BS International Relations (4 Years)

Introduction

The BS in International Relations requires the completion of 132 credit hours over at least four years. The programme encompasses key areas of International Relations, including diplomacy, international law, foreign policy analysis, globalization, conflict resolution, and regional connectivity, while also offering insights into emerging global challenges such as environmental politics, human rights, and international security. Over eight semesters, the curriculum is designed to foster the progressive development of students’ theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical understanding, delivering a balanced and robust educational journey. The programme emphasizes the application of knowledge through case studies, simulations, and discussions of real-world events, enabling students to connect theoretical concepts to contemporary global issues. This curriculum is intentionally designed to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, equipping students to analyze complex global and regional challenges and propose sustainable solutions. Graduates of the BS International Relations programme will be well prepared for diverse career opportunities across diplomacy, public policy, international development, global governance, media, and academia. They will also be equipped to pursue advanced studies in International Relations and related interdisciplinary areas, both nationally and internationally.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To develop a strong academic foundation in International Relations by equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of core theories, concepts, and evolving global dynamics necessary for analyzing contemporary international issues.
  2. To cultivate analytical and practical skills that enable students to apply International Relations theories, frameworks, and tools in addressing real-world global and regional challenges related to peace, security, diplomacy, and development.
  3. To enhance professional communication and problem-solving abilities, so graduates can effectively articulate informed perspectives, propose viable solutions, and contribute meaningfully to policy-making, international cooperation, and socioeconomic progress.

 

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in International Relations and their relevance to contemporary global trends.
  2. Apply theoretical frameworks, analytical tools, and practical knowledge of International Relations to real-world scenarios to effectively address global and regional issues.
  3. Communicate insights and solutions in International Relations with clarity, showcasing the ability to contribute to real-world applications for peace, security, and socioeconomic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the BS International Relations programme is offered on an open merit basis in accordance with university policy. Applicants must have completed Intermediate (FA/F.Sc) or an equivalent qualification. All candidates who meet this eligibility criterion are considered for admission to the programme.

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Open & Distance Learning (ODL)

Total Credits Hours Required

132

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Functional English

3 (3+0)

9382

GE

2

Basics of Environmental Science

3 (2+1)

9389

GE

3

Islamic Studies/Ethics

3 (3+0)

9401/5437

GE Compulsory

4

Introduction to International Relations

3 (3+0)

9570

Major

5

Quantitative Reasoning-I

3 (3+0)

9424

GE

 

Total Credit Hours

15

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Expository Writing

3 (3+0)

9281

GE

2

Application of Information and Communication Technologies

3 (2+1)

9384

GE

3

Entrepreneurship

3 (3+0)

5026

GE

4

Quantitative Reasoning-II

3 (3+0)

9383

GE

5

Introduction to Political Science-I

3 (3+0)

9571

Major

6

Pakistan Studies

3 (3+0)

9374

GE

 

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Economics

3 (3+0)

9335

GE (SS)

2

Civics and Community Engagement

3 (3+0)

9385

GE

3

Pakistani Adab I

3 (3+0)

9403

GE (A&H)

4

Introduction to Law

3 (3+0)

9573

Major

5

Introduction to Political Science-II

3 (3+0)

9572

Major

6

Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan

3 (3+0)

9378

GE

 

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

International Relations: 1648-1945

3 (3+0)

9574

Major

2

Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

3 (3+0)

9575

Major

3

Foreign Policy Analysis

3 (3+0)

9576

Major

4

Theories of International Relations

3 (3+0)

9577

Major

5

Government and Politics of Pakistan

3 (3+0)

9578

Major

6

Regional and International Organizations

3 (3+0)

9579

Major

 

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

International Relations Since 1945

3 (3+0)

9580

Major

2

Foreign Policy of Major Powers

3 (3+0)

9581

Major

3

Introduction to Sociology

3 (3+0)

9410

Interdisciplinary

4

Defense and Strategic Studies

3 (3+0)

9582

Major

5

Political Geography

3 (3+0)

9583

Major

6

Fahm-E-Quran (Tajwid, Translation, and Tafsir)

NC

9487

Fahm-ul-Quran

 

Total Credit Hours

15

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Politics of South Asia

3 (3+0)

9584

Major

2

Introduction to Conflict Studies

3 (3+0)

9585

Major

3

Foreign Policy of Pakistan

3 (3+0)

9586

Major

4

Public Relations

3 (3+0)

9263

Interdisciplinary

5

Seerat-e-Tayyaba

NC

9488

Seerat-un-Nabi (SAWW)

6

Academic Writing and Research Methods

3 (3+0)

 

GE (NCRC Recommended)

 

Total Credit Hours

15

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Human Rights: Theory and Practice

3 (3+0)

9588

Major

2

Conflict Resolution

3 (3+0)

9174

Interdisciplinary

3

Arms Control and Disarmament

3 (3+0)

9589

Major

4

Religion and Politics in South Asia

3 (3+0)

9590

Major

5

Internship

3 (0+3)

9594

Compulsory

6

Pak-China Relations

3 (3+0)

9587

Major

 

Total Credit Hours

18

 

 

Sr. #

Course Title

Credit Hours

Course Code

Category

1

Capstone Project

3 (0+3)

9595

Compulsory

2

Introduction to Peace Studies

3 (3+0)

9591

Major

3

Contemporary Issues in International Politics

3 (3+0)

9592

Major

4

International Political Economy

3 (3+0)

9593

Major

5

Principle of Management

3 (3+0)

5414

Interdisciplinary

 

Total Credit Hours

15

 

 

 

Grand Total

132

 

 

1

2

3

4

5

Semesters

08

Workshop

The online workshop for each course will comprise of 12 hours, with 2 hours daily for 6 days except for the teaching practice and project as per AIOU policy. Each semester will have a workshop for the courses offered in that particular semester. There will be an online quiz for every course at the end of the workshop.

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage) Workshop (Attendance & Quizzes) (Weightage) Final Exam (Weightage) Passing Marks 
20% 30% Quiz 50% 50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory.

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).

About

The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in May, 1974, with the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. During all these past years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise.