IGNOU MAWGSR Project for MWGP 101: Complete Guide (Format, Topics, Submission & Viva)

IGNOU MAWGSR Project (MWGP 101) – Format, Topics & Sample PDF

The IGNOU MAWGSR Project for MWGP 101 is the capstone of IGNOU’s MA in Women’s & Gender Studies programme, allowing learners to apply their knowledge through a research project or an internship. This guide covers the project format, topic selection, synopsis preparation, report writing, submission process, and viva voce tips to help you complete your IGNOU MWGP 101 project successfully.

Key Highlights & Quick Summary:

Program Summary: MWGP-101 is an 8-credit project in Year-2 of MAWGS. Students can do a research dissertation or a 1–3-month internship, both culminating in a project report and a viva voce.
Synopsis Approval: Before starting, a project synopsis (proposal) must be approved by IGNOU. It should outline your title, objectives, and methodology, and include your supervisor’s consent.
Project Report Format: The final report (typically ~100 pages) must follow the prescribed format (with chapters like Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Conclusion, etc.) and adhere to IGNOU’s formatting and citation guidelines (no plagiarism).
Submission & Viva: Submit the completed project report to your Regional Centre by the due deadline (semester-end). Then attend a viva voce (oral defense) where you answer questions about your work.

Table of Contents

IGNOU MAWGSR Project at a Glance

What MWGP-101 Covers (Research Project or Internship)

MWGP-101 (Project Work) can be completed through either a Research Project or an Internship in the women’s and gender studies field. If you choose the research project route, you will select a topic and conduct an independent study (usually involving field data or analysis of secondary data) and then write a dissertation-style report. If you opt for an internship, you will spend 1–3 months working with an organization/institution related to gender issues and produce a report on that practical experience. Both options carry equal weight (8 credits) and require you to submit a written report and appear for a viva voce examination.

Figure: “Research Project vs Internship (Pros/Cons, Evidence, Output)”

Credits, Year & Where It Fits in MAWGSR (Year-2 Overview)

MWGP-101 is an 8-credit course typically undertaken in the final (4th) semester of the 2-year MAWGS program. It is part of the second-year curriculum. Note: the project is optional – you may either do the project or take additional theory courses instead. However, doing the project is highly encouraged as a capstone experience to apply what you learned (e.g., in Research Methods) in a practical study.

Learning Outcomes (Research Skills and Gender Analysis)

By completing the IGNOU MAWGSR project, you will develop several important skills and competencies:

Research Skills: Learn how to identify a research problem, design a study, and collect & analyze data systematically.
Gender Analysis Application: Apply women’s and gender studies theories and frameworks to investigate real-world issues or organizational practices, deepening your analytical perspective on gender.
Academic Writing: Gain experience in organizing a large report (like a mini-thesis), citing sources, and presenting arguments and findings in a coherent, scholarly manner.
Professional Development: Improve project management (planning and executing research within deadlines) and oral communication skills (through the viva, defending and discussing your work confidently).

IGNOU MAWGSR Project Guidelines & Documents

Ensure you follow the official IGNOU project guidelines and use the proper documents for the IGNOU MWGP 101 project. Key resources and requirements include:

Project Manual: IGNOU provides an MWGP 101 Project Manual – an official guide with detailed instructions. Obtain it (eGyanKosh or study centre) and follow it closely for IGNOU’s project format and rules.
Synopsis Forms: You must submit a project proposal using the prescribed proforma. This includes a form for topic approval and your supervisor’s approval (with their bio-data). All forms should be filled and signed as required.
Supervisor: Select an eligible project guide (usually an IGNOU academic counsellor or a qualified faculty member in gender studies). Their consent and résumé must be approved by the university. A good supervisor will mentor you through topic finalization, research design, and draft review.
Plagiarism & Ethics: Adhere strictly to IGNOU’s academic integrity policies. The work must be your original writing. Any content or ideas taken from other sources should be properly cited in the report. Also, maintain ethical standards during research (e.g., get informed consent from interviewees, ensure anonymity). You will be required to sign a declaration that your project is original and not copied.

Choosing an IGNOU MAWGSR Project Topic

Selecting the right topic is crucial. Choose a topic that aligns with women’s and gender studies themes and also interests you personally. Try to narrow the scope to a specific issue or case study so that it’s feasible – for example, instead of broadly examining “women’s empowerment in India,” you could focus on “impact of a microcredit program on women’s empowerment in XYZ district.” Ensure that data or information for your topic will be accessible (feasible to collect within time limits).

