Introduction

PhD Program in History, being an advance research degree, provides an opportunity for students to produce an original academic research in their area of interest. This program aims to cater the needs of faculty members working in educational institutions and general public at large. The program is structured on flexible instructional design that would enable scholars to attain knowledge, complete genuine research and be eligible for departmental promotions, in-service training, and research oriented jobs.

OBJECTIVE

  • The major objective of the program is to inculcate the sense of history and historiography through research on local, regional and international history.
  • The evolution in historical narrative stemming from historiography of ancient Pakistan to British India (colonial India) from national politics to international recognition of its
  • social, cultural and indigenous features is highlighted through specialized study courses.
  • The endeavors of Muslim leaders during freedom struggle is focused.
  • The courses on Modern world is taught to cope up with the global situation around.
  • The scholars are trained in art of writing history by participating face to face in dissertation-writing workshops.

Eligibility Criteria

A candidate seeking admission in PhD program shall apply by filling up a prescribed online admission form and submit to the chairperson, Department of History after admissions’ announcement by the Allama Iqbal Open University. The minimum entry requirements for admission to PhD (History) are: 1. MS/MPhil in History (18 years of education with research thesis) CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 or 1st division (60% marks) with thesis.

Selection Process

The criteria of admission will be based on merit.

  • A written test and interview will be conducted under the auspice of the Departmental Admission Committee, Department of History AIOU Islamabad. The qualifying marks for the subject Test will be 70%.
  • A merit list will be determined by the department according to the approved criteria.
  • All other rules and instructions applied by Allama Iqbal Open University from time to time will be implied.
  • A candidate will act as full time student of PhD program after depositing the prescribed fee (semester-wise) for the 1st semester of course work. In case of failure to deposit the fee as specified, the admission shall automatically stand cancelled after due date.
  • Admission of PhD scholar will be notified by the Director Admissions after the receipt of admission dues.

Duration

The minimum duration of the PhD degree six semesters (three years). i) Course work: The minimum period for completion of PhD course work shall be two semesters (one year) and maximum of four semesters (two years) provided the maximum period of five years.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction and examination will be English

Teaching Methodology

The following will be the instructional methodology of the PhD Program in History.

i Assignments are those written exercises which students complete while being at their homes and places of work after studying their reading material and attending the course workshop organized by the Department. These are designed in such a way that students are able to relate their readings with their own objective judgments. The students will send two compulsory assignments for each 3 credit hours course to their tutors who will return the same after marking and providing necessary academic guidance.

ii. Classes 1. The instructional modes shall include student and tutor face to face contact for approved prescribed period/scheduled teaching classes, video conferencing, email, internet, telephone coaching on prescribed schedules, broadcast and non-broadcast audio visual program etc. 2. The number of compulsory face to face teaching hours shall be 48 for each course (3 credit hours)

AIOU Credits Required

The PhD in History Program will comprises 18 credit hours course work and 36 credit hours of research work.

Sr. No

Course Title

Course Code

Credit Hours

1

British India (1857-1947)-I (A Study of Primary Sources)

7801

3

2

Research Methodology (Theory and Methods)

7802

3

3

History of Modern World since 1945 (China/Central Asia/Eastern Europe)

7803

3

1

Historiography: (Modern Trends)

7804

3

2

British India(1857-1947)-II ( A Study of Urban Politics)

7805

3

3

History of Pakistan (1947-88)-I (Governance, Political Culture and Democracy)

7806

3

1

Synopsis Workshop (Compulsory) Dissertation

7810

36

1

2

3

4

Workshop

PhD History program is face to face however, the department will hold a two-week synopsis orientation workshop after the completion of course work to identify the topics for students’ research and develop the synopses for their PhD thesis. The synopses will then be submitted to the Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR) for approval. Students shall submit detailed research proposals in the third semester (after the completion of course work). Participation of the students in synopsis orientation workshop will be mandatory.

Thesis

A student is required to carry out research work under a trained supervisor having PhD degree in the relevant field. Only those students will be allowed admission in thesis who will successfully pass the comprehensive examination.

Viva

The PhD viva-voce will be an open defense. The topic, time and place of viva-voce will also be notified by chairman of the department on notice boards in the university as an invitation to all those who want to attend the viva-voce

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.