printed materials, learners can use TNOU’s e-SLM repository for supplementary digital content.