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Kamaldeep
26 August, 2024
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“Art is not freedom from discipline, but disciplined freedom.” – John F. Kennedy
Are you planning to pursue higher education in the discipline of Arts? Do you find subjects like humanities, history, sociology and psychology fascinating and engaging? Well, Master of Arts is a postgraduate programme of 2 years which can be pursued after graduation from any stream.
Most commonly, candidates pursue a Master of Arts after the Bachelor of Arts (which is the undergraduate programme for students). However, with the changing educational landscape, priorities and learning methods have changed for aspirants. Nowadays, students have the flexibility to earn an MA degree through distance learning and online modes.
In this blog, let’s discuss some of the best colleges for online and distance MA along with their fees and specialisations.
The difference between online MA and Distance MA are as follows:
| Criteria | Online MA | Distance MA |
| Mode of Delivery | For an online MA, the mode of study is fully online with virtual classes, webinars and digital resources. | In case of distance MA, study materials are either sent via email or physical books are delivered to door with limited online interaction. |
| Learning Resources | Learning resources for online MA are mainly digital resources, tutorials, ebooks, multimedia content etc. | For distance MA, students are mailed printed study materials, and there is limited online resources. |
| Cost of Study | The cost of study could be a little higher due to technology infrastructure. | The cost of study is low mainly due to material costs and limited administrative costs. |
| Pace of Study | Online MA Study is self-paced with deadlines for assignments and exams. | Distance MA programme is more time-bound with defined timelines for the completion of the programme. |
| Accreditation | Accredited by global or national online education bodies | Accredited by national distance education councils or universities |
In most cases the duration of online and distance MA is 2 years. However, the duration of the programme can vary, ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on the flexibility provided by the university. Also, it is divided into 4 semesters based on your chosen specialisation.
To apply for Online and Distance MA students must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
| Particulars Details | |
| Academic Qualifications | All candidates applying for online and distance MA must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university. |
| Marks Criteria | The candidates must score at least 40% – 50% in the graduation. |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit |
Many reputed and prestigious colleges offer online and distance MA programmes. Some of the best colleges in India are shared below:
Since its establishment in 1985, IGNOU has experienced remarkable growth and now it is recognised as the largest university in the world in terms of student enrollment. The university is recognised and accredited by UGC-DEB and has received the highest rating from NAAC.
It has a vast network of 69 regional centres and over 2005 learner support centres. IGNOU provides a selection of 318 programmes and in 2023 it launched 39 new ODL programmes. In addition, the university also launched 19 new 4-year undergraduate programmes. Due to its diverse offerings and holistic learning approach, it has been placed in the 151-300 ranking band by the NIRF – Innovation rating 2023.
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysuru is a state public university that branched from the University of Mysore in 1996. It is a pioneer in higher education under the open and distance learning system (ODL). KSOU has established 21 regional centres across the state.
In terms of providing quality and relevant distance learning education, KSOU offers you everything including an up-to-date curriculum, study materials, contact classes, method of testing, transparency in the conduct of examination and evaluation and announcement of results.
The quality of self-learning material (SLM) and audio-video lectures produced in the in-house studios of the main campus are greatly admired by the students. MBA, M.Com, Media Studies, M.A, and Education Studies are some of the most sought-after courses.
Chandigarh University Online is one of the popular and prestigious online learning platforms that equip students to pursue academic programmes from anywhere and earn degrees with convenience and flexibility.
The Centre for Distance and Online Learning (CDOE) has incorporated new concepts and emerging technologies in the curriculum to prepare students for the present progressive market landscape as well as global workspaces.
All the remote programmes are thoughtfully tailored to cater to student’s needs and provide a safety net to pursue tertiary education at a distance. The faculties of online programmes help students to navigate their academic journey effectively and enjoy a robust learning experience.
Established on 26th August 1982, BRAOU was initially named Andhra Pradesh Open University; however, the university was later renamed on 26 October 1991. It is one of the renowned centres for online education and learning (COEL) that is recognised and accredited by UGC-DEB.
The university provides a wide variety of courses in different disciplines through a wide network of 213 study centres spread across both Telangana and Andra Pradesh. It also includes 23 regional coordination centres and 14 other centres.
The courses in BRAOU are uniquely tailored and classified innovatively as foundation courses, core courses and application-oriented courses. From research, and post-graduate to professional programmes, one can have easy access to education through distance mode.
Students get quality and interactive learning course materials in 3 different languages – Telugu, English and Urdu. They have multiple modes (Print and Electronic) for delivery of instruction and a wide network of support services.
Shri Ventakeshwara University – Centre for Distance and Online Education was established in 1954 in Tirupati on a sprawling campus of 1000 acres with a panoramic scenic view.
The university was started with 6 departments namely Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Botany, Economics and Philosophy which have now extended to 58 departments wherein 71 different PG courses and several Diploma and Certificate courses are being offered. The total academic faculty strength in the university is 400 with 1500 non-teaching staff and a student strength of 5000.
Founded in 1956, Kurukshetra University is one of the recognised and accredited universities in Haryana, India that offers regular and online programmes as well as certification courses. M.Com, M.A, MBA, MCA, BBA, B.Com and BA are some of the sought-after programmes that are offered by the university.
In addition to the directorate of distance education, the university has 45 teaching departments on the campus and 369 affiliated colleges situated in the districts of Ambala, Panipat, Kaithal, Yamuna Nagar, Hisar, Panchkula etc.