It’s helpful to review course units or recent research to spark ideas. Discuss potential topics with your supervisor; they can help you refine the idea and ensure it’s neither too broad nor too trivial. A well-defined, relevant topic will set you up for a smoother research process.

IGNOU MAWGSR Synopsis (Proposal) Writing

What to Include (Title, Background, Objectives, RQs, Methods, Timeline, References)

Your project synopsis is a brief plan of your research that needs approval. It should typically contain the following components:

Title: A clear, concise title that reflects your study’s focus.
Background & Rationale: A short introduction to the topic and why it is important. Mention relevant context or literature to show the significance of the issue.
Objectives: The specific aims of your study (usually 2–4 points stating what you intend to find out).
Research Questions/Hypotheses: The key question(s) you will investigate, or hypotheses if you are testing something. These should align with your objectives.
Methodology: An outline of how you will conduct the research – include the design (qualitative/quantitative), data sources or sample (who or what you will study and how you’ll select them), and data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations). If it’s an internship, describe the organization and the nature of work you’ll do.
Tools & Instruments: Note any specific tools (like a questionnaire, interview checklist) and mention if you will do a pilot test.
Timeline: A brief timeline indicating how you plan to complete the project steps within the semester.
References: A few key books, articles, or reports you’ve consulted for the proposal, cited properly. This shows you are aware of existing work on the topic.

Keep the synopsis concise (perhaps 3–5 pages). Write it clearly and include all required details, because the approvers will judge if your plan is sound and feasible.

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

Common Reasons for Revisions (Scope, Methods, Ethics)

Many project proposals are initially not approved because of avoidable issues. Here are common reasons a synopsis might be sent back for revision:

Scope Too Broad: If your topic tries to cover too much, the evaluators may find it unmanageable. Make sure your study is focused and the objectives are realistic.
Weak Methodology Details: Ensure you clearly explain how you will do the research. Vague or insufficient methodology (e.g. not specifying sample size, or tools) can lead to rejection. Provide concrete details.
Ethical/Approval Issues: If your study involves sensitive topics or populations, mention how you will address ethics (consent, anonymity). Also make sure you have a qualified supervisor identified – proposals without an eligible guide are not approved.
Plagiarism or Poor Writing: The proposal should be written in your own words. Don’t copy text from sources – it will be spotted and not tolerated. Also, a very poorly written synopsis (unclear language or numerous errors) might be returned for clarification.

If you do get feedback to revise, don’t be discouraged. Use the comments to improve the proposal and resubmit it promptly. Getting the synopsis right is an important foundation for the rest of your project.

Research Design & Methods for IGNOU MWGP 101 Project

Qualitative (Interviews, FGDs, Thematic Analysis)

Qualitative methods are useful for exploring attitudes, behaviors, and experiences in depth. You might conduct interviews (one-on-one conversations) or focus group discussions to gather detailed insights from participants. These produce narrative data that you can analyze by identifying common themes and patterns (thematic analysis). Qualitative research is typically done on a smaller sample and yields rich, contextual findings rather than numbers.

Quantitative (Surveys, Sampling Basics, Reliability)

Quantitative methods involve collecting numerical data and statistics. A common approach is a survey using a structured questionnaire distributed to a larger sample of people. Pay attention to sampling – try to get a sample that fairly represents the population you are studying, and decide on an adequate sample size. When using quantitative tools (like a questionnaire scale), ensure reliability (the consistency of results) by pilot-testing and refining questions. Your analysis will use statistical techniques to summarize trends or test relationships (for example, calculating percentages, averages, or correlations).

Mixed Methods (When & How)

Mixed methods combine both qualitative and quantitative techniques in one study to provide a more comprehensive understanding. For instance, you might first run a survey to get broad trends (quantitative) and then conduct a few interviews to delve deeper into the reasons behind those trends (qualitative). If using mixed methods, plan how you will integrate the findings: you can do them sequentially (one after the other) or concurrently, but ultimately, you’ll relate the two sets of results in your analysis for a cohesive conclusion.

