MPhil Political Science
The program builds on the training received at the Baccalaureate level and has a strong emphasis on research skills that will be beneficial for those pursuing careers in the government or private sectors, civil society, or teaching, among others.
The MPhil Political Science is a two-year evening program. Teaching is mostly in the form of lectures, seminars, and colloquiums. The program is designed to lead to PhD for those desiring to pursue a terminal degree in the field.
Core Courses
PLSC 502: Theories of Comparative Politics
The course is designed to introduce students to many (but not all) of the major topics of study, theories and debates in comparative politics, one of the four major fields in political science. To a certain extent, it will entail a historiography of how the field has developed intellectually over the last few decades. However, primary emphasis is on the current state of debates. Most of the assigned readings have a strong theoretical focus and draw on case evidence to support theory-derived arguments. This is not a course for learning about the politics of particular countries: the empirics of a particular country case are less important for our purposes than developing the skills required to evaluate theoretical propositions using the comparative method, and acquiring a grasp of the state of a variety of literatures in the field of comparative politics.
PLSC 504: Political Thought
Review of fundamental concepts of ruling parties, justice and resistance and its methods; equality and liberty in the society; examination of traditions to explain their possible normative implication for the present.
PLSC 506: Theories of International Relations
Theories of international relations; the world order; conflicting situations; imperialism; the balance of power and integration as important modes adopted to avoid disorder; basic theoretical and analytical tools developed by political scientists to understand the complexities of international politics; features of the contemporary global system.
PLSC 507: Constitutional and Political Processes in Pakistan
Analysis of the political and constitutional developments in Pakistan since its creation; issues in constitution making; study of the constitutions of 1956, 1962 and 1973 and the amendments made; impact of constitution making on Pakistani politics.
PLSC 519: Local Government System in Pakistan
Understanding the political discourse in Pakistan is imperative if one aspires to further decode the political fabric governing both administrative and social contours of Pakistan. Pakistan, in its federalist construct, has an intricate political and administrative system divided under political leadership, legislative authorities, bureaucratic functionaries, provincial layout and local governance mechanism. This graduate level course will be an overview of the evolution of local governance system in Pakistan, its different manifestations and also a means to examine its pros and cons and forecast efficacy.
PLSC 523: Research Techniques in Political Science
This course is designed to help students formulate their research proposals, eventually leading to their thesis proposal and MS thesis. First we will discuss what political science is and how it has developed over time. We will discuss the philosophical as well as methodological differences underlying quantitative, qualitative, and interpretive research methods. We will engage in practical application of various methods. And most importantly, we will engage in a detailed discussion of how to design research projects. At the end of the course, students should have constructed a blue-print for their proposals.
PLSC 699: Research Thesis (12 credits)
Students will undertake research on a topic approved by the Departmental Committee and produce a thesis of at least 25000 words. The research proposal must have appropriate design and relate to the substantive and methodological understanding developed in the first year of the program through course work. Students will conduct research under the guidance of a faculty member of the Department of Political Science with expertise in the relevant field.
PLSC 508: Foreign Policy Analysis
This course is designed to give students an overview of different explanations for states’ foreign policy behavior. Theories of International Relations, whether realist or neo-liberal, often assume that states act rationally in their self-interest. However, we know from experience that actors in the international arena often behave in self-destructive ways, especially the decision to go to war. Readings, lectures, and discussions will focus on the pressures of the international system, on the nature of national political regimes, societal forces such as the media and lobbyists, as well as institutional structures and processes. We will also turn our attention to the role of perceptions and misperceptions of individual leaders, their ideologies and beliefs, as well as the problem of images and biases in decision-making particularly during crises.
PLSC 509: Political Sociology
Vision of a Society as outlined by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Talcott Parsons; nature and distribution of power; political socialization; socio-political development and change encompassing nation-building/modernization, social and political movements—political parties/culture; social change focusing on social behavior and social order.
PLSC 513: Advanced Studies in International Relations
In depth study of a particular subject matter discussed in PLSC 505, with particular emphasis on the current salience of the topic to contemporary issues and events. Topic subject to faculty interest and departmental approval.
