IGNOU BA Psychology Dissertation (BPCE-144): Guidelines, Synopsis Format, Guide Eligibility and Submission

BPCE-144 is the dissertation course of the IGNOU BA (Hons.) Psychology programme (BAPCH). It carries 6 credits, is compulsory, and sits in the sixth semester. It is an original research dissertation on a topic you choose, covering data collection, analysis and reporting. The work runs in two parts: first a short synopsis that your Academic Counsellor approves, and then the dissertation based on that approved synopsis.

The BPCE-144 journey at a glance

Every BAPCH dissertation moves through these nine steps. The green tag shows where HelpBooks supports you.

1. 1
   Choose a topicA psychology topic with clear variables that you can study with the people and tools available to you.HelpBooks: 5–6 topic options for you
2. 2
   Attend counselling and meet your Academic CounsellorSix compulsory counselling sessions at the study centre cover topic, methods, format and referencing.HelpBooks: topic and method clarity
3. 3
   Prepare Appendix-I proforma + synopsisProforma first, then the synopsis of up to 1000 words.HelpBooks: synopsis drafted with you
4. 4
   Submit at your study centreOne copy at the study centre. Keep your own copy.HelpBooks: final check before submission
5. 5
   Approval by the Academic CounsellorWork on the dissertation starts only after approval. If not approved, revise as per the comments.HelpBooks: revision support

6. 6
   Collect data and write the dissertationAbout 40–50 double-spaced pages, excluding appendices and index sheets. The handbook allows six months.HelpBooks: full dissertation support
7. 7
   Add certificates and the approved synopsisCertificates of originality and completion, acknowledgement, contents page and the approved synopsis come before Chapter 1.HelpBooks: annexure checklist
8. 8
   Submit through the study centre to the Regional CentreBy 30 November for the December exam, or 31 May for the June exam.HelpBooks: submission check
9. 9
   Viva voce and resultHeld at the Regional Centre with an examiner from the approved list.HelpBooks: viva preparation

BPCE-144 at a glance

Figures are based on the BPCE-144 Handbook on Dissertation (July 2022). IGNOU revises its guidelines from time to time, so check the latest copy before you begin.

Who guides your BPCE-144 dissertation?

In BPCE-144 the Academic Counsellor of your study centre is your first point of support. The counsellor helps you choose the topic, approves your synopsis, helps with literature and research settings, and issues reference letters for data collection. The handbook does not set separate qualification conditions for a guide, and a guide can be changed only with proper reason. Six counselling sessions are compulsory, and attendance is mandatory.

Choosing a psychology dissertation topic

A good BPCE-144 topic has clearly defined variables, a measurable sample and standard tools that you can obtain. Some areas that work well:

• Stress and well-being: academic stress, work stress, resilience, life satisfaction
• Personality and emotion: emotional intelligence, self-esteem, personality traits and a related outcome
• Social media and technology: screen time, social media use and mental health among adolescents or young adults
• Parenting and family: parenting style and adjustment of children
• Organisational behaviour: job satisfaction and burnout in one occupation

A topic that fits people you can reach in your own city or workplace makes data collection far easier. This is also the first thing our mentors look at when they suggest topics to a BAPCH learner.

BPCE-144 synopsis format

Submit the Appendix-I proforma first and the synopsis after it. The handbook sets A4, Times New Roman 12 point, 1.5 spacing, in English or Hindi, with a maximum of 1000 words. It covers:

• Title page: title, your name, enrolment number, study centre, regional centre, year and guide name
• Introduction, with a brief description of the variables
• Review of literature: at least 3–4 studies
• Rationale of the study
• Methodology: research problem, objectives, hypotheses (null or alternative, not both), operational definitions, sample and sampling technique, research design, tools with their author, items, dimensions, reliability, validity and norms, and data analysis techniques
• References in APA style, in alphabetical order

An approved synopsis stays valid for the duration of your admission. A synopsis that is not as per the guidelines is marked “Not approved” on the Appendix-I proforma.

BPCE-144 dissertation structure

After approval, the dissertation is built on the same topic, variables and tools that were approved. The handbook gives this order: title page, certificates of originality and completion, acknowledgement, table of contents, the approved synopsis, and then:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Review of literature (at least 5–6 studies)
• Chapter 3: Rationale
• Chapter 4: Methodology
• Chapter 5: Results and discussion, with tables and graphs
• Chapter 6: Conclusion and implications
• Chapter 7: Delimitations, limitations and future suggestions
• Chapter 8: References and appendices

The dissertation must be original and free from plagiarism. The handbook follows APA ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality and debriefing, so plan these into your data collection. Submission goes to the Regional Centre through your study centre, and the dissertation is not returned.

Why BPCE-144 synopses and dissertations come back

• Synopsis not as per the guidelines, or over the word limit
• Appendix-I proforma missing or not placed before the synopsis
• Fewer than the required number of studies in the literature review
• Both null and alternative hypotheses written for the same objective
• Tools without author, reliability, validity or norms
• Dissertation that changes the topic or variables from the approved synopsis
• Certificates, approved synopsis or references missing from the dissertation
• Copied content, because plagiarism is not allowed

If your synopsis is not approved: revise it as per the comments and submit again to your study centre. If you fail either the internal or the viva part, you have to start afresh. Our mentors can rework a returned synopsis using the comments you received.

How HelpBooks mentors BAPCH learners

Most learners who reach us have one of three problems: they cannot settle on a topic, their synopsis has come back once, or they have approval but do not know how to turn data into a 40–50 page dissertation. Our mentors stay with you through the whole BPCE-144 journey, from the first topic list to the day your marks appear:

• 5–6 workable topic options based on your interests and city, to discuss with your Academic Counsellor
• Synopsis drafted with you to the BPCE-144 format, with the proforma checked line by line before you submit it
• Help with revisions if your synopsis is not approved
• After approval, support in building the full dissertation on your approved synopsis, with original writing, your own data and a plagiarism check
• A final check of the certificates, contents and order of pages before submission
• Viva preparation and support until your result is declared

Starting BPCE-144 or stuck midway? WhatsApp us on 8800002552 with your stage, and we will tell you the next step. You can also read our step-by-step IGNOU project guide.

Common questions

Is BPCE-144 compulsory?
Yes, it is a compulsory 6-credit course in the sixth semester of BAPCH, and no learner is exempted.

Who approves my synopsis?
Your Academic Counsellor evaluates and approves it at the study centre. Start the dissertation only after approval.

How long do I have to write the dissertation?
The handbook mentions six months for completing the dissertation. Submission dates are 30 November and 31 May.

Is there a viva for BPCE-144?
Yes. The viva voce carries 30 of the 100 marks and is held at the Regional Centre. Bring your IGNOU identity card, proof of fee payment and, preferably, a copy of your dissertation.

Can HelpBooks help if I have already started?
Yes. Many learners come to us after a returned synopsis or with approval in hand. Share what you have, and we pick up from that stage.

HelpBooks is an independent academic support service and is not affiliated with IGNOU. Rules on this page are summarised from the BPCE-144 Handbook on Dissertation; always follow the latest official guideline and your counsellor’s instructions.