IGNOU MAJMC Dissertation (MJMP-120): Guidelines, Synopsis Format, Guide Eligibility and Submission

MJMP-120 is the Major Project Work (Dissertation) of the IGNOU MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (MAJMC). It carries 6 credits in the second year. The MAJMC Programme Guide gives you a choice between this dissertation and the MJMP-022 Research Portfolio, also 6 credits. You take one of the two, not both.

The MJMP-120 journey at a glance

The Programme Guide leaves the detailed rules to a separate Project Work Handbook, available only in digital form on eGyanKosh. So the steps below are the general order. Take forms, limits and addresses from the handbook. The green tag shows where HelpBooks supports you.

1. 1
   Choose between MJMP-120 and MJMP-022Read both handbooks first. You do only one of them.HelpBooks: honest advice on the choice
2. 2
   Choose a topicA media or communication question you can study with a clear method.HelpBooks: 5–6 topic options for you
3. 3
   Find an eligible guideCheck the guide conditions in the handbook.HelpBooks: eligibility check
4. 4
   Prepare the synopsis and proformaIn the handbook's format, signed where required.HelpBooks: synopsis drafted with you
5. 5
   Submit and wait for approvalKeep a full copy. If it is returned, revise and resend.HelpBooks: revision support

6. 6
   Collect dataContent analysis, survey, interviews or case study, as approved.HelpBooks: tool and data support
7. 7
   Write the dissertationChapters built on the approved synopsis, with tables and interpretation.HelpBooks: full dissertation support
8. 8
   Attach certificates and bindAs the handbook lists.HelpBooks: annexure checklist
9. 9
   Submit and get evaluatedThe Programme Guide speaks of submitting after six months and before one year.HelpBooks: support till marks

MJMP-120 at a glance

Figures are based on the MAJMC Programme Guide and the IGNOU programme page. MJML-120 (the print and online practical) is a different course. IGNOU revises its guidelines from time to time, so check the latest handbook before you begin.

Who can be your MJMP-120 guide?

The Programme Guide does not list guide conditions. They are in the Project Work Handbook, so read it first or ask the MAJMC programme coordinators. HelpBooks can check whether your proposed guide meets the condition before you submit anything.

Choosing a journalism and mass communication dissertation topic

A good dissertation topic is narrow, has a defined audience or content set, and a method you can carry out alone. Some areas that work well:

• Content analysis: framing of a social issue in newspapers, channels or online portals
• Audience studies: media habits, trust in news, exposure to misinformation
• Digital and social media: use of platforms by a political party, NGO or local government
• Media and development: community radio, health communication, campaigns of a public scheme
• Media ethics and law: reporting of sensitive issues, privacy and press freedom cases

If you work in media or PR, a topic from your own organisation or beat makes access easy.

MJMP-120 synopsis format

Use the format and proforma given in the Project Work Handbook. If it leaves the outline open, a dissertation synopsis normally carries:

• Title and introduction
• Rationale of the study
• Review of literature
• Objectives and research questions or hypotheses
• Methodology: method, sample or content set, tools, period covered
• Chapter plan
• Limitations and references

MJMP-120 dissertation structure

The dissertation follows the approved synopsis. A usual layout is:

• Title page, certificate and declaration
• Introduction
• Review of literature
• Research methodology
• Data analysis and discussion with tables and charts
• Summary, conclusion and suggestions
• References and annexures

Attach the approved synopsis and the certificates the handbook asks for. Length and binding rules are in the handbook.

Why MJMP-120 synopses and dissertations come back

• Guide outside the eligibility given in the handbook
• Proforma or certificates unsigned or undated
• Topic too wide, or no defined audience or content set
• Objectives that the method cannot answer
• Dissertation that changes the topic or sample from the approved synopsis
• Mixing the portfolio format with the dissertation format
• Copied literature review or theory
• Submission outside the allowed window or 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 MAJMC 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 dissertation. Our mentors stay with you through the whole MJMP-120 journey, from the first topic list to the day your marks appear:

• 5–6 workable topic options based on your media work, beat 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 dissertation 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 MJMP-120 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

Can I do both MJMP-120 and MJMP-022?
No. The Programme Guide lists them as a choice. You do one of the two.

How many credits is MJMP-120?
6 credits, in the second year.

Where do I find the handbook?
The Programme Guide says the manual is available only in digital form on eGyanKosh.

When can I submit?
The Programme Guide says projects can be submitted after completion of six months and before one year. Check the handbook for exact dates for your batch.

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 MAJMC Programme Guide; always follow the latest official handbook and your guide's instructions.