IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Dissertation (MFNP 12): Topics, Format

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Dissertation for MFNP 12: Topics, Format

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Dissertation under the course MFNP 12 at IGNOU is an important procedure towards your MSCDFSM degree. With learning the proper format, knowing how to make the submission and by planning carefully, your viva, you will have a successful project experience. All you need in this journey, starting with the topic of your choice to its final submission are found in this guide.

Main Outlines

📝 IGNOU MSCDFSM MFNP-12: An eight-credit dissertation in the form of original research in IGNOU Master of Science (Dietetics & Food Service Management) course.
🎯 Research Skill Development: It shows that you have acquired skills in conducting field research to master existing practices and theories of nutrition and dietetics.
📅 Calendar: See how to plan to begin in the last year. The major deadlines are, say, synopsis on Nov 30 and a final report on May 31 in a July session.
🔍Project Content: Select one useful subject area in dietetics (e.g. clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, food safety) and work as per IGNOU instructions on synopsis, format and evaluation.

Table of Contents

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project (MFNP-12) Overview

What is the MFNP-12 in MSCDFSM Programme?

MSCDFSM (Master of Science in Dietetics & food service management) is an educational course offered by the IGNOU and its final project course is MFNP-12 (Dissertation). The course has 8 credits (240 study hours) and it will usually cover your last semester. As opposed to any other theory courses, MFNP-12 is a field-based project where your learning is integrated. It will aim at reflecting your skills and new knowledge in research and command of the contemporary practices and theory of nutrition, dietetics and food service management. In short, doing MFNP-12 is to have designed up, implemented and reported an original major research study in the field of food and nutrition.

Value of MFNP 12 Dissertation in Food & Nutrition Research

Graduate nutrition education requires a dissertation. It will help you in mastering the skill of applying theory to a real-life problem, increasing analytical and problem-solving abilities. IGNOU lines it out by stating that your thesis must be something that is meant to promote knowledge, enhance professional practice, or add to knowledge in the area in which you are studying dietetics/nutrition. That is to say that the MFNP-12 project must bring new knowledge to nutrition education and demonstrate that scholarly research work is also achievable.

When & How to Start Your IGNOU MFNP-12 Project

Best Semester to Start the Project

Even though the official program description may have MFNP-12 outlined in one of the first semesters, it is widely practiced that the students start their enrollment in their final year once they have successfully overcome the core studies (both theory and practice). This project is a project that involves a lot of activities such as topic selection, literature review, data collection and writing which cannot be rushed.

It is ideal that you plan your MFNP-12 at the end of doing most of theory papers as you will have the knowledge and the time to concentrate on research. You should come up with a general topic of interests (e.g. community nutrition or food safety) and talk to older or faculty to get more ideas. Starting early assists you to meet your deadlines and you won’t be under any pressure of submitting an assignment to IGNOU. Practically, a great number of students enroll in MFNP-12 at the third semester (aka 4-semesters program) to be able to complete it during the 4th one.

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Deadlines and Approvals

Project Deadlines

IGNOU will ask you to have a set timeline of your project proposal and final report. e.g. in the case of July admission session, the project synopsis is usually submitted by 30 Nov, and final dissertation by 31 May. In the case of January sitting, the synopsis is normally expected on 30 Sep and the dissertation on 30 Nov. These dates are subject to change; ensure that you have the up to date deadlines by checking the IGNOU web site or your regional centre.)

Figure 1: “MFNP-12 Project Deadlines (Jan & July Sessions)“

Project Approvals

Before you do any research work, you will have to have your project plan (synopsis) approved. Write a short proposal (A4, 2 line spaced, >5 pages) of your title, objectives, significance and methodology. Add the necessary documents: a letter of consent by a guide (Appendix II) and a synopsis approval proforma. Hand over these on time to your SI/Program In-Charge at your Study Centre. The coordinator will go through your synopsis and approve it, or he will ask you to make changes. It is out of the question of approval (with signatures) that you can go to the actual research. The most important thing is to maintain contact with your supervisor and in-charge of the centre, so that you are up to date.

