BS Political Science (4 Years)

Introduction

The BS in Political Science requires the completion of 129 credit hours over at least four years. The programme encompasses key areas of Political Science, including political ideologies, comparative politics, foreign policy analysis, political philosophy, and human rights, while also offering insights into emerging global challenges such as conflict resolution, globalization, 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 Political Science 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 Political Science and related interdisciplinary areas, both nationally and internationally.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To develop a strong academic foundation in Political Science by equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of core theories, concepts, and evolving global dynamics necessary for analyzing contemporary national and international issues.
  2. To cultivate analytical and practical skills that enable students to apply Political Science 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 Political Science and their relevance to contemporary global trends.
  2. Apply theoretical frameworks, analytical tools, and practical knowledge of Political Science to real-world scenarios to effectively address global and regional issues.
  3. Communicate insights and solutions in Political Science with clarity, showcasing the ability to contribute to real-world applications for peace, security, and socioeconomic progress.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to the BS Political Science 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

129

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Functional English

3(3+0)

9382

Gen Education

2

Basics of Environmental Science

 

3(2+1)

9389

Gen Education

3

Islamic Studies/Ethics

2(2+0)

9801/9802

Gen Education Compulsory

4

Quantitative Reasoning -I

3(3+0)

9424

Gen Education

5

Introduction to Political Science I

3(3+0)

9571

Major

6

Introduction to International Relations

3(3+0)

9570

Major

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Expository Writing

3(3+0)

9381

Gen Education

2

Entrepreneurship

2(2+0)

9805

Gen Education

3

Quantitative Reasoning II

3(3+0)

9383

Gen Education

4

Introduction to Political Science II

3(3+0)

9572

Major

5

Applications for Information and Communication Technology

3(2+1)

9384

Gen Edu Natural Sciences

6

Pakistan Studies

3(3+0)

9374

Gen Education

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Economics

3(3+0)

9335

Gen Edu.  Social Sciences

2

Civics and Community Engagement

3(3+0)

9385

Gen Education

3

Pakistani Adab 

3(3+0)

9403

Gen Edu. Arts & Humanities

4

Political System (Developed)

3(3+0)

9535

Major

5

 Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan

3(3+0)

9378

Gen Education

6

Western Political Thought-I

3(3+0)

9536

Major

7

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

01

9487

Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran)

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Political System (Developing)

3(3+0)

9537

Major

2

Foreign Policy Analysis

3(3+0)

9576

Major

3

Political Ideologies

3(3+0)

9538

Major

4

Western Political Thought-II

3(3+0)

9539

Major

5

Muslim Political Thought 

3(3+0)

9598

Major

7

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

01

Not Allocated Yet

Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran)

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Regional & International organization

3(3+0)

9580

Major

2

Foreign policy of Major Powers (UK, USA, Russia)

3(3+0)

9581

Major

3

Introduction to Sociology

3(3+0)

9410

Interdisciplinary

5

Comparative Politics

3(3+0)

9574

Major

6

Government and Politics in Pakistan

3(3+0)

9578

Major

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Public Policy & Governance 

3(3+0)

9540

Major

6

Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

3(3+0)

9575

Major

3

Foreign Policy of Pakistan

3(3+0)

9586

Interdisciplinary

4

Seerat-e-Tayyaba

Non-Credit

9488

Seerat-un-Nabi

(SAWW)

5

Issues in Global Politics

3(3+0)

9547

Major

6

Political Economy of Pakistan

3(3+0)

9548

Major

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Research, Methodology

3(3+0)

9549

Major

2

Conflict Resolution

3(3+0)

9174

Interdisciplinary

3

 Local Government System

3(3+0)

9596

Major

4

Internship

3(0+3)

9594

Compulsory

5

Political Geography

3(3+0)

9583

Major

Sr. No.

Course Title

Credit hours

Course Code

Category

1

Capstone Project 

3(0+3)

9595

Compulsory

2

Democracy in the age of AI

3(3+0)

9597

Major

3

Issue in Pakistan Economy

3(3+0)

9317

Interdisciplinary

 4

International Political Economy

3(3+0)

9593

Major

5

Politics of South Asia 

3(3+0)

9584

Major

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.