The general rules for the MPhil programme in DSS are the same as for all the MPhil programs offered by QAU, in accordance with the criteria established by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The MPhil programme comprises of 50 credits hours of coursework and dissertation. The requirements for the MPhil degree shall normally be completed within four consecutive semesters. However, on the recommendation of supervisor and approval by the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB) of the University, extension can be granted for one or two semesters.
A total of 24 credit hours are to be earned by passing 08 courses and the remaining 26 credit hours are to be earned by writing and successfully defending a thesis. Each MPhil course in the DSS Department is worth 04 credit hours. Out of the selection of courses outlined for MPhil, 03 courses are compulsory and 03 are optional, along with a seminar worth 03 credits. The MPhil course work, worth 24 credit hours shall normally be completed within the first two semesters. The thesis research shall normally be carried out during the third and fourth semesters. A student has maximum of six semesters to complete the degree.
At the completion of MPhil coursework the DSS Department may allow a candidate to transfer from MPhil to PhD programme, provided the candidate has earned at least 75% marks in the entire MPhil coursework. This transfer is subject to recommendation by the DSS Department and approval by the ASRB of the University.
Philosophy of social sciences, alternative conceptions in social sciences, historicism, conventionalism, behavioralism, realism, empiricism and positivism. Alternative methods of academic inquiry, observation, explanation and interpretation, issues in academic inquiry, objectivity, values, ethics, and biases. Methodology, transformation of theoretical question into research question and preparation of research design. Techniques of data collection, simulation, database searches and documentation techniques, preparation of research proposal and writing of paper.
Evolution and development of contemporary strategy; dimensions and theories of contemporary strategy, strategic planning and policy formulation.
Definitional aspects, concepts and theories of conflict and level of conflict analysis; linkage between conflict and security, contending conceptions of security, policy making processes and decision making.
This seminar will address important contemporary defence and international security issues vis a vis the Great Powers. The impact of these policies on the global and regional security environment.
Comparative perspectives on strategic policies of major and small powers, strategic policies and doctrinal aspects; technology and development levels, linkages and case studies etc.
Emergence and growth of various nuclear power states, evolution and development of nuclear doctrine/ theories, development of nuclear weapons and technology, arms control and nuclear strategy.
Historical context, impacts of industrial revolution on military technology, mechanization, mobility and firepower, military technology and warfare on land, air and sea. Technology and logistics, impacts of nuclear technology on defence policy making and technological developments, and future of arms control.
Defence ad an economic problem, budgeting for defence, defence decision making, military industrial complex, economic theory of alliances, economic aspects of arms production and procurement.
Conflict studies, Conflict Escalation and Conflict Dynamics. Frameworks for conflict resolution, negotiations, mediation, arbitration and preventive diplomacy, confidence building measures, conflict resolution under international pressure. The course focuses on measures that may be taken by international actors, individual states, and NGOs to prevent the outbreak or reoccurrence of violence in inter and intra state disputes and conflicts.
Civil military relations as a field of study, basic concepts on civil military relations, military and the state, military and society, military as a vehicle of social integration, military as a modernizing force, military as a vehicle for economic development. The praetorian system etc.
Peace as an alternative paradigm for the study of international society, historical analysis of peace movements in industrial societies, genesis, evolution and development of Peace studies, instruments of peace mediation, negotiation peace keeping, and peace-making.
Regional dynamics of South Asia; interstate issues and disputes, centrality of Indo-Pak conflict, strategic balance in South Asia, Small States role in the region, Areas of cooperation and competition, confidence building measures, prospects for peace and cooperation.
Historical overview, dynamics of theological under currents, Arab Israel conflicts, Intra Arab rivalry, Gulf wars, Arab League, OPEC, GCC, Islamic revival/ resurgence, peace proposals, nuclear factor and weapons of mass destruction. Course will consider contemporary issues that shape the Middle East.
Historical perspective, Central Asia under the former Soviet occupation, changing geopolitical landscape in Central Asia, Ethnicity in Central Asia, Dynamics of Muslim resurgence, Central Asia and Russia, Central Asia and extra regional powers, prospects of cooperation in central Asia
For MPhil and/or PhD, the candidates must possess specialization or previous degree in Defence & Strategic Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Defence & Diplomatic Studies, US Studies, or War Studies.
As per university rules, the minimum CGPA should be 3.00 or First Division in MS/MPhil or equivalent Degree from a recognized University, in case of seeking admission in PhD program. Those admitted will need to complete 24 credit hours course work of MPhil level as pre requisite for moving into the Ