INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The Study of International Relations (IR) unravels the global affairs impacting nation and accords students a distinct edge in terms of:
- Developing the global perspective
- Viewing the world issues through multifaceted lenses
- Harvesting critical thinking to navigate convoluted challenges
- Diversifying career prospects worldwide and forging varied pathways
- Mastering cross cultural communication and bridging divides
- Embracing digital diplomacy and navigating the digital frontiers
- Collaborating globally and experiencing the real geopolitical world
BS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION
“IR, a fusion of social sciences disciplines”
The multidisciplinary and ever evolving filed of International Relations draws on approaches and applications from political science, global history, economics, international law, state systems and geography to give students an in-depth understanding of international relations, world politics and foreign policy.
Prof. & Vice Chancellor
Assist. Prof. & HoD
FACULTY
The IR Program is honored to have 4 out of 6 faculty members holding a Ph.D. degree in the field of International Relations with a vast teaching and research experience, all committed to the core to share their experience, knowledge, vision to students. Our well-qualified faculty holds a specialization in IR from different reputable institutions in Pakistan. They hold extensive professional experience in public and private sector.
CAREERS
Graduates armed with an International Relations degree may find employment in three major sectors – public, private or non-governmental organizations (NGOS). Top careers: Civil Services, Foreign Services, International Banking, International Military Affairs, Think Tanks, Media, Teaching & Research.
Discover a Future-Ready Career with International Relations at DHA Suffa University (DSU)
- BS International Relations (IR) degree at DHA Suffa University (DSU) provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics, diplomacy, international organizations, and global governance, preparing them to address today’s most pressing world challenges.
- The program explores critical areas such as international law, foreign policy, peace & conflict studies, global economy, security studies, and political economy, enabling students to analyze complex global dynamics.
- Through theoretical learning, policy analysis, research exposure, and real-world case studies, DSU trains globally aware graduates who can contribute to peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development.
- If you are passionate about shaping world affairs, BS International Relations at DSU is your gateway to a meaningful career in diplomacy, global policy, and international organizations.
Key Career Paths in International Relations
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer: Represent Pakistan abroad and shape foreign policy decisions.
- Policy Analyst / Researcher: Work with think tanks, government, or NGOs on international policies and strategies.
- International Development Specialist (NGOs, UN, World Bank, etc.): Contribute to global organizations such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, and NGOs in development, aid, and humanitarian projects.
- Security & Defense Analyst: Analyze global conflicts, peacekeeping strategies, and regional security challenges.
- Media & Communication Specialist (covering global affairs): Report, analyze, or provide expert commentary on world affairs in journalism and media.
- Academic / Lecturer in Political Science & IR: Pursue careers in teaching, higher education, and international research.
Career Opportunities for IR Graduates:
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer
- Policy Analyst / Researcher
- International Development Specialist (NGOs, UN, World Bank, etc.)
- Security & Defense Analyst
- Media & Communication Specialist (covering global affairs)
- Academic / Lecturer in Political Science & IR
Why Choose International Relations at DSU
The BS International Relations program at DHA Suffa University (DSU) offers students a globally relevant education in diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, peace and conflict studies, and global governance. With Pakistan’s growing role in world affairs, DSU equips students with the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to understand complex international issues and contribute to solutions for global challenges. Through experienced faculty, research-driven learning, model UN simulations, and exposure to diplomats and policy experts, DSU prepares graduates for impactful careers in diplomacy, international organizations, policy analysis, and academia.
Eligibility Criteria for (BS International Relations)
- Pass Intermediate or an equivalent examination Or
- A-Level with minimum 3 passes in principal subjects
- Applicants with O-Level / A-Level and Technical studies must submit equivalence from IBCC
Required Documents
Applicants are required to bring a set of copied documents for application processing:
- Matriculation / O-Level / Equivalent Marks Sheet / Statements and Certificates
- Intermediate / Equivalent / A-Level Marks Sheet / Statements and Certificates
- Applicants with O-Level / A-Level and Technical studies must submit equivalence from IBCC
- College Provisional Certificate / Promotion Certificate by the respective Board
- A copy of CNIC and B-Form
- 3 passport-sized photographs with white background
- Admit Card / Statement of Entry is required, if awaiting result
OPTIONAL:
Valid test scores of NTS (current year) or SAT I (within two years) if appeared. Applicants Submitting NTS or SAT I test scores shall be exempted from taking DSU’s entrance test. However, candidates who do not have good enough NTS or SAT I scores will be advised to appear in the DSU Admissions Test for better chances of securing admission.
