Introduction
The Department of Politics & International Relations at Allama Iqbal Open University is pleased to announce the BS International Relations 2 Years. The BS International Relations Programme consists of 65 credit hours courses to be completed in a minimum period of 2 years. The programme provides a broad overview of International Relations theories and methods with special focus on global political dynamics. To complete the General Education requirements, Discipline specific Requirements of major courses and Practical Learning Requirements, students will be required to attend fortnightly tutorials, participate in workshops, and do internship in an accredited organization along with participating in Entrepreneurship/Youth Club/Sports activities as per HEC/University guidelines.
Our BS programme in International Relations provides a comprehensive curriculum covering key aspects of global political dynamics, including international diplomacy, global governance, political theory, comparative politics, and international law. These programs are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand and navigate international affairs. As a Distance Learning initiative, this program ensures access for students across Pakistan, allowing them to pursue higher education in international relations without geographic constraints. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, public policy, media, and academia. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to complete internships, undertake research projects, and participate in study abroad programs, providing them with real-world experience and a deeper understanding of global political issues.
By offering our BS IR programme, we aim to meet growing demand for high-quality education in political and international studies, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the global landscape.
OBJECTIVES
- To cater to the educational needs of our students and to prepare and guide them for pursuing higher studies and research in international relations and political science.
- To enable students to understand and explain the dynamics of global political phenomena and the socio-political landscape in both Pakistani and international contexts.
- To meet the professional requirements of the international relations and political science fields, equipping students with the skills needed for careers in diplomacy, public policy, international organizations, media, academia, and related areas.
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and research-oriented understanding of International Relations and Political Science to pursue higher studies and contribute to academic inquiry.
- Analyze and explain global and regional political dynamics, including socio-political developments in Pakistan and the international context, using relevant theoretical and analytical frameworks.
- Apply professional, analytical, and communication skills to meet the requirements of careers in diplomacy, public policy, international organizations, media, academia, and related fields.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant with an associate degree in International Relations/Political Science, or an equivalent degree, with at least 60 credit hours and a minimum of 45% marks from a recognized institution is eligible for admission. All students who fulfill the above criteria will be given admission.
Selection Process
Open Merit
Duration
Medium of Instruction
Teaching Methodology
Open & Distance Learning (ODL)
Total Credits Hours Required
|
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 |
Defence and Strategic Studies |
3(3+0) |
9582 |
Major |
|
5 |
Political Geography |
3(3+0) |
9583 |
Major |
|
6 |
Fahm-E-Quran -I (Tajwid, Translation, and Tafsir) |
01 |
9487 |
Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran) |
|
Total Credit Hours |
16 |
|
|
|
|
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 |
Non-Credit |
9488 |
Seerat-un-Nabi (SAWW) |
|
6 |
Academic Writing & Research Methods |
3(3+0) |
Not Allocated Yet |
Gen Edu |
|
7 |
Fahm-E-Quran -II (Tajwid, Translation, and Tafsir) |
01 |
Not Allocated Yet |
Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran) |
|
Total Credit Hours |
16 |
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
1
2
3
4
5
Semesters
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).