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Guidelines & Format

Pre-requisites & Eligibility

In order to register on MFNP-12, you should be a student of MSCDFSM and pass the core theory networks. Practically, it involves completing the major part of your subjects (particularly the theory courses and practical courses offered by the Food and Nutrition) and then proceed with the dissertation. Enquire at your regional centre: in general, you are not permitted to have any backlog on previous semesters. As MFNP-012 is based upon all the preceding learning, we strongly suggest starting them in your final year (in many cases semester 4) of the 2-year course.

Outline of MFNP-12 Dissertation Report

Dissertation report must be done following the norm of academic research. Though the IGNOU Project Guidelines provides the information, generally a report should have the following structure:

Title Page (containing project title, your name, enrolment number, centre of study and date)
Declaration & Certificate (reports of student and supervisor)
Acknowledgements (optional) and Abstract (in a nutshell)
Table of Contents (indicating the chapter/section titles, and the corresponding page number)
Chapters (ones beginning a new page):
Introduction: state a research problem, setting and aims.
Literature Review (Background): the overview of the past relevant studies and theories.
Objectives/Scope: make it clear what the study will focus on.
Methodology: outline the study design, sample, data collection and analysis procedure.
Results/Findings: give your data (tables, graphs), results.
Discussion: explain findings, relate to the literature, discuss implications.
Conclusion & Recommendations: tabulate results and make recommendations of future course of action or research.
References: the list of all sources cited in a similar academical style.
Appendices: supplementary resources (N.B. raw data tables, questionnaires, consent form).

Apply similar formatting wherever you can throughout (Clear headings, labeled tables/figures and a common citation style). To get an idea on sample, refer to IGNOU sample reports or the MFNP-012 guide. As a general rule write in clear academic English and observe any layout instructions as given by IGNOU.

Word Count, Spacing and Binding Regulations

IGNOU prescribes official guidelines to the structure of your dissertation. The dissertation proposal (synopsis) has to be brief, it should not exceed five typed pages (1 or 1.5 space typed page, A4 paper, with 1-inch margins). The end project report is much longer: the IGNOU proposes around 100 pages typed (in double-space) on A4 papers. Practically, target about 20,000 to 25,000 words (not counting references and annexures). Make it readable using 12-point font and keep it with double space (or maximum 1.5, by permission). Every page must have a sequence number.

Binding: This entails that you send hard-bound versions of the dissertation. Normally, two copies are created: one to IGNOU and the other copy to your personal. The copy to be submitted to the university should also be bound (most commonly hard cover or spiral bindings with stiff cover). Before binding, be sure that there is the final manuscript, appropriately formatted and proofread. Your title, name, enrollment, study centre, and date should be put at the front page of the report. Notably, the copy submitted needs to carry necessary signatures. IGNOU requires that your bound report be signed by yourself, your supervisor (counselor) and Programme In-Charge on the title page or a certification page. Also keep a copy yourself, where you should sign it yourself, but do not give it in.

Selection of IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Topics

The Important Domains/Areas in Dietetics & Food Science

It is essential to select the topic area. Since the area covered by IGNOU MSCDFSM is broad in the sense of nutrition and food science consider the following as major areas:

Clinical Dietetics: Hospitals nutrition and diet planning (e.g. diabetes nutrition intervention, renal diets, etc.).
Community Nutrition/Public Health: Population nutrition surveys or/and population-based nutrition programs (e.g., child nutrition in rural communities, school dietary habits or nutritional education effectiveness).
Food Service Management: Institution-based food planning, menu design and kitchen work (e.g. Hong Kong cafeteria food, efficiency of collegiate catering services).
Food Safety & Quality: Research in hygiene, contamination or handling of food (e.g., knowledge of food-borne diseases among street sellers, effects of preserving methods on nutrients).
Maternal & Child Nutrition: Nutrition in pregnancy or during early childhood (e.g., the nutrition status of pregnant people within a community, feeding practices of infants).

These topics correspond to the general IGNOU curricular and population health requirements. During brainstorming, you should consider the topic that interests you and where this data can be gathered. Topics in Nutritional Biochemistry or Public Health Nutrition can be among those preferred due to its evident practical consequences and the availability of data.

Sample List of the MFNP-12 Project Topics

Examples of topics other past MSCDFSM students have addressed to help generate ideas include:

Influence of Socio-Economic condition, awareness of the mother on cognitive development of the preschool child.
Awareness and practices of consumers in a local community about food safety.
The nutritional status analysis of adult diabetic women in city setting.
Nutritional status and diet intake of preschool children in a rural district.
Micronutrient and dietary patterns of pregnant people in a health centre.

Figure 2: “Top Project Topics for IGNOU MSCDFSM”

Tips in Selecting a Realistic Topic

The choice of a realistic topic will save you the hassle in the future. Remember the following:

💡 Elaborate: The topic should not be too broad (in that it covers a lot of variables), and neither should it be too narrow (it is too specific or trivial). E.g. you might carry out the research of Vitamin C intake and health outcomes in children of XYZ community instead of Nutrition of children (broad) or Vitamin C intake in one school (very narrow).
💡 Make it Possible: Give additional thoughts about the feasible data that you will collect. Do you access participants or records? Enquire as to whether surveys, interviews or clinical measures are feasible on your selected group.
💡 Borrow on Your Interests: Choose an area that you are interested in and one you have some knowledge in. Interests helps in maneuvering about. You can also correlate the topic to that of your supervisor.
💡 Prioritize and Allow Time: Do not misjudge the preparation process of research, data, and writing. Get going early, and put in milestones along the way (proposal, data collection, draft).
💡 Originality: Do a literature check of available sources, to have a new perspective or contextualization by your study. It must add a new thing in the field. Do not plagiarize.

Your guide would talk about possible ideas before committing to them. A feasible topic is that which is able to be accomplished within the time frame, such as resources available, and one in which it will be deemed to have results or insights that have a value.

The Way to Prepare the IGNOU MSCDFSM Synopsis

Vital elements of good synopsis

Your project proposal (synopsis) is a blueprint to the dissertation. It is supposed to be in order and precise according to IGNOU. A good synopsis will have:

Title
Introduction
Objectives
Need/Significance
Background/Literature
Research Methodology
Expected Outcomes (optional)
References:

Write the summary in proper academics. Adhere to the standards of IGNOU: typed (nicely printed), double-spaced, in pages on A4. Try the subheads, just as above in the sequel. The proposal should not be more than 5 pages. This will make your counsellor be clear and shorten the process of getting approval.

Sample Synopsis Format of MSCDFSM

IGNOU has given a model (Annexure 1 of MFNP-012 guide) of the format required. To draw just an example, the official course material gives an example of a sample proposal in the form of a research proposal entitled, “Iron Deficiency in Young Children: An Exploratory Study” (see Annexure 2). What would you include in your synopsis?

On top: Start with the Title which would be in the middle (or written as in IGNOU Project format).
Write subheadings (Introduction, Objectives, Need, etc.) and fill in every section. In Methodology, explain how you plan to collect and analyse data.
In submitting, you need to provide the consent letter of the Guide (Appendix II) and the approval proforma (Appendix III) (IGNOU requires this).

With the above official format and the sample outline, you are sure that your synopsis can satisfy IGNOU. It should be completed and checked by the program-in-charge or your supervisor after it has been submitted.

📌 For a visual guide and templates, refer to:
👉 How to write IGNOU Synopsis/Proposal?

Identification and Appointment of IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Guide supervisor

Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Guide

A person guiding (supervisor or guide/counselor) your project should be an employee of IGNOU who should be meeting the eligibility criteria of guided quality. A qualifying guide normally has:

Minimum requirement of M.Phil or Ph.D. qualification in Dietetics & Food Service Management (or a similar field) along with 2 or more years of teaching experience at the OR
Masters in Dietetics and Food Service Management with 2 years’ experience and above as postgraduate. OR
Master in DFSM at least 5 years of course teaching experience in undergraduate courses.

Concisely, IGNOU study center senior faculty, or faculty in other universities, who satisfy these requirements are given approval. In many cases your local centre automatically allocates a competent counsellor. In case you have an outside coach (e.g. a professor at a different school), they will have their credentials checked first and then be approved.

The Way to Earn Approval by a Supervisor

Generally, after you indicate that you want to do MFNP-12, you will be given a project guide by the Programme In-Charge at your Study Centre. In order to have a smooth process:

Meet the Programme In-Charge early: and make them aware that you want to do the project. They will either designate a member of the faculty to be your supervisor or will tell you how to do it.
Recommend a facilitator (in case required): If there is a prospective guide (in any college or in the place of work) who fulfills the criteria, submit the bio-data/resume of the guide to the person in charge of the programme. The qualifications will be checked by IGNOU.
Obtain the approval of the guide: The supervisor that you select has to accept to have you. This is through the consent letter (Appendix II of IGNOU forms). Enclose this letter with your letter of synopsis.
Formal approval: Formal approval will be given by the Programme In-Charge (and in case external, by the IGNOU headquarters). Then and only then the supervisor becomes official.

