Updated on Apr 9, 2024 11:56 IST
Bhavya Jain

Bhavya JainContent Author

MA commonly known as Master of Arts is a 2-year postgraduate degree program. One can pursue an MA after completing their bachelor’s in the same discipline. The course has been increasingly gaining huge attention from candidates due to the wide range of career opportunities available to them in India and Abroad.

There are a plethora of specializations available in this field including some of the well-known fields like French, German, Economics, and Psychology. A deep understanding of the course and subjects can provide a bright and well-paying career to anyone who has an aversion towards the course and wishes to pursue it. But it is super beneficial to the ones for the civil service aspirants.
The candidates can apply to a variety of roles that are industry-relevant and pay you well. Some of them include Associate Researchers, Data analysts, Newspaper columnists, and lawyers with an average salary ranging from INR 3 LPA, extending to a maximum of INR 15 LPA depending on the specialization, or the skill one pertains.

After knowing the bright prospects of pursuing an MA, candidates might be curious to know its future, the scope, and obviously, the remuneration one could receive under different specializations. In this section, we will discuss more about the career prospects and salaries of MA graduates.

MA Course Eligibility Criteria

Before pursuing a master's, or even starting the preparation for the same one might be aware of the eligibility to pursue that course. So, here are a few factors that make one eligible for undertaking an MA:

Eligibility Criteria MA Course

Should have completed their Bachelor’s, preferably in Arts from a recognized UGC university. 

Should have secured an aggregate of 55% or more. 

Top MA Specializations

Though there are many specializations in the arts field, and can select it according to their interests and choices. Here is a list of a few more prominent specializations along with their average salaries.

S.no

Top Specializations

Average Salary (in INR)

1

MA English 

12,500-62,500 per month

2

MA Economics 

16.2 lakhs

3

MA Psychology 

3.7 lakhs

4

MA Political Science 

3 lakhs

5

MA History

5 lakhs 

6

MA Social Work

3.4 lakhs

7

MA International Relations

6.6 lakhs

8

MA Communication Studies

6 lakhs

9

MA Sociology

4.5 lakhs

10

MA Public Administration

2 - 8 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

Students also liked topics on:

MA in Hindi

MA in Sociology at Delhi School of Economics

IIT MA Colleges

Apart from providing quality education in the technical field with courses like Btech, M.tech, and M.Sc, IIT has expanded its horizons by providing postgraduate degree courses or MA courses in different fields. However, there are a few courses only which are offered in only some IITs. Yet, the major difference comes with the diversity of courses it provides.
Apart from the general Master in Arts courses which are pursued in the fields of Economics, Psychology, and History the courses at IITs are a little different. The courses offered at IITs include specializations in Development Studies, Philosophy, and English Studies.
Here is a stipulated list providing insights into the MA courses offered by different IITs.

Name of IIT

Program Name

IIT Madras

MA in English Studies
MA in Developmental Studies
MA in Economics

IIT Bombay

MA by Research
MA - PhD Philosophy (Dual degree) 

IIT Guwahati

MA in Developmental Studies
MA in Liberal Arts

IIT Gandhinagar

MA in Society and Culture

IIT Mandi

MA in Development Studies

IIT Delhi

MA in Society, Culture, Thought
MA in Public Policy

MA Jobs by Specialization

There are multiple specializations in MA, each having its own set of career trajectories having an individual path of growth. In the coming section, we will be discovering the top job profiles one can pursue after doing different specializations in MA along with their market salaries.

MA Economics Jobs 

MA Economics is a 2-year postgraduate degree program offering greater insights into the world of economics covering topics like banking, financial management, international economics, macroeconomics, theory of demand and supply, and many more topics that directly, or indirectly impact the economy.
It has 4 semesters, each semester having a duration of 6 months. This table shows the data of a few job profiles that are best-suited to an MA Economics graduate. 

Top MA Economics Job Profiles

Average Salary (in INR)

Research Analyst

4.8 lakhs

Data Analyst

6.3 lakhs 

High School Teacher

5.5 lakhs

Economist

16.2 lakhs

Director of Operations 

37 lakhs 

(Source: AmbitionBox)

MA History Jobs 

Through MA History, a candidate can have a good understanding of the Historical and Cultural aspects of India. It is a 2-year postgraduate degree program divided into 4 semesters, every semester lasting 6 months.

Here’s a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA History graduate.