PLSC 514: International Organizations
Emergence of international organizations; their concepts and debates; specific focus on the emergence of United Nations and its roles; regional organizations; new economic grouping; challenges of international organizations
PLSC 515: Politico-Strategic Dynamics of the Middle East
Historic antecedents and contemporary issues that have shaped the Middle East; politico-strategic issues affecting the region; politics of the Arab-Israeli conflict; the rise of Arab nationalism; Iranian revolution and its impact on the region; American intervention in Iraq; the emergence of the ‘Arab Spring’
PLSC 517: Politico-Strategic Dynamics of South Asia
Drive behind Muslim struggle for establishment of an independent state; dynamics of South Asian politics; terrorism, conflicts about Kashmir, Siachin and water; mutual mistrust, the arms race, nuclear weapons; politico-strategic dynamics of South Asia which damage relations between India and Pakistan. Reference also to the politics of other SAARC members, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maledives.
PLSC 518: Civil Society: local and global dynamics
This course will explore the origins of the concept of civil society, modern theoretical conceptualization of civil society, civil society and social capital, composition of civil society, civil society and the state, citizenship and civil society, movements and civil society. Emphasis will be placed on the development of civil society in Pakistan within local, regional and global dynamics.
PLSC 520: Advanced Studies in Political Philosophy
In depth study of one particular topic within political philosophy introduced in PLSC 504. Could include, but not limited to, ancient, medieval or modern Western political thought, Islamic political philosophy, critical theory and subaltern studies.
PLSC 521: Women and Politics in Pakistan
This course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding among students about the dynamics of women political participation in Pakistan-rural and urban, keeping in view the deeply entrenched patriarchy and religiosity in society. The course attempts to understand the cultural/religious perspective, constitutional guarantees as well as legislative enactments regarding women political participation. Further, another important component of this course will be a comparative analysis of Pakistani women with those in near similar environments like South Asia and Middle East. The students will also be exposed to various dimensions of feminist theory and its possible application in Pakistani context.
PLSC 522: Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics and Area Studies
A course that will focus on the politics of one particular region or neighborhood of the globe not covered in other course offerings. Dependent on faculty availability and research interests.
PLSC 508: Foreign Policy Analysis
This course is designed to give students an overview of different explanations for states’ foreign policy behavior. Theories of International Relations, whether realist or neo-liberal, often assume that states act rationally in their self-interest. However, we know from experience that actors in the international arena often behave in self-destructive ways, especially the decision to go to war. Readings, lectures, and discussions will focus on the pressures of the international system, on the nature of national political regimes, societal forces such as the media and lobbyists, as well as institutional structures and processes. We will also turn our attention to the role of perceptions and misperceptions of individual leaders, their ideologies and beliefs, as well as the problem of images and biases in decision-making particularly during crises.
PLSC 509: Political Sociology
Vision of a Society as outlined by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Talcott Parsons; nature and distribution of power; political socialization; socio-political development and change encompassing nation-building/modernization, social and political movements—political parties/culture; social change focusing on social behavior and social order.
PLSC 513: Advanced Studies in International Relations
In depth study of a particular subject matter discussed in PLSC 505, with particular emphasis on the current salience of the topic to contemporary issues and events. Topic subject to faculty interest and departmental approval.
PLSC 514: International Organizations
Emergence of international organizations; their concepts and debates; specific focus on the emergence of United Nations and its roles; regional organizations; new economic grouping; challenges of international organizations
PLSC 515: Politico-Strategic Dynamics of the Middle East
Historic antecedents and contemporary issues that have shaped the Middle East; politico-strategic issues affecting the region; politics of the Arab-Israeli conflict; the rise of Arab nationalism; Iranian revolution and its impact on the region; American intervention in Iraq; the emergence of the ‘Arab Spring’
PLSC 517: Politico-Strategic Dynamics of South Asia
Drive behind Muslim struggle for establishment of an independent state; dynamics of South Asian politics; terrorism, conflicts about Kashmir, Siachin and water; mutual mistrust, the arms race, nuclear weapons; politico-strategic dynamics of South Asia which damage relations between India and Pakistan. Reference also to the politics of other SAARC members, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maledives.
PLSC 518: Civil Society: local and global dynamics
This course will explore the origins of the concept of civil society, modern theoretical conceptualization of civil society, civil society and social capital, composition of civil society, civil society and the state, citizenship and civil society, movements and civil society. Emphasis will be placed on the development of civil society in Pakistan within local, regional and global dynamics.
PLSC 520: Advanced Studies in Political Philosophy
In depth study of one particular topic within political philosophy introduced in PLSC 504. Could include, but not limited to, ancient, medieval or modern Western political thought, Islamic political philosophy, critical theory and subaltern studies.
PLSC 521: Women and Politics in Pakistan
This course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding among students about the dynamics of women political participation in Pakistan-rural and urban, keeping in view the deeply entrenched patriarchy and religiosity in society. The course attempts to understand the cultural/religious perspective, constitutional guarantees as well as legislative enactments regarding women political participation. Further, another important component of this course will be a comparative analysis of Pakistani women with those in near similar environments like South Asia and Middle East. The students will also be exposed to various dimensions of feminist theory and its possible application in Pakistani context.
PLSC 522: Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics and Area Studies
A course that will focus on the politics of one particular region or neighborhood of the globe not covered in other course offerings. Dependent on faculty availability and research interests.
Admission Criteria
A 4-year Bachelor’s degree (completed with at least 2.0 CGPA) from any HEC-recognized university or a conventional MA/MSc (completed with at least 60% marks) in Political Science, International Relations, History, Sociology, or any related discipline.
NOTEAcceptance is based upon the 1) Departmental test, 2) Interview, and 3) An overall evaluation of the candidate, including: academic achievement, statement of purpose and English language proficiency. Provisional admission can be sought by students awaiting final results. Their admission will only be confirmed once they have submitted their complete official Transcript within the due dates. |
Postgraduate Admissions Timeline (Fall 2023) – Round 2
| A | Admissions Begin | July 01, 2023 |
| B | Last Date for Submission of Form | August 25, 2023 |
| C | Admission Test | Date: August 29, 2023
Time: TBD Venue: TBD |
| D | Interview | Date: September 01, 2023
Time: TBD Venue: TBD |
| E | Merit List | September 05, 2023 |
| F | Last Date for Fee Submission | September 08, 2023 |
| G | Classes Begin | September 11, 2023 |
Postgraduate Admissions Timeline (Fall 2023) – Round 1
| A | Admissions Begin | July 01, 2023 |
| B | Last Date for Submission of Form | August 04, 2023 |
| C | Admission Test | Date: August 08, 2023 Time: TBD Venue: TBD |
| D | Interview | Date: August 11, 2023 Time: TBD Venue: TBD |
| E | Merit List | August 15, 2023 |
| F | Last Date for Fee Submission | August 22, 2023 |
| G | Classes Begin | September 11, 2023 |
Required Documents
- Attested copy of the original Matriculation / O Level result (web downloaded results are not acceptable).
- In case of the O Level, a minimum of 8 subjects must have been passed. They should include English, Mathematics and 3 compulsory subjects (Pakistan Studies, Islamiyat and Urdu).
- Attested copy of the original Intermediate / A Level / High School / IB result (web downloaded results are not acceptable).
- In case of the A Level, a minimum of 3 subjects must have been passed.
- Attested copy of the O and A Level, High School or IB Equivalence Certificate (whichever applicable) issued by the IBCC.
- Attested copies of the final transcript and degree of 4-year Honors / 2-year Conventional Bachelor’s and 2-year Conventional Master’s.
- In case you have not received your degree yet, you are required to apply for it.
- Students can submit their Transcript at least till the 7th semester at the time of Admission Form submission. If offered admission, it will be a provisional offer; they must submit an attested copy of their complete official Transcript within 30 days of the beginning of the semester.
- Students having a foreign Bachelor’s Degree must get their Equivalence from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
- Two Reference Letters.
- Statement of Purpose (300 – 500 words) describing the reason(s) why the student is applying to the program, long-term goals and the reason(s) for selecting Forman Christian College (A Chartered University).
- One recent passport-sized photograph.
- One copy each of the Student’s CNIC and of the Father/Guardian.
- Receipt of the Application Processing Fee (Rs. 3500).
Note: All documents submitted must be attested by a Gazetted Officer.
Payment Modes for Admission Processing Fee
- Please click here for instructions on how to pay your Application Processing Fee over the counter in HBL, UBL, Meezan & Allied Bank.
- Please click here for instructions on how to pay your Application Processing Fee through HBL, Meezan Bank & UBL Mobile App & Internet Banking.
- Please click here to pay the Application Processing Fee online.
In case of any query, contact nasirgill@fccollege.edu.pk.