Bahria University offers 2 years MS degree in International Relations. The MS Degree offers a research track to the students along with the course work required to be completed. The degree seeks to impart both theoretical and research knowledge to the students. This degree offers specialization to students who have a bachelor’s degree in related social sciences field.
Objectives of the Program
The MS degree is designed to achieve a number of objectives which are in consonance with the mission of BU. Bahria is committed to making a valuable contribution in strengthening of the nation by providing quality education to the students. The aim of this degree is to acquaint the students with international relations and affairs which is not only important but a desirable field around the world. Furthermore, students will be taught in an analytical and critical manner where they would be able to apply their knowledge in the practical life eventually.
Distribution of Courses/Road Map
| Semester | Credit Hours |
| 1 (First Years) | 12 (Course Work) |
| 2 (First Years) | 12 (Course Work) |
| 3 & 4 (Second Year) | 6 (Thesis) |
Semester 1 – First Year
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| IRS – 501 | International Relations: Advanced theory and Practice | 03 |
| IRS – 502 | Advanced Research Methodology | 03 |
| IRS – 503 | Seminar on Contemporary Regional and Global Issues | 03 |
| IRS – 524 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 03 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 |
Semester 2 – First Year
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| 1 | Optional – I | 03 |
| 2 | Optional – II | 03 |
| 3 | Optional – III | 03 |
| 4 | Optional – IV | 03 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 12 |
Total course work credit hours: 24
Semester 3 & 4 – Second Year
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| RES 600 | Thesis Writing & Defence | 06 |
Total research work credit hours: 06
Total Degree Credit Hours: 24 (Course work) + 06 (Research work) = 30 Credit Hours
List of Electives
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| – | Ethnic Conflict in Global Perspective | 3 |
| – | Power Politics and Beyond | 3 |
| – | Gulf War and its Consequences | 3 |
| – | Forecasting in International Relations | 3 |
| – | Structural Adjustment Program – (in the 3rd world countries – Role of IMF, World Bank, and WTO) | 3 |
| – | Role of Non-State Actors in International Relations | 3 |
| – | Evolution and Development of International Political Philosophy | 3 |
| – | Politics of South Asia | 3 |
| – | Ethnic Conflict in Global Perspective | 3 |
| – | Politics of Middle East | 3 |
| – | Internal Law and Use of Force | 3 |
| – | Contemporary Trends in International Law | 3 |
| – | Comparative Analyses of Foreign Policy of Major Powers (any two) | 3 |
| – | Foreign Policy Analyses | 3 |
| – | Role of International Financial Institutions in International Relations | 3 |
| – | An Analysis of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy | 3 |
| – | Politics and Security of Asia-Pacific Region | 3 |
| – | National Security Issues in Contemporary Pakistan | 3 |
| – | Contemporary Environmental Issues | 3 |
| – | Major Issues of Muslim World | 3 |
| – | Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia | 3 |
| – | Peace Building in Post-conflict Societies | 3 |
| – | International Organizations | 3 |
| – | Power Sharing in Multiethnic States | 3 |
| – | Arms Control and International Security | 3 |
| – | Politics of Human Rights | 3 |
| – | Contemporary Political Theories | 3 |
| IRS 539 | Foreign Policy of United States | 3 |