BS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Semester-1
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
HU-I005 |
English-I: Prose, Reading, Comprehension and Grammar |
3 |
|
2 |
HU-2101 |
Pakistan Studies |
2 |
|
3 |
BS-1304 |
Basic Mathematics |
3 |
|
4 |
IR-1303 |
Introduction to IR |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-1302 |
Introduction to Political Science |
3 |
|
6 |
IR-1008 |
Introduction to Geography |
3 |
Semester-2
| S.NO | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
HU-1010 |
English – II: Exploring Creative Writing |
3 |
|
2 |
HU-1203 |
Islamic Studies / Ethics |
2 |
|
3 |
BS-1404 |
Introduction to Statistics |
3 |
|
4 |
IR1402 |
Computer Skills for Social Sciences Research |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-1306 |
Approaches & Theories of IR |
3 |
|
6 |
– |
Introduction to Nation State System |
3 |
Semester-3
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
EN-2303 |
English- III: Public Speaking & Presentation Skills |
3 |
|
2 |
IR-2203 |
Geo Political Structures of the World |
3 |
|
3 |
IR-2303 |
IR: 1648 – 1945 |
3 |
|
4 |
IR-2405 |
Research Methodology |
3 |
|
5 |
BS-1004 |
General Science |
3 |
|
6 |
HU-1401 |
Sociology |
3 |
Semester-4
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IR-2304 |
IR since 1945 |
3 |
|
2 |
IR-2102 |
Introduction to International Law |
3 |
|
3 |
IR-2309 |
Foreign Policy Analysis |
3 |
|
4 |
IR-2307 |
Globalization and IR |
3 |
|
5 |
MS-1406 |
Introduction to Economics |
3 |
|
6 |
IR-2007 |
State & Its Institutions in Pakistan |
3 |
Semester-5
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IR-3310 |
Foreign Policy of Pakistan |
3 |
|
2 |
IR-3204 |
Strategic Studies |
3 |
|
3 |
IR-3311 |
Regional & International Organizations |
3 |
|
4 |
IR-3205 |
Critical Thinking & Analysis in IR |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-3205 |
Introduction to International Security |
3 |
|
6 |
IR-3312 |
Politics of International Economy |
3 |
Semester-6
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IR-3206 |
Diplomacy: Theory & Practice |
3 |
|
2 |
IR-3212 |
Conflict Management & Resolution |
3 |
|
3 |
IR-3315 |
International Politics of Human Rights |
3 |
|
4 |
IR-3102 |
Constitutional Development of Pakistan |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-3207 |
Nuclear Studies |
3 |
|
6 |
IR-3312 |
Media, Politics and Policy Making |
3 |
Semester-7
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IR-4311 |
International Politics of South Asia |
3 |
|
2 |
– |
Elective-I |
3 |
|
3 |
IR-4309 |
Environmental Politics |
3 |
|
4 |
– |
Elective-II |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-4312 |
Comparative Foreign Policy of China, Russia & USA |
3 |
Semester-8
| S.N0 | COURSE CODE | COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
IR-4313 |
Disarmament, Arms Control and Nuclear Proliferation |
3 |
|
2 |
IR-4209 |
Peace Studies |
3 |
|
3 |
– |
Elective-III |
3 |
|
4 |
– |
Elective-IV |
3 |
|
5 |
IR-4404 |
Research Project |
3 |
LIST OF ELECTIVE COURSES
Following is the list of elective/optional courses to be offered by the concerned department/institutions. The contents of the course(s) as well as the core and the suggested books shall be pointed out by the faculty at the time, a course is offered.
Concepts and Issues
1. Comparative Political Systems of UK, US, Russia, and China (Any two)
2. Foreign and Security Policies of European Union
3. Emerging Regional and World Orders
4. Research Methodology-II
5. Modernization and Democratization in the Muslim World
6. Nuclear Non-proliferation Regime
7. Pakistan Defence and Security Policy
8. International Migration and Politics
9. Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
10. Religion, Ideology and International Relations
11. Science, Technology and International Relations
LIST OF NON-IR OPTIONAL / GENERAL COURSES (3 Cr Hrs.)
Following is the list of elective/optional courses to be offered by the concerned department/institutions. The contents of the course(s) as well as the core and the suggested books to be recommended by the faculty at the time, a course is offered.