Top MA History Job Profiles

Average Salary (in INR)

Historian

7 lakhs 

Assistant Professor

4.8 lakhs

Teacher

3.1 lakhs

Field Archaeologist 

2 lakhs

Research Assistant

3.8 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

Relevant links for MA History:
Jobs after MA History

MA English Jobs

MA English is a 2 year postgraduate degree program that gives students a comprehensive knowledge of various important concepts of English Literature including readings from different novels, stories, and poetries written by various authors.
The degree allows the candidate to expand their literary skills and further capitalize on them. Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA English graduate.

Top MA English Job Profiles

Average Salary (in INR)

Editor/ Assistant Editor

3 lakhs 

Web Content Writer

3 lakhs

Teacher 

3.3 lakhs

Translator

2.2 lakhs

SEO Analyst

3 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

MA Psychology Jobs 

The field of Psychology offers a candidate the opportunity to learn different aspects related to the human mind and behavior including issues related to emotions, behavior, and their psychological effects on the brain.
One can choose from different fields while pursuing a Master's in Psychology. Some of the most prominent ones include health psychology, clinical psychology, and sports psychology. It further opens multiple doors for them to practice it by working in hospitals or opening their clinics.
Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA Psychology graduate.

Top MA Psychology Job Profiles

Average Salary (in INR)

Clinical Psychologists

4.5 lakhs 

Therapists 

2.8 lakhs

Counseling Psychologists 

4.1 lakhs

Sports Psychologists

5.9 - 7.5 lakhs

Psychiatrist

10 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

MA Political Science Jobs

MA in Political Science is a 2-year postgraduate degree program taken by a lot of students who wish to continue their careers in politics at Indian and International levels. To pursue the same, one must have completed their graduation in political science with an aggregate of 55% or more.
It includes subjects like Political Theory, International Relations, Policy Making, and Public Laws. Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for MA Political Science graduates.

Top MA Political Science Jobs

Average Salary (in INR)

Politician

9.5 lakhs

Public Administration

5.3 lakhs

Political Content Writer

3.6 lakhs

Political Correspondent

4.5 lakhs

PR Executive

3 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

MA Jobs - Sector Wise

After doing a Master of Arts, a candidate has abundant opportunities in both government as well as private sectors. The scope and spectrum of opportunities further depend on the respective fields one has chosen. Here are some of the well-known, and top opportunities available to MA students in the private, and public sectors.

MA Jobs- Private Sector

MA graduates are respected everywhere and receive abundant opportunities at every organization, and the Private sector is one of them. Some of the top professions an MA graduate can pursue are given below:

Top Job Profiles

Job Details

Average Salary (in INR)

Educator

Involved in constructing meaningful educational experiences through planning, preparing, and delivering lessons.

5.7 lakhs

Economist

Economists majorly conduct surveys, collect data, analyze it, and make interpretations and forecasts about the same.
Example- Related to the topics of the economy such as fiscal policy.

16.2 lakhs

Content Writer 

Content writer researches and write engaging content for brands and businesses to provide meaningful information, and improve the brand image at the same time.

3.6 lakhs

Communication Manager 

Communication Managers promote the organization, its people, products, and services by creating impactful content and consistently delivering the same.

13.2 lakhs

Assistant Professor

Assistant Professors are involved in research and teaching. They assist full-time professors and also spend time conducting investigations and research.

4.8 lakhs

MA Jobs - Government Sector

MA provides a lot of opportunities to candidates in the government sector too. Here is a list of top career opportunities available to MA graduates in the government sector.

Top Job Profile

Job Details

Average Salary (in INR)

UPSC - IAS

IAS officers manage the overall administration of government, maintain the overall expenditure, and ensure law and order in the country.

1 - 2.5 lakhs per month

Railway jobs

RRB NTPC is one such job a person can receive by taking the entrance exam. In this role, one needs to supervise the work of the entire railway station

8.8 lakhs

SSC

SSC personnel recruit candidates for various posts in different departments and ministries under the Government of India.

6.2 lakhs

Research Associate

Research Associates plans, organizes, and conducts research for various market topics including the financial market.

4.6 lakhs

Social worker

Social workers are responsible for improving the lives of the people they are taking care of and helping them find solutions to their problems.

3.4 lakhs

(Source: AmbitionBox)

Courses after MA

A student can further enhance their educational background, and be more skilled at their respective jobs after MA by pursuing the following courses:

  • PhD
  • Mphil
  • PG Diploma

Quick links relevant to MA Careers:
PhD Careers
M.Phil Admissions

10 Best Countries for MA Graduates

MA provides candidates with tons of opportunities in India as well as Abroad. Though some countries are better than others when it comes to opportunities and salaries. In the coming section, we will discuss those few countries along with the salaries they provide.

