M. Phil. in International Relations

M. Phil. in International Relations is a program of study which seeks to equip students with analytical tools in an academically rigorous environment to adequately comprehend and cope with the growing linkages between national and international political scenes. This program of study is interdisciplinary in approach; it draws on other social and natural science disciplines to gain a wholesome understanding of the complex national and international political processes in the world.The purpose of this degree program is to prepare graduates for higher studies in International Relations and other related fields and broaden their career options in an increasingly competitive global marketplace through a rigorous and coherent training. The graduates of this course of study shall be prepared for leadership positions in both national and international organizations focusing on different areas, including teaching, research, consultancy, governance, human rights, education, business, development, etc. Both fresh graduates and mid-career professionals shall equally find this degree program rewarding in terms of their intellectual and professional growth. Admission Criteria The minimum admission criteria include: a) 16-year of education from a recognized university in International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Defense and Strategic Studies, Diplomatic Studies, International Studies, or in a relevant field; b) 2.5 CGPA or second division; and c) admission test. Admission shall be granted on basis of academic record, admission test and interview .GAT-General Test with a minimum score of 50 is required at the time of admission. Program Requirements The degree requirements include the completion of 36 credit hours, including a minimum of 27 credit hours of course work and 9 credit hours of thesis. The minimum 27 credit hours of course work includes three compulsory courses and six optional courses. An M. Phil. student may take one course in other M. Phil. programs in social and management sciences; however, the prior approval of the department is necessary. Each M. Phil. course is of 3 credit hours. A brief roadmap of the M. Phil. program is provided below for the guidance of students.
Total Credit Hours 30
Total Courses 10
Duration 1.5 years


M.Phil. (IR) Curriculum Plan:

Course Category CrHrs Courses
Core Courses 9 3
Electives 15 5
Thesis/Courses 6 Optional
Total 30

Core Courses

Code Course Title CrHr
IDS610 Advanced Research Methods 3
IR611 Theories of International Relations 3
IR612 Globalization: Philosophical Issues, Theories and Evidence 3

Elective Courses

Code Course Title CrHr
IR614 International Systems: Rise and Expansion 3
IR615 Global Security 3
IR616 Global Political Economy 3
IR620 Foreign Policy of Pakistan 3
IR621 US Foreign Policy 3
IR622 International Relations of Developing Countries 3
IR630 Politics of Developing Nations 3
IR631 Global Development: Theory and Evidence 3
IR632 Politics of Development 3
IR633 Global Poverty: Alleviation Strategies 3
IR634 International Institutions and Global Governance 3
IR640 Conflict and Conflict Resolution 3
IR641 International Negotiation: Theory and Practice 3
IR642 International Terrorism and World Politics 3
IR643 Civil Society and World Politics 3
IR644 Islam and World Politics 3
IR645 Feminism and International Relations 3
IR646 International Migration 3
IR647 Environment and World Politics 3
IR648 International Law 3
IR649 Politics of International Human Rights 3
IR650 Seminar: International Relations 3
IR651 Political Research: Survey Techniques 3
IR652 Political Data: Statistical Analysis and Interpretation 3
IR660 Special Topics 3
IR661 Selected Readings 3
IR662 Independent Study – I 3
IR698 Independent Study – II 3
IR699 Thesis 3