IGNOU M.Sc Home Science Research Project (MHCP-002): Guidelines, Synopsis Format, Guide Eligibility and Submission

MHCP-002 is the Research Project in Home Science of the IGNOU M.Sc (Home Science – Community Development and Extension Management), known as MSCHSC. It is a 6-credit project course. The IGNOU programme page says it is undertaken with selected voluntary organisations or government agencies, applying community development and extension knowledge. It may be quantitative or qualitative, but it must have research significance and follow proper research methodology.

The MHCP-002 journey at a glance

Forms, addresses and dates come from your MSCHSC project handbook, so the steps below are the general order. The green tag shows where HelpBooks supports you.

1. 1
   Link with an organisation and choose a topicA voluntary organisation, NGO, government agency or institution where you can do the study.HelpBooks: 5–6 topic options for you
2. 2
   Find an eligible guideCheck the guide conditions in your project handbook.HelpBooks: eligibility check
3. 3
   Prepare the synopsis and proformaResearch design, tools and analysis plan, in the handbook's format.HelpBooks: synopsis drafted with you
4. 4
   Submit as the handbook directsKeep a full copy of everything you send.HelpBooks: final check before posting

5. 5
   Collect and analyse dataQuantitative, qualitative or both, with the tools you listed.HelpBooks: analysis support
6. 6
   Write the research reportFindings linked to objectives, discussed against earlier studies.HelpBooks: full report support
7. 7
   Attach certificates and formsIncluding any certificate from the organisation if your handbook asks for it.HelpBooks: annexure checklist
8. 8
   Submit and get evaluatedAs per the address and schedule in the handbook.HelpBooks: support till marks

MHCP-002 at a glance

Figures are based on the IGNOU MSCHSC programme page. IGNOU revises its guidelines from time to time, so check the latest handbook before you begin.

Who can be your MHCP-002 guide?

The programme page does not list guide eligibility. Check the guide conditions in your project handbook or ask your study centre or programme coordinator. HelpBooks can check whether your proposed guide meets the condition before you submit anything.

Choosing a Home Science research project topic

The programme page encourages linking the project to a community, NGO or institution. Some areas that work well:

• Programme evaluation: impact of a government scheme or NGO programme on beneficiaries
• Nutrition and health: awareness and practices in a specific village, ward or school
• Livelihood: self help groups, micro-enterprise and women's income
• Extension methods: effectiveness of training, demonstrations or mass media in spreading a practice
• Child and youth development: early childhood programmes, adolescent life skills

Choose an organisation that is ready to give you access and permission. That one step decides how smooth your data collection will be.

MHCP-002 synopsis format

Use the format and proforma in your project handbook. If it leaves the outline open, a research project synopsis normally carries:

• Title and introduction
• Rationale and significance of the study
• Review of literature
• Objectives and hypotheses, if any
• Research design, area, sample and sampling method
• Tools, data collection and analysis plan
• Ethical points such as consent
• Limitations and references

MHCP-002 report structure

The report follows the approved plan. A usual layout is:

• Title page, certificate and declaration
• Introduction
• Review of literature
• Methodology
• Results and discussion with tables and figures
• Summary, conclusion and implications
• References and annexures (tools used)

Attach the certificates and forms that your handbook lists.

Why MHCP-002 synopses and reports come back

• Guide outside the eligibility given in the handbook
• Proforma or certificates unsigned or undated
• Topic too wide, or without a clear research question
• No link with a community, organisation or institution
• Objectives that the tools cannot answer
• Report that changes the topic, area or sample from the approved synopsis
• Copied literature review or findings
• Report sent to the wrong office

If your synopsis is returned: revise it using the evaluator's comments and send it again as your handbook directs. Our mentors can rework a returned synopsis using those comments.

How HelpBooks mentors MSCHSC learners

Most learners who reach us have one of three problems: they cannot settle on a topic, their synopsis has come back once, or the data is collected but the report is not taking shape. Our mentors stay with you through the whole MHCP-002 journey, from the first topic list to the day your marks appear:

• 5–6 workable topic options based on your job, organisation and city, to discuss with your guide
• Synopsis drafted with you in the handbook's format, with the proforma checked line by line before you post it
• Help with revisions if the evaluator returns your synopsis
• After approval, support in building the full report on your approved synopsis, with original writing, your own data and a plagiarism check
• A final check of certificates, annexures and envelope before you submit
• Support until your result is declared, including any changes the evaluator asks for

Starting MHCP-002 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

How many credits is MHCP-002?
6 credits, as listed on the IGNOU programme page.

Do I need an organisation to work with?
The programme page says the project is undertaken with selected voluntary organisations or government agencies and encourages a link with a community, NGO or institution.

Can the study be qualitative?
Yes. The programme page says it can be quantitative or qualitative, but it must have research significance and proper methodology.

Where do I find the project handbook?
Ask your study centre or programme coordinator for the latest copy.

Can HelpBooks help if I have already started?
Yes. Many learners come to us after a returned synopsis or with data 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 IGNOU MSCHSC programme page; always follow the latest official guideline and your guide's instructions.