Communication is important. Be in touch with your guide right away: consult on the choice of the topic, ask questions and accept their recommendations. An excellent guide will assist in trimming down your idea, indications, and enhancing your plan.

IGNOU MSCDFSM Dissertation – How to Write (Step-by-Step)

Preparation of the Report Step-by-step

Writing your dissertation is not a one-step process. General workflow would be as follows:

Do the Study: Once you get the approval of your synopsis, then conduct the research as was envisaged. Gather information with caution (e.g. surveys, experiments). Present clearly tabulated data or in figures.
Write the Report: Based on the structure provided above, write every chapter. Write in a personal, formalized style. To give one such example, the Introduction should outline the problem; Methodology should tell how you carried out the study, Results should describe the data; Discussion should interpret the data.
Share Drafts with Guide: On a regular basis send written copies of the chapters or segments to your supervisor. Use their comments. Such iterative review plays an important role so as to refine contents and eliminate mistakes.
Revise Carefully: Based on guidance. Examine consistencies, obviousness and accurateness in the facts and the arguments. Spelling/grammar check. Make sure that there are labels and references to all statistics and figures in the text.]
Type the Final Copy: This involves typing the final copy in typed form. Put throughout front pages and declarations and appendices. Include page numbers, and make the Table of Contents. Double-check formatting.
Send to Counsellor: Your guide (counsellor) will look over the near-final copy prior to official submission. Accept and correct any last-minute changes that they propose.
Make Bound Copies: After completing it, make a printed copy of the project with two copies. Make fast bind them (usually hard cover). Sign your Title Page and signature of the original pages with that of your supervisor and Programme In-Charge.
Final Report: Put in the first bound & signed report to the Programme In-Charge, at your Study Centre. Upon the signing of the second copy, keep one copy with you and make sure that it also has the signature.

Every step is to be addressed in a systematic manner. Have a check list (such as that in IGNOUs) so that there is nothing you forget. Save copies of your work and give time to printing and binds before the deadline.

IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Submission Process

Online Submission Process vs Offline Submission Process

Online Submission:

IGNOU now has an official web-site to submit final projects reports. As an example, students were limited to submit the dissertation online on June 2025 Term-End Exam by 31 May 2025. In the online format, you will scan the whole of your project (proposal, final report, forms) into PDF (or specified format).

Offline Submission (where applicable):

Under any circumstances, where you are forced to hand in a physical copy, work in relation to IGNOU postal priorities. Copy your final dissertation as two hard- hardbound copies (despite a possible online submission, retain a copy). Send by Registered Post one copy bound:

The Registrar (SR&E Division), IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068.

Attach a cover letter, title of your project, student identification number and session information. Retain the 2^nd copy (to make a record and as viva preparation) As a precaution make sure with your Regional Centre as to whether they need something further to be done (some may get copies sent locally, but basic instructions should go to Delhi).

Hard Copy Submission (Where applicable)

In case of submission in physical form, consider the following tips:

A4 size paper of standard margins and double spaced.
Binding should be on point (hard cover or spiral thick covers).
Tape the signatures along the inside of the front cover including the title page.
Put a CD/DVD with soft copies, in case they are needed in your centre (ask in-charge).
Place the title Project Report (MFNP-12) on the cover.
Mail ahead of the deadline to overcome the delay by the post office.

Keep a copy of your evidence of submission (receipt given at post office, or acknowledgement given by IGNOU). Nevertheless, IGNOU advocates the use of the online system even more now because it is quicker and has immediate recognition.

Figure 3: “IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Submission Checklist”

IGNOU MFNP-12 Assessment (Evaluation) & Viva Process

Allocation of Marks (Assessment)

MFNP-12 dissertation is graded on a maximum of 100 marks. The system of assessment of IGNOU is usually as follows: the judgment of the supervisor (counselor) adds up to 40% of the whole (those are internal marks). This involves the assessment of your synopsis and your project work by the counselor. The external test (of an expert examiner) forms 60%: usually 40 marks written dissertation and 20 marks viva-voce. Viva-voce only (20/60) contributes 30% individually. To pass in this project paper, you have to obtain a minimum of 40 percent.

