School of Politics and International Relations runs two separate under-graduate degree programs in International Relations and Political Science as well as MPhil and PhD degree programs in International Relations in its regular morning academic sessions. It also offers Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Advanced Diploma and MSc in International Relations to mid-career professionals in its evening program. Admission details for each program are as follows:
BS in International Relations and Political Science
Admissions for 4-years BS (Bachelor of Studies) programs in International Relations and Political Science are advertised once a year in July-August before the start of Fall Semester on Quota basis (regular admission) and Self-Finance basis. Applicants submit the Admission Forms to the university Admission office.
Eligibility: An individual holding a Higher Secondary School Certificate from a Pakistani Board or an equivalent certificate from any other recognized institution, with at least a second division or its equivalent grade, is eligible for admission.
Aptitude Test: The School conducts an Aptitude Test of the eligible applicants and forwards the list of successful candidates in each discipline (100 in IR and 100 in Political Science) to the QAU Admission Office
Merit Criteria: The QAU Admission Office then announces the lists of admitted candidates based on merit according to following criteria:
- Matric/SSC/Equivalent: 30%
- FSc (Pre-Medical)/Equivalent: 70%
- Merit Formula: (MOM)/(TM) x30 + (MOF)/(TM) x70
MOM: Marks obtained in Matric or equivalent
MOF: Marks obtained in FSc or equivalent
TM: Total Marks in the relevant Examination
Eligible foreign applicants are admitted subject to the provision of NOC/Equivalence certificate from the HEC.
Age Limit: The age limit for admission to BS program is 22 years. However, exception to the applicants over 22 years of age may be granted in special circumstances by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Head of the Department.
MPhil in International Relations
Admissions for MPhil in International Relations are advertised twice a year, i.e. in December before the start of Spring Semester and July-August before the start of Fall Semester. Applicants submit the Admission Forms to the SPIR office. The eligible candidates are short-listed and then admitted on the basis of merit.
Test and Interview: The School conducts a written test and qualified students are then interviewed by the MPhil Admission Committee of SPIR.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for MPhil admission are as follows:
- MA/MSc degree or its equivalent in Political Science, International Relations, Defense and Strategic Studies, Mass Communication, Governance and Public Policy from an HEC-recognized University.
- First division in MA/MSc or BA/BSc or at least 60% marks in BSc (Hons) and all other 4-5 years degrees
- No third division in BA/BSc or MA or MSc. In case of a third division in FA/FSc, the candidate should have obtained first division in both BA/BSc and MA/MSc or at least 60% marks in BS (Hons) and all other 4-5 years degrees.
- Above two conditions may be relaxed by the Vice-Chancellor in case of a teacher of a university/college and or an employee of a research organization.
- Eligible foreign applicants are admitted subject to the provision of NOC/Equivalence Certificate from the HEC.
PhD in International Relations
Admissions for PhD in International Relations are advertised once a year (July-August) before the start of Fall Semester. Scholars are admitted on the basis of merit. Applicants submit the Admission Forms along with PhD research proposal to the SPIR office. The eligible candidates are short-listed and then admitted on the basis of merit.
Test and Interview: The School conducts a written test and qualified candidates are then interviewed by the PhD Admission Committee of SPIR, which particularly assesses their respective potential to conduct advanced academic research in their proposed field of specialization.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for PhD admission are as follows:
- MPhil/MS degree or its equivalent in Political Science, International Relations, Defense and Strategic Studies, International Politics Economy, Pakistan Studies, Mass Communication & LLM from an HEC-recognized University.
- A minimum CGPA of 3.00 (Semester System) or First Division (Annual System).
- 60% score in NTS GAT Subject Test or 60% in GRE Subject test (except foreign students).
- A college/university teacher or member of research organization who holds an MA/MSc degree but has shown due promise for research can be admitted. However, he/she will have to complete the course work of 24 credit hours for MPhil/MS level to qualify for the PhD program.
- A successful candidate who does not hold an MPhil or equivalent degree can be admitted. However, he/she has to complete the course work of 42 (24+18) credit hours, including 36-credit hours of regular courses and 6-credit hours of seminar courses.
- Applicants are required to submit a copy of synopsis/research work. Admission is subject to the availability of the Supervisor in the field of research and HEC’s requirements.
- In-service applicants have to furnish NOC from the employer through Proper Channel or submit it by the end of first semester.
- Eligible foreign applicants are admitted subject to the provision of NOC/Equivalence Certificate from the HEC.
Diploma, Certificate and MSc in International Relations (Evening Program)
For mid-career professionals such as civil servants, security officials, diplomats, journalists and other interested persons, SPIR runs an evening program, offering Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Advanced Diploma and MSc in International Relations.
Admissions are advertised twice a year, i.e. in December before the start of Spring Semester and July-August before the start of Fall Semester. Applicants submit the Admission Forms to the SPIR office.
Eligibility: The Admission Committee of the School scrutinizes the received applications and short-lists the candidates for admission on the basis of the following eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must have obtained a Bachelors’ degree (14 years of education) in a relevant academic discipline of Social Sciences from an HEC-recognized University.
- Candidates must be mid-career professionals or engaged in professional pursuits that prevent them from enrolling in a regular pros-graduate/MSc program at the university.
- Fresh graduates are ineligible to apply for admission.
- Eligible diplomats are admitted subject to the provision of NOC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.