Tools & Instruments (Questionnaire Design; Pilot Testing)

Whatever method you choose, you will need to develop data collection tools. This could be a questionnaire (for a survey) or an interview guide (for qualitative interviews), or checklists/observation sheets. Design these instruments carefully so that they align with your objectives and are easy for participants to understand. Avoid biased or unclear wording. It’s highly recommended to pilot test your tools on a small group before full-scale data collection – this trial run can reveal if any questions are confusing or if the instrument needs tweaks. After pilot testing, refine the tool accordingly. Good instruments ensure that you gather relevant and reliable data for your IGNOU MAWGSR project.

IGNOU MAWGSR Project Report Structure & Formatting

Chapter-wise Blueprint (Abstract, Intro, Methodology, Findings, Conclusion, etc.)

Your IGNOU MAWGSR project report should be organized into clear sections as follows:

Preliminary Pages: Title page, Student’s declaration of originality, Certificate from supervisor, Acknowledgements (if any), Table of Contents, and an Abstract (summary of your study in about 200–300 words).
Chapters: The main body usually includes: Introduction (context and objectives), Review of Literature (summary of existing research/theories related to your topic), Methodology (what you did and how), Findings/Results (what you found, with data presented), Discussion/Analysis (interpretation of results, comparing with literature, mentioning limitations), and Conclusion (overall summary, implications, recommendations if any).
End Matter: A References/Bibliography section listing all sources cited in the project, formatted in the recommended style. Following that, include Annexures/Appendices for any supplementary material like questionnaires, raw data tables, consent form samples, internship completion certificate, etc., if needed.

Following this structure ensures you cover all aspects of the project in a logical flow. Use the chapter format as a checklist while writing, so you don’t omit anything important.

Formatting Essentials (Page Layout, Citations, Tables/Figures)

Adhere to IGNOU’s Project format guidelines to give your report a professional appearance:

Use A4 size paper with legible font (e.g. Times New Roman 12pt) and double-line spacing. Leave sufficient margins (about 1.5 inches on the left for binding, and 1 inch on other sides).
Number the pages sequentially. Typically, the preliminary pages use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii…) and the main text uses Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…). Ensure each chapter starts on a new page.
Citations: Whenever you quote or paraphrase ideas from a source, cite it within the text (e.g. author name, year or footnote number, depending on MLA/APA style) and list the full reference in your bibliography. Be consistent with the citation style throughout.
Tables and Figures: Label and caption all tables and figures properly (e.g. “Table 2: Education Level of Respondents”). Refer to them by number in your text. Place them near the relevant discussion, and make sure they are clear and not cut off by margins. If you adapt a table or chart from another source, acknowledge the source below it.
Proofread the entire document for spelling, grammar, and formatting consistency. A well-formatted, error-free report makes a good impression on evaluators.

Plagiarism, Attribution & Academic Integrity

IGNOU has a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism. This means all writing in your IGNOU MAWGSR project must be in your own words, and all sources of information must be properly attributed. Do not copy text from study material, books, or the internet without quotation and reference. Even inadvertent plagiarism (like forgetting to cite a statistic or sentence) can be penalized, so be meticulous with references.

You will sign a declaration that your work is original – ensure you can stand by it. Also, avoid sharing your report with others or using someone else’s project, as that can also lead to disqualification. Maintaining academic integrity is not only about avoiding penalties; it also ensures you genuinely learn from the project experience.

Figure: “IGNOU MWGP-101 Project process in 6 Steps (Topic → Synopsis → Methods → Data → Report → Viva)”

IGNOU MAWGSR Project Supervisor, Approvals & Submissions Process

Selecting/Working with a Supervisor (Roles & Expectations)

You need to work under a Project Supervisor (Guide) who is approved by IGNOU. This person will advise and oversee your work. Ideally, choose a supervisor who is familiar with your subject matter – usually an Academic Counsellor at the study centre or a faculty member in gender studies. Ensure they meet the eligibility criteria (often a PhD or at least a Master’s in a relevant field with experience).

Once a supervisor agrees, collaborate closely: discuss your topic and synopsis with them, seek their feedback at various stages (such as on your questionnaire draft or chapter drafts), and keep them updated on progress. Respect their time by planning meetings or calls, and be open to their suggestions – their guidance can greatly improve your work. Remember to get the supervisor’s signature wherever required (proposal form, certificate in the report).