  • USA 
  • UK 
  • Canada 
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • France
  • Ireland
  • Spain

Top MA Recruiters
After doing an MA, candidates can get good jobs with handsome salaries in both the public sector as well as private sector. This table gives you a list of the top 10 MA recruiters.

Top MA Recruiters

Amazon

State Bank of India

Myntra

ICICI

Infosys

Government of India

Deloitte

Lady Shri Ram College 

Wipro

Accenture

Top MA Colleges- Placement-wise

The average salary after completing MA ranges from INR 3 LPA - 5 LPA. However, some factors may affect the placement opportunities and the compensation a candidate receives. These factors include location, candidate’s college, their skills, and expertise in the respective domains. 

This table provides the list of those colleges that provide candidates with the greatest opportunities and highest placement packages when it comes to MA graduates. 

Top MA Colleges

Average Salary (in INR)

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi

9.5 lakhs

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

8 lakhs

Delhi University, Delhi

15.5 lakhs

Jamia Milia Islamia

8.66 lakhs

Amity University, Noida

5.5 lakhs

Table of contents
  • Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India. Learn more about these M.A. (Master of Arts) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
432
8.4 LPA

#5 The Week

6 Courses
55.95 K - 59.15 K
9.24 LPA

#3 The Week

7 Courses
15.21 K
7 LPA

#4 The Week

5 Courses
33.81 K
5.4 LPA

#12 The Week

3 Courses
432
7.9 LPA
2.4 L
6.22 LPA

#9 The Week

Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India

2 Courses
9 L

#75 The Week

M.A. Applications open. Apply Now

71.4 K - 84 K
3.0
11 Courses
1.38 L - 10 L
3.2 LPA
3.57 L

M.A. Applications open. Apply Now

1.4 L - 2 L
3.3

Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations

Following are the most popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for M.A. (Master of Arts) based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).
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Answered 11 hours ago

Yes, DAV College, Chandigarh offers MA programme at PG level  for a duration of 2 years. The mode of study is full time. Students who are Class 12 or equivalent pass from a recognised board can apply for admission. 

a

aaradhy rastogi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

While evaluating international tuition structures, overseas currency exchange considerations, and overall educational investment for the MA in Business Management at Bath Spa University provides a helpful baseline for your financial planning, Lovely Professional University (LPU) serves as an excelle

...Read more

A

Aston Martin

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

The total tuition fees for MA is INR 14,000-INR 27,000 at IGNOU. The fees is the highest for MA in Education. For most of language programmes, the fees is at lower end. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, candidates do not require passing any entrance exam for admission in MA at IGNOU. Aspirants are selected based on their scores in the qualifying exam. Selected candidates have to pay course fees to confirm their seat. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 5 days ago

The United Kingdom is widely considered the best country for studying an MA in English Literature as it has a deep literary heritage and top-ranked global universities

V

Virajita Bisht

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 days ago

MA Sociology courses are available in various modes of education. This creates an ease and accebility among students. The following table some of the most popular modes of education for MA Sociology:

Mode of MA Sociology Courses 

Description 

Full-time/Regular Course

This is where students attend their classes regularly on campus. It's a good fit for those who prefer direct interactions with teachers and peers. 

Distance/Correspondence Degree

In this mode, students can study at their own pace using materials provided by the university. It's suitable for those who need flexibility, as they can manage their studies alongside other commitments, for example, IGNOU

Online Course

Some universities offer fully online courses where they can attend virtual classes, access study material, and complete assignments; exams are taken online only.

Part-time Course

This mode allows one to study according to one's convenience it is designed for working professionals; this mode offers classes according to their flexibility, allowing students to balance work and study.

 

B

Bhavya Jain

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

MA History is a 2 year postgraduate degree that teaches students about the advanced study of past human societies, global events, political movements, and cultural shifts from ancient to modern times. It hones the students skills of  Critical analysis, archival research methodology, historical inter

...Read more

B

Bhavya Jain

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

No, CUET is not required to get admission in MA from IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University. Admission is offered based on university-level entrance exam. It is followed by essay evaluation and personal interview.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The total tuition fee of MA from IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University is INR 9 lakhs. Including other fee components, the total fee is INR 15.91 lakhs. Note: this number is taken from the official website of the university. It can change.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University does not offer direct admission. Applicants have to undergo selection rounds that includes: entrance exam, essay evaluation and personal interview.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, CUET is not required for admission in MA programme of IIHS (Institution Deemed to be) University. Applicants are given admission based on their performance in entrance exam, essay and personal interview.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The MA in Computational Linguistics at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) Hyderabad is a specialized 2-year program and it serves as a strong stepping stone for academic research or a PhD.