In practice the counselor will hand in internal marks (occasionally 20/20 for proposal, 20/20 for project) and an ostensibly independent external examiner will read the whole report and sit a viva. Worried about missing those important marks, make sure that you label every single part of your report and answer the question of the viva examiner with confidence.

MSCDFSM Viva Sample Questions

The viva-voce (an oral defense) generally revolves around what you have done in research. Common questions are:

What was your key research question and purpose in conducting the study? (This has to do with explaining the purpose of your topic.)
“What is the rationale behind this methodology and these tools?” (Provide a rationale of your design of research.)
“Is it possible to summarise your main results and their importance?” (Summary of major findings.)
“What do you compare your results with existing literature?” (Give a reference to the known facts about your study.)
“What are some of the practical recommendations that can be based on your research?” (What are some practical implications of your study?)
“Have you any limitations or difficulties?” (Think over the problems of carrying on the study.)

The Major Mistakes to Avoid in MSCDFSM Project (MFNP-12)

❌Selecting inappropriate topic: Either a broad topic or a narrow topic will be a problem. Stay away from generic problems.
❌Ineffective time management: It is never a good idea to stuff it until the eleventh minute, and to think that less work (data collection, writing) will have to be done. Work out a schedule and follow it.
❌Neglecting official rules: Neglecting IGNOU when it comes to formatting or forgetting forms will be damaging to your grade. Always follow the format in which synopsis and report has to be filled.
❌Poor analysis/ organization: It is not enough to gather some data. Make report logically and interpret data wisely. Superficial interpretation will be deducted.
❌Not caring about ethics and references: Plagiarism (copying text or data without citations) will land you into serious trouble. Note always to quote references and where appropriate append originality certificate. Get permissions to surveys or interviews.

These pitfalls once shunned can make you finish your project with ease and have a high score.

Download Free Sample and Resources

FAQs About IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Dissertation (MFNP 12)

Q: What is MFNP-12 in IGNOU?

A: MFNP-12 is the project/dissertation course of M.Sc. (Dietetics and Food Service Management) of IGNOU. It is an 8-credit original research study that must be completed to be given a degree.

Q: Who would make my project supervisor/guide?

A: Trained guide shall be possessing Ph.D./M.Phil in Dietetics/DFSM, 2years or more experience as a teacher, or a Master with 2 years minimum experience in Post Graduate or 5 years’ experience in Under Graduate teaching experience. This role is normally provided by the faculty of Study Centre.

Q: When is the deadline to MFNP-12?

A: With admitted date in July, its synopsis is usually due Nov 30 and final report due May 31. January admissions, synopsis due Sep 30 and report due Nov 30. Double check the dates with IGNOU yearly.

Q: Which are the sample PDFs and topic lists?

A: MFNP-012 course material could be downloaded on IGNOU eGyankosh (official repository) or IGNOU website and it contains sample synopsis/report formats as well. Most study centres and IGNOU students’ forums do offer the downloading of sample project ideas and the list of topics.

Conclusion- Advice on IGNOU MSCDFSM Project (MFNP-12) Work

This is an important yet satisfying task of the MFNP-12 dissertation. Plan ahead: list your action plan and meet deadlines. Talk to your boss often they can offer so much to the improvement of your work. Never do anything unofficially: write your synopsis and report the way you were asked to, fill in all the forms (synopsis approval, originality certificate, etc.). Research ethics are to be observed closely: all sources should be cited, a permission granted (in case of needing), and a personal analysis portrayed. Find good references guides Use the best possible sources E.g. go to the official IGNOU materials (eGyankosh) to find formats and examples.

When you write, remember to be very clear, very concise. Properly organized report with the properly analyzed data will gain you lots of points. In the viva-voce, you should have a short description of your work (you can have slides) and practice on being asked questions about the purpose of the study, what you did or how you did it, and your findings.

Last, but not least, control your time and remain optimistic. It is your chance to use MSCDFSM you have learned on a real problem in this project. Various planning, guidelines obedience, and focus will help you go through MFNP-12, and you will feel confident about your research skills. Good luck!

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IGNOU MSCDFSM Project Dissertation for MFNP 12 – Format, Topics & Submission Guide