Approval Forms & Regional Centre Coordination

Before you start the main research, you must obtain official approval for your IGNOU MAWGSR project. This involves submitting the proposal/synopsis along with necessary forms to your Regional Centre (RC). Typically, you will fill out the Project Proposal proforma (which includes your personal details, project title, synopsis summary) and attach the signed approval of your supervisor (and their bio-data). Submit these to the RC’s project section.

IGNOU has specific deadlines for synopsis submission – for instance, around 30th September for July session students and 31st March for January session students (confirm the exact dates with your RC each year). After submission, the synopsis is evaluated (sometimes by the faculty at the School of Gender & Development Studies). Approval may take a few weeks; you should check with the RC if you don’t hear back. Once you receive approval (an approval letter or email via RC), you can proceed with your project work. Always keep a copy of the approved synopsis and letter, as you might need to include or show it during final submission.

Submission Channels (RC Instructions & Deadlines)

When your IGNOU MAWGSR project report is complete and reviewed by your supervisor, you will submit it for evaluation. IGNOU mostly requires hard copies – usually two copies of the project report – to be submitted to your Regional Centre. Some RCs also ask for a soft copy (PDF) on a CD or via email; refer to your RC’s guidelines. Ensure you meet the submission deadline (commonly 31st March for those aiming for June term-end exams, or 30th September for December term-end, corresponding to the academic cycle).

Bind the report as specified (most use spiral or soft binding). Attach any required forms (like a project submission form, if provided by your RC) and a copy of the synopsis approval letter. After submission, the RC will schedule your viva voce. Always collect a receipt or acknowledgement when you submit your project. It’s also wise to regularly check your grade card or with the RC for updates on viva dates. Remember that procedures can slightly vary by region, so follow any additional instructions given by your Regional Centre.

Viva Voce Preparation in IGNOU MGWP 101 Project

Likely Question Themes (Problem, Method, Findings, Limitations)

In the viva voce (oral defense), a small panel (usually including an external examiner and/or faculty) will ask you questions about your project. Common question areas include:

Why this Topic? – Be ready to explain what motivated you to choose your research topic or internship focus, and why it’s important.
Methodology & Process: – You will likely be asked about how you conducted the study: your design, sample, data collection methods, and reasons for those choices.
Key Findings: – The examiners will want to hear what you discovered. Summarize your main findings or results clearly in your own words.
Challenges & Limitations: – Expect a question on any difficulties you faced (e.g. low survey responses, or obstacles during internship) and how you dealt with them, as well as the limitations of your study.
Ethical Considerations: – If relevant, you might be asked about how you ensured ethics (for example, did you get consent from participants, how did you maintain confidentiality).

Overall, the viva questions aim to verify your understanding of the project from start to finish. Answer confidently, stay concise, and if you’re unsure, it’s okay to politely say you will reflect on that point – but usually, if you did the work yourself, you’ll know the answers!

7-Day Revision Plan (Before the Viva)

Use the week leading up to your viva for focused preparation:

Review Your Report: Re-read your entire project report carefully. Make sure you remember what you wrote in each chapter, including key data points.
Summarize Your Study: Prepare a short summary of your project (you can even make small cue cards or slides for practice) covering your research question, methodology, and main findings. This helps organize your thoughts.
Practice Q&A: Anticipate questions (like the ones above) and practice answering them out loud. You could do a mock viva with a friend asking you questions. This will build your confidence and clarity.
Refresh Theory: Revisit any important concepts, theories, or studies from your literature review or coursework that relate to your project. This way, if the examiners broaden the discussion, you can respond with relevant knowledge.
Be Ready and Relaxed: Gather any materials you need to take to the viva (your copy of the report, maybe a list of references). On the day before, get a good night’s sleep. Arrive on time (or log in early if it’s online) for the viva. Being calm and prepared will help you give your best performance.

Timeline & Checklist for IGNOU MWGP 101 Project

Ideal 10–12 Week Plan (From Start to Submission)

Planning ahead is key. Here’s a rough timeline you can follow to complete the project within a semester:

Weeks 1–2: Finalize your project topic and get a supervisor assigned/approved. Draft your synopsis and submit it for approval as early as possible.
Weeks 3–4: Once the synopsis is approved, deepen your literature review (read more on your topic) and develop your research instruments (questionnaires, interview guides). If you’re doing an internship, finalize the organization and objectives. Pilot test your tools during this period.
Weeks 5–8: Conduct your study or internship work. Collect all the data you need – for a research project, this means completing surveys, interviews, observations etc.; for an internship, fulfill the tasks and gather insights for your report. Start analyzing the data as it comes in (don’t wait till all data is collected).
Weeks 9–10: Begin writing your project report. Start with the results/findings and discussion sections while the data is fresh in your mind. Then draft the introduction, literature review, and methodology (you can reuse parts of your proposal but expand and update them). Consult your supervisor for feedback on your draft.
Weeks 11–12: Revise and finalize the report. Fix any issues pointed out by your supervisor. Proofread thoroughly for errors. Ensure all formatting and annexures are in place. Finally, print and bind the required copies and submit your project report to the RC before the deadline.