The Bharathiar University Coimbatore was established in February 1982 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The university has 39 departments, offering 54 postgraduate programs besides offering M.Phil and Ph.D programmes. It is one of the premier universities offering open and distance learning programmes as well as online courses.
It also has many Learning Support Centres (LSCs) all over India and Personal Contact classes for both theory and practical in their premises by their experienced teachers.
Bharathiar University is recognised and accredited by UGC and NAAC with an A+ grade in the 4th cycle assessment. Also, NIRF ranked the university 24th among the top 100 institutions, and the university secured a ranking in the range of 801-1000 in the Times Higher Education University Rankings.
The rankings and accreditations of the best colleges for online and distance M.A are shared below:
| Sl# | University Name | Recognition, Accreditations and Rankings |
| 1 | Indira Gandhi National Open University – IGNOU | UGC-DEB and AICTE recognised, and accredited by NAAC with an “A++” grade. |
| 2 | Karnataka State Open University | UGC-DEB recognised and accredited by NAAC with an “A+” grade |
| 3 | Chandigarh University Online | UGC-DEB recognised and accredited by NAAC with an A+ grade Also, AICTE, and AIU recognised |
| 4 | Dr B.R Ambedkar Open University | UGC-DEB recognised and accredited by NAAC with an “A” grade. Also, the university is NCTE-approved, RCI-approved |
| 5 | Shri Ventakeshwara University – Centre For Distance and Online Education | UGC-DEB recognised and accredited by NAAC with an “A+” grade. Also, ranked by NIRF |
| 6 | Kurukshetra University Online | UGC and AICTE recognised Also, accredited by NAAC with an “A++” grade and ranked by NIRF. |
| 7 | Bharathiar University – School of Distance Education | UGC-DEB approved and accredited with a grade of “A++” by NAAC. |
The fees for online and distance MA are shared below:
| University Name | Course Name | Program Fees |
| IGNOU | MA (Open and Distance Learning) | INR 12,600/- (For 2 years) |
| Karnataka State Open University | MA (Online Learning) | INR 15,000/- (For 2 years) |
| Chandigarh University | MA (Online Learning) | INR 25,000/- (For 2 years) |
| Dr. B.R Ambedkar Open University | MA (Open and Distance Learning) | INR 10,300/- (For 2 years) |
| Shri Venkateshwara University | MA (Distance Education) | INR 7000/- (For 2 years) |
| Kurukshetra University | MA (Online Programme) | For Domestic Students: INR 47,000/- (For 2 years) For International Students: INR 96,000/- (MA in Mass Communication) INR 1,10,000/- (MA in English) |
| Bharatiar University Distance Education | MA (Distance Learning) MA (Online Programme) |
INR 32,800/- (For 2 years) INR 44,880/- (For 2 years) |
Some of the top colleges in online and distance MA with their specialisations are as follows:
| University Name | MA Specialisation Courses |
| IGNOU | • MA in Rural Development • MA in Philosophy • MA in Political Science • MA in Tourism Management • MA in Education • MA in Public Administration • MA in English • MA in Economics • MA in Sociology • MA in Hindi • MA in History • MA in Psychology • MA in Rural Development |
| Karnataka State Open University | • Master Of Arts – Kannada • Master Of Arts – English • Master Of Arts – Hindi • Master Of Arts – Sanskrit • Master Of Arts – Economics |
| Chandigarh University | • Master of Arts (Economics) • Master of Arts (English) |
| Dr. B.R Ambedkar Open University | • Master of Arts M.A. (History) • Master of Arts M.A. (Economics) • Master of Arts M.A. (Political Science) • Master of Arts M.A. (Public Administration) • Master of Arts M.A. (Sociology) • Master of Arts M.A. (Journalism & Mass Communication) • Master of Arts M.A. (English) • Master of Arts M.A. (Telugu) • Master of Arts M.A. (Hindi) • Master of Arts M.A. (Urdu) |
| Shri Venkateshwara University | • Master of Arts in Economics • Master of Arts in English • Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration • Master of Arts in Sociology • Master of Arts in History • Master of Arts in Telugu • Master of Arts in Hindi |
| Kurukshetra University | • MA Mass Communication • MA English • MA Political Science |
| Bharatiar University Distance Education | • M.A. Economics • M.A. Tamil Literature • M.A. English Literature • M.A. Career Guidance • M.A. Journalism & Mass Communication • MA History |
Some of the popular job profiles for online or distance MA graduates and their salaries are shared below:
| Job Profiles | Average Salary |
| Research Analyst | INR 1.8 LPA – 10.0 LPA |
| Content Writer | INR 1.0 LPA – 6.6 LPA |
| Public Relations Specialist | INR 3.0 LPA – 11.5 LPA |
| Lecturer/Professor | INR 6.0 LPA – 15.0 LPA |
| Educational Consultant | INR 1.2 LPA – 11.1 LPA |
Source: Ambition Box
The demand for online and distance learning courses is quickly growing due to easy accessibility, ease of learning and low-cost features. Even for undergraduate and graduate programs like B.A., M.A., B.B.A., or M.C.A., candidates prefer to enrol in online platforms to balance their studies and other personal commitments.
Now, that you have an overview of the best colleges for online and distance MA along with their fees and specialisations, you can easily think through how to pursue your higher education and choose a programme that best suits your academic and career goals.
As per the norm of UGC, an online MA is equal both in value and credibility to a regular MA. When you obtain an online MA from a university that is UGC-DEB-approved, it is a good decision.
The eligibility criteria for an online MA is to have completed your bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
