PhD International Relations

University of Central Punjab started a PhD program in International Relations from Fall 2024 at the Department of Political Science and IR. The PhD program in International Relations is a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating journey that blends advanced coursework, intensive research, and experiential learning. It is structured to equip students with theoretical foundations, methodological tools, and practical insights necessary for an impactful contribution to the field.

 The program is designed to cultivate scholars and researchers who will contribute significantly to the field of International Relations through cutting-edge research and critical analysis. Doctorate in International Relations is one of a handful of postgraduate/ research degrees offered in the discipline of IR across Pakistan. The vibrant research-oriented environment of UCP and its facilities enables students to generate new knowledge in the field of IR, critically analyze academic research and apply existing experience to add to the higher scholarship.

Following is the scheme of studies for 3 – 7 years PhD program in International Relations. Candidates must complete 30 credit hours, including 12 credit hours of thesis to fulfill PhD requirements.

List of Core/compulsory Courses:

The following two are compulsory courses for the PhD program:

1. International Relations: Advanced Theory and Practice (3 Credit Hours)
2. Advanced Research Methodology (3 Credit Hours)

List of Optional/Elective Courses: (3 Credits)

Following is the list of courses to be offered by the department. The teacher(s) would provide the course contents and the core/recommended books at the time of the offering of a course. Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia

1. Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences
2. International Political Economy: Theories, Issues and Practices
3. Role of International Financial Institutions in International Re
4. Contemporary Issues in International Strategic Environment
5. Contemporary Trends in International Law
6. Traditional and Non-traditional Security Paradigms
7. Peace Building in Post-Conflict Societies
8. Ethnic Conflict in Global Perspective
9. Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean
10. International Security, Arms Control, and Nuclear Non-Proliferation
11. Foreign Policy Analyses
12. An Analysis of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
13. Comparative Analysis of Foreign Policies of Major Powers
14. Foreign Policy of India
15. Politics of South Asia
16. Politics of Middle East
17. Politics and Security of Asia Pacific Region
18. Central Asian and Caucasus Regions
19. Contemporary Environmental Issues
20. Politics of Human Rights

Program Name: PhD International Relations

Admission Fee: 25,000

Disclaimer

The above-mentioned fee structure is for illustration purpose only. UCP reserves the rights to make changes in the Fee Structure whenever deemed necessary or appropriate.

First Semester

Second Semester

Third & fourth

The PhD program in International Relations is designed to prepare participants for a diverse fields of career across academic, public, private, and non-profit sectors. While the program is primarily geared towards those aiming to pursue careers in research, teaching, international organizations, media and NGOs. It provides a robust foundation for a wide range of professional roles, where they will contribute to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of international relations. Additionally, the program offers following career opportunities:

• Diplomacy & Foreign Service: Join Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, or international missions as diplomats or foreign service officers.
• Civil Services (CSS/PCS): Appear in competitive exams for roles in administration, foreign service, police, and information departments.
• Media & Journalism: Work as analysts, reporters, or commentators on international affairs in TV, digital media, and newspapers.
• International Organizations & NGOs: Serve in UN agencies, humanitarian groups, or development organizations in policy, advocacy, or fieldwork.
• Think Tanks & Research Institutions: Conduct research and analysis on global issues in policy institutes and strategic studies centers.
• Academia & Education: Become lecturers, researchers, or academic writers in universities and educational organizations.
• International Law & Policy: With further legal education, advise on treaties, human rights, or international law matters.
• Corporate Sector: Work in multinationals or consulting firms in public relations, geopolitical risk, or communications.
• Development Sector: Manage development projects in NGOs or donor agencies focusing on global development goals (SDGs).

As per HEC Undergraduate Education Policy 2023:

• A PhD scholar who fails to maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00, shall be placed on warning status at the time of declaration of the result.
• b. Students with two consecutive warnings shall be placed on probation for the next semester, and at the end of the semester, if he/she fail once again to attain the minimum CGPA of 3.00/4.00, such students shall cease to continue their program.
• Completion within a maximum of 7 years.
• A PhD scholar shall cease to continue his/her studies if he/she fails to complete 18 Cr. Hr of coursework within the first four regular semesters with at least 3.00/4.00 CGPA.