Figure: Timeline & Checklist for IGNOU MWGP 101 Project

By following a week-by-week plan, you avoid last-minute rush and can produce a better-quality project. Adjust this timeline if needed (for example, you might do some steps in parallel), but try to stick to the overall milestones.

Final Pre-Submission QA Checklist

Before turning in your IGNOU MWGP-101 project report, go through this checklist to catch any mistakes or omissions:

Formatting & Structure: All required preliminary pages are included (title page, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, certificates). Chapters are in the correct order, with clear headings and numbering. The report is neatly formatted and within the expected length.
Content Quality: The objectives stated in your Introduction have been addressed in the Findings/Discussion and Conclusion. There is a clear narrative – your study’s story makes sense. You’ve proofread for typos and grammatical errors, ensuring the text is clear.
References & Plagiarism: Every source you used is properly cited in the text and listed in the References section. The referencing style is consistent. You have not copied any text without citation. (It’s good to run a plagiarism check on your final document.) Don’t forget to include the signed declaration of originality.
Submission Ready: Your supervisor has signed the necessary forms (and the certificate in the report). You have the synopsis approval letter to attach if required. You’ve made the required number of copies of the report. You know the submission deadline and have prepared any required cover forms. (Obtain a receipt from the RC upon submission.)

Download PDFs

IGNOU MWGSR Project Synopsis Sample PDF
IGNOU MWGP 101 Project Report Sample PDF
IGNOU MWGP-101 Project Topics Sample List

FAQs for IGNOU MAWGSR Project (MWGP-101)

Q: Is the IGNOU MWGP 101 project mandatory?

A: No. It’s an optional component. In the second year of MAWGS, you may either undertake the 8-credit project or opt for equivalent theory courses instead.

Q: Can I do an internship instead of a research report?

A: Yes. MWGP-101 can be completed through a 1–3-month internship instead of a research dissertation. Both formats require a written report and a viva voce.

Q: How do I get my project topic approved?

A: You must submit a synopsis (project proposal) through your Regional Centre for approval. IGNOU will assess it (along with your supervisor’s details), and you can start the project only after you get this approval.

Q: Who can be my project supervisor?

A: Usually, an IGNOU academic counsellor or a qualified faculty member in Women’s/Gender Studies. The supervisor should have a relevant postgraduate degree and their bio-data must be approved by IGNOU.

Q: How long should my project report be?

A: Typically, around 80–120 double-spaced pages. Focus on covering all required sections (Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Findings, Conclusion, etc.) clearly and concisely, rather than aiming for a specific page count.

Q: How is the project evaluated?

A: The evaluation is based on your written report and your performance in the viva voce. There is no separate written exam for MWGP-101. You need to score at least 40% overall to pass the project.

Q: What if my synopsis is not approved?

A: You will need to revise it according to the feedback and resubmit the synopsis for approval. Work with your supervisor to address the issues pointed out in the feedback before resubmitting.

Q: What questions are asked in the viva voce?

A: The panel will ask about your project’s purpose, methods, key findings, and any challenges or ethical issues you encountered. They mainly want to confirm you understand your work well.

Conclusion

The IGNOU MAWGSR Project for MWGP 101 is a valuable opportunity to apply and extend your knowledge in Women’s & Gender Studies. By following the guidelines, planning diligently, and upholding academic integrity, you can successfully complete your project and emerge with enhanced research skills and confidence.

Reiterate that MWGP-101 is the capstone Project Work in Year-2 of MAWGSR, with the choice of research or internship—and success hinges on a sharp topic, ethical methods, and a clean, well-structured report. Point readers to the eGyanKosh manual and programme page for anything procedural, and nudge them to your checklists/templates for execution.

“Questions about Last Dates or Topic Selection? Chat with an expert.”

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