Introduction
The Department of Politics & International Relations at Allama Iqbal Open University is pleased to announce its newly designed Associate Degree Program in International Relations and Political Science, launching for the first time This program is designed to meet the growing demand for education in the fields of global politics, international affairs, and political science. As a distance learning program, it offers accessibility to students from all regions of Pakistan through the AIOU platform.
Our Associate Degree program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics, including international diplomacy, global governance, political theory, comparative politics, and international law. The aim is to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches within International Relations and Political Science.
Aligned with modern educational standards and in response to the increasing interest in political and international studies, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Students will have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and study abroad programs, gaining valuable real-world experience and deepening their understanding of the evolving global political landscape.
The Associate Degree program is structured to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in diplomacy, international organizations, public policy, media, civil service, and academia. By fostering a deep and interdisciplinary understanding of both international Relations and Political Science, the program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully navigate and contribute to the complex global environment.
The Associate Degree in Political Science consists of 71 credit hours to be completed over a minimum period of four years. The program provides a broad and integrated overview of the theories, methods, and practices relevant to both disciplines, with a special focus on contemporary global political dynamics. To fulfil the General Education Requirements, Discipline Specific Core Courses, and Practical Learning Components, students will be expected to:
- Attend fortnightly tutorials
- Participate in workshops
- Complete internships in accredited organizations
- Engage in extracurricular activities such as Entrepreneurship, Youth Clubs, and Sports, in line with HEC and university guidelines
OBJECTIVES
The Associate Degree in Political Science is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- To fulfil the educational needs of students by preparing and guiding them for advanced studies and research in both International Relations and Political Science.
- To enable students to critically analyze and interpret global political phenomena and socio-political issues in both Pakistani and international contexts.
- To meet the professional demands of careers in diplomacy, public administration, international organizations, media, academia, and policymaking by equipping students with relevant knowledge. analytical tools, and practical skills.
Eligibility Criteria
Admission will be offered to students who have intermediate or equivalent 12-year Education qualification (HSSC, F.A, ICS, I.COM, DAE, Tech Diploma) on open merit basis as per the University policy.
Selection Process
Open Merit
Duration
Medium of Instruction
Teaching Methodology
Open Distance Learning
Total Credits Hours Required
|
S.# |
Course Title |
Course Code |
Credit Hours |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Functional English |
9382 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
2 |
Basics of Environmental Science |
9389 |
3(2+1) |
General Education |
|
3 |
Islamic Studies / Ethics |
9401 / 5437 |
3(3+0) |
General Education (Compulsory) |
|
4 |
Quantitative Reasoning-I |
9424 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
5 |
Introduction to Political Science I |
9570 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
6 |
Introduction to International Relations |
9571 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
Total Credit Hours |
18 |
|
S.# |
Course Title |
Course Code |
Credit Hours |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Expository Writing |
9381 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
2 |
Entrepreneurship |
5026 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
3 |
Quantitative Reasoning-II |
9383 |
3(3+0) |
General Education (Compulsory) |
|
4 |
Introduction to Political Science II |
9572 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
5 |
Applications of Information and Communication Technology |
9384 |
3(2+1) |
General Education – Natural Sciences |
|
6 |
Pakistan Studies |
9374 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
Total Credit Hours |
18 |
|
S. No. |
Course Title |
Course Code |
Credit Hours |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Economics |
9335 |
3(3+0) |
General Education – Social Science |
|
2 |
Civics and Community Engagement |
9385 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
3 |
Pakistani Adab |
9403 |
3(3+0) |
General Education – Arts & Humanities |
|
4 |
Political System (Developed) |
9535 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
5 |
Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan |
9378 |
3(3+0) |
General Education |
|
6 |
Western Political Thought-I |
9536 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
7 |
Fahm-e-Quran-I (Tajwid, Translation, and Tafsir) |
9487 |
1(1+0) |
Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran) |
|
Sr. No. |
Course Title |
Course Code |
Credit Hours |
Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Political System (Developing) |
9537 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
2 |
Foreign Policy Analysis |
9576 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
3 |
Political Ideologies |
9538 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
4 |
Western Political Thought-II |
9539 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
5 |
Muslim Political Thought |
9598 |
3(3+0) |
Major |
|
6 |
Fahm-e-Quran-II (Tajwid, Translation, and Tafsir) |
9490 |
1(1+0) |
Fahm-ul-Quran (Introduction to Quran) |
|
Total Credit Hours |
16 |
1
2
3
4
5
Semesters
Workshop
The workshop for each course will comprise of 12 hours, with 2 hours daily for 6 days except teaching practice and project as per AIOU policy. Each semester will have workshop for the courses offered in that particular semester. It is applicable to all the semesters of this program as per AIOU policy.
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).