1. Introduction to Political Science
2. Introduction to Economics
3. Introduction to Philosophy
4. Introduction to Geography
5. Everyday Science
6. Ancient Greek and Western Political Thought
7. Muslim Political Thought
8. Introduction to Law
9. Introduction to Sociology
10. Introduction to Media and Communication Studies
11. Logic and Reasoning
| PROGRAM | ONE TIME CHARGES (ONLY IN 1ST SEMESTER FEES) | PER SEMESTER | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADMISSION FEE | CAUTION MONEY (REFUNDABLE) | IT CHARGES | MISC. CHARGES | Examination Charges (Per Course) | LAB CHARGES (PER CREDIT HOUR) |
TUITION FEE (PER CREDIT HOUR) |
|
| BS(International Relation) | 15,000 | 10,000 | 5,500 | 6,850 | 1,000 | 0 | 4,810 |
| PROGRAMS | 1ST SEMESTER FEE AMOUNT | SEMESTER FEE (WITHOUT ADM & C/ MONEY) | CREDIT HOURS 1ST SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS(International Relation) | 114,500 | 89,500 | 15 + 0 |
| Semester | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Cr. Hr. | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 15 |
| Lab Cr. Hr. | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Online Session on “The Palestinian Question: Is the World Ready to Answer?”
An on-campus interactive session with highly successful CSS officials from bureaucracy, Civil Administration and Sindh Police Service was arranged by Ms. Sidra Ahmed (Faculty IR).
Small Arms/ Self- Defense Training & visit to different department of Special Security Unit (SSU). Session was attended by Batch of IR 1 & 2, arranged by Ms. Sidra Ahmed
An extensive lecture conducted by Ex-Senator, Politician, Media Expert and seasoned Author Javed Jabbar in accordance with Pakistan Day. Session was arranged by Ms. Sidra Ahmed (IR Faculty)
An effective talk on narration of Two Nation Theory delivered by honorific scholar and eminent historian Prof. Dr. Reza Kazmi. The session was arranged by Dr. Sarah Syed Kazmi (In-charge IR program)
What is IR Club?
The first ever students body exclusively formed for the BS IR Program under Public Speaking Society. The IR club was founded on 1ST June 2022. The idea was initiated by Ahmed Khalid of BS IR-IV, and, Imama Ansari of BS IR- II which later warmly acknowledged and supported by the students and faculty of IR.
Mission
The mission of IR Club is to serve as an exclusive platform where they can master their skills, talents and knowledge required for their professional profile building.
The Road Map
– DSU IR Club is an exclusive platform for the young IR fellows, where, they can enhance their research and theoretical abilities, flaunt leadership skills and build DSU IR program as a Hub of IR in Karachi City through academic engagements, social interactions and outward exposure.
– IRC aims to engage and train IR fellows with the best of argumentative, research and presentation skills to compete in-house and inter universities, and, then later on national and international level.
– From fall 2022 semester, 1 day each week shall be reserved for presentations of the best assignment(s) / group discussion/ quiz or debate competition/ art & entertainment performances/ fund raising drives/field visits / photography or short video story presentations/ faculty exclusive lectures (both in-house and guests scholars and field practitioners) under the management of DSU IR Club.
– Each batch would be given separate slot of 1-2 hours, subject to the activity requirement. All ‘reserved day’ activities shall be marked in sessional assessment.
– All activities must be duly discussed and approved by the program manager and secretary IRC Ahmed Khalid.
– Students with exceptional academic performance/ distinctions/publications and honors/awards from DSU and/or outside shall be acknowledged and rewarded by the IRC Advisor /Program Manager.
– Each batch would be assigned to decorate IR notice board (weekly rotation) assigned by secretary IRC.
– DSU IR Club will conduct at least one interdepartmental activity per month to encourage diversity and build interdepartmental liaison.
– All recorded, filmed, photographed sessions and activities will be regularly uploaded, posted and shared on DSU SM and IR You Tube channel.
– In Fall 2022 there will be ‘5 days university engagements’ carried on, with no off day other than Saturday and Sunday.
First International Conference organized by International Relations Program DHA Suffa University
MPHIL INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Plane of study (mphil ir)
24 Credit hours course work and 6 credit hours of thesis
Semester-1
| S.NO | COURSE | CH | PRE-REQUISITE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Advanced Research Methodology |
3 |
|
|
2 |
Advance Multivariate Statistical Analysis |
3 |
|
|
3 |
International Relations: Advanced Theory and Practice |
3 |
|
Semester-2
| S.NO | COURSE | CH | PRE-REQUISITE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
Traditional and Non-traditional Security Paradigms |
3 |
|
|
5 |
Elective – I |
3 |
|
|
6 |
Elective II |
3 |
|
Semester-3
| S.NO | COURSE | CH | PRE-REQUISITE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7 |
Elective III |
3 |
|
|
8 |
Elective IV |
3 |
|
|
9 |
Thesis – I |
3 |
|
Semester-4
| S.NO | COURSE | CH | PRE-REQUISITE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10 |
Thesis |
3 |
|
Electives
| S.NO | TITLE OF THE COURSE | CH |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Strategic Studies |
3 |
|
2 |
Diplomatic Studies |
3 |
|
3 |
Peace & Conflict Studies and Human Rights |
3 |
|
4 |
International Security |
3 |
|
5 |
Politics of South Asia |
3 |
|
6 |
Ethnic Conflicts in Global Perspective |
3 |
|
7 |
Politics of the Middle East |
3 |
|
8 |
Contemporary Trends in International Law |
3 |
|
9 |
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy |
3 |
|
10 |
International Political Economy |
3 |
|
11 |
National Security Issues of Pakistan |
3 |
|
12 |
Contemporary Environmental Issues |
3 |
|
13 |
Major Issues of the Muslim World |
3 |
|
14 |
Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia |
3 |
|
15 |
Central Asia and Caucasus region |
3 |
|
16 |
Peace Building in Post-conflict Societies |
3 |
|
17 |
Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, and Radiological Terrorism |
3 |
|
18 |
Regional Connectivity |
3 |
If the student attains less than 2.5 CGPA, he/she will be given only a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) instead of MPhil degree.
The student will submit a research thesis which will be evaluated by two external Examiners (outside Karachi) appointed by the BASR. The M.Phil. degree shall be awarded by the BASR subject to positive reports of the supervisors, the two external examiners and a successful oral defense of the thesis by the candidate.
Objectives of the Program
- To educate students with solid foundations for comprehending, interpreting and subsequently conceptualizing the prevalent geopolitical and geostrategic relationships among states augmented by highly diversified individuals, organizations, institutions and communities,
- To inculcate in-depth knowledge about global politics by focusing on specialized fields within the domain of International Relations in the light of relevant HEC Policy, specifically mentioning Defence & Strategic Studies, Defence and Diplomatic Studies, Strategic & Nuclear Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies etcetera with the aim of introducing diplomacy coupled with international
- To groom students for multifarious assignments; especially serving within international civil services (notably the United Nations’ subsidiaries, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Organization of Islamic Countries) and international NGOs (with relevant assignments especially humanitarian assistance, geopolitical crisis management and conflict resolution).
- To prepare students to conduct research the most challenging and complex problems confronted by the world community especially international conflicts and wars causing instability in regions, political violence, terrorism, climate change and / or globalisation.
SCOPE OF THE PROGRAM
MPhil (International Relations), is an exceptionally wide-ranging and interdisciplinary field of study that exhaustively incorporates/interacts with Political Science, Political Economy, History, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy and Strategic Studies. Generally this Programme proceeds further to a number of related fields or specializations, i.e., diplomacy, governance, politics, strategy, business, law, conflict resolution, sustainable development, etc. In the wake of this scenario, it affords exceptionally numerous lucrative career opportunities in the aforementioned sectors which are relevant at national and international levels; especially within the context of “Terrorism and Political Violence”, “Migration, Forced Displacements, and Ethnic Relations” and “Multiculturalism”, “Asian Studies further compartmented into the Middle East, South Asian, Central Asian and Southeast Studies” and a very vast category of geopolitical / geostrategic arenas.
Eligibility Criteria
- 16 years of education in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 or 60% (+) marks in the annual system.
- Minimum 60% score in the DSU Graduate Assessment Test.
- Graduates from Political Science, Political Economy, History, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy and Strategic Studies.
| PROGRAM | ONE TIME CHARGES (ONLY IN 1ST SEMESTER FEES) | PER SEMESTER | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADMISSION FEE | CAUTION MONEY (REFUNDABLE) | IT CHARGES | MISC. CHARGES | Examination Charges (Per Course) | LAB CHARGES (PER CREDIT HOUR) |
TUITION FEE (PER CREDIT HOUR) |
|
| MPhil (International Relations) | 15,000 | 10,000 | 5,500 | 6,850 | 1,000 | 0 | 5,500 |
| PROGRAMS | 1ST SEMESTER FEE AMOUNT | SEMESTER FEE (WITHOUT ADM & C/ MONEY) | CREDIT HOURS 1ST SEMESTER |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPhil (International Relations) | 89,850 | 64,850 | 9 + 0 |