The median post-graduate salary package at EFLU is around INR 4.5 LPA to INR 5.16 LPA. So, acco

...Read more

A

Akanksha Yadav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Many colleges require a BA Hindi degree or Hindi as one of the core subjects in the UG degree or diploma.There are also colleges that accept admission without having a mandatory hindi requirement.

B

Bhavya Jain

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

The main intake for Master of Arts courses are the Fall Intake (September). Majority of the courses are available in the Fall Semester. The deadlines for the courses are very course-specific and differ for every specification at McGill University.

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The University of Leeds provide a large variety of M.A Courses over 80 of them for the Indian students for a duration of 1 year. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

·       UG Degree (55%-65%)

·       English Language Requirements (IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88)

·       SOP

·       LOR

·       CV

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Winter Semester is the main intakes for most of the M.A Courses at University of Hamburg. The University offers a wide range of 76 M.A Courses for International students. Deadlines are given below:

Winter Sem – 31 Mar 2027

Summer Sem – 15 Jan 2027

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

The University of California Berkeley Campus offers 12 M.A courses for international students for a period of 1 -3 years. The tuition fee of M.A Courses are between INR 25 L – 47 L. The students are required to have at least 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to get into the University for M.A Courses. The othe

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K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes. LPU offers Mathematics programmes, and hostel accommodation is available on campus for students, including girls and boys. Admission and hostel availability depend on the specific Mathematics programme and current intake.

A

Ananya Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

There are mainly 2 intakes for M.A Courses at La Trobe University – Semester 1 and Semester 2. Sem 1 is the primary intake, it starts in early March.

·       Sem 1 (early March) – Jan 15

·       Sem 2 (July start) – Mid May

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The University of Queensland offers 26 M.A courses for international students. It is most likely opted by Indian students. The UQ provides two intakes for M.A courses – Semester 1 and Semester 2

·       Sem 1 (Feb Intake) – Nov 30, 2026

·       Sem 2 (Jul Intake) – May 31, 2027

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The University of New South Wales offers 9 M.A Courses for a duration of 18 months to 2 years. The admissions for M.A Course are on the rolling and multiple round bases. The interested students can apply vis UNSW Application Portal.

·       Term 3 (September Intake) – Late Aug, 2026.

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Coventry University has been ranked #41 for its M.A Courses. The University offers about 23 M.A Courses for a duration of 12 months to 2 years. The tuition fee of M.A courses for international students are from INR 21.38 L – 25.11 L.

Admission requirements –

·       UG Degree from well-known Universit

...Read more

K

Khushi Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz MA in Human Geography course is 4 semesters long course. The language of instruction of this course is English. For admission to this course, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. IELTS socre of 5.5 / TOEFL iBT score of 79. 

 

B

Bhumika Kaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The duration of Falmouth University MA in Illustration Authorial Practice is 1 year. The tuition fee of this course is GBP 19,950 per year (Around INR 26 L). For admission to this course, students must have Level 6 Qualification equivalent Bachelor's degree. A portfolio and study proposal of 300-500

...Read more

G

Gunjan Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, an undergraduate degree in Psychology is not a compulsory requirement.Colleges in India and abroad accept applicants even if they haven't graduated with Psychology as a major. People from any stream: BTech, BSc, BA, Law can apply. Every college has a different eligibility criteria. Students shou

...Read more

B

Bhavya Jain

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

MA Psychology is like the foundational knowledge taught to students. MA Applied Psychology takes those theories and brings them into practice. 

MA Psychology students are taught core theories, research methods and the Science behind human behaviour. MA Applied Psychology students are taught the best

...Read more

B

Bhavya Jain

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Research work and practical learning are part of the M.A. (Mathematics) curriculum at LPU. The course includes mathematical modelling, problem solving, software based applications, seminars, presentations and project work that help students apply concepts beyond classroom learning. Students also get

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

Placement opportunities after completing M.A. (Mathematics) from LPU are available in both education and industry. Graduates can explore roles such as teacher, lecturer after meeting required eligibility, data analyst, research assistant, content developer, banking professional and quantitative supp

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

The M.A. (Journalism and Communication) programme includes practical learning along with classroom study. Students usually get hands on experience in news reporting, digital content creation, broadcast journalism, video production, newsroom activities, and media writing. The curriculum also includes

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

Placement opportunities after completing M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from LPU are good for students who build strong practical skills during the course. The programme includes media projects, newsroom practice, digital content creation and industry interaction, which help in developing

...Read more

S

Sampreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 1

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