Introduction
The Department of Politics & International Relations at Allama Iqbal Open University is pleased to announce its newly designed Associate Degree Programme in Political Science, launching for the first time in spring 2026. This programme is designed to meet the growing demand for education in global politics, comparative politics, political ideologies, and international affairs. As a distance learning programme, it provides access to students across Pakistan through the AIOU platform.
Our ADP programme offers a comprehensive curriculum covering 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 Political Science and International Relations.
Aligned with modern educational standards and in response to the increasing interest in political and international studies, the programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Students will have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and study abroad programmes, gain valuable real-world experience, and deepen their understanding of the evolving global political landscape.
The ADP programme is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers across diplomacy, international organizations, public policy, media, the civil services, and academia. By fostering a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of Political Science and International Relations, the programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and contribute to the complex global environment.
OBJECTIVES
- 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 international issues.
- 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.
- To enhance professional communication and problem-solving skills so that graduates can effectively articulate informed perspectives, propose viable solutions, and contribute meaningfully to policymaking, international cooperation, and socioeconomic progress.
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental and advanced concepts in International Relations and their relevance to contemporary global trends.
- Apply theoretical frameworks, analytical tools, and practical knowledge of International Relations to real-world scenarios addressing global and regional issues effectively.
- 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 Associate Degree in 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
Medium of Instruction
Teaching Methodology
Open & Distance Learning
Total Credits Hours Required
|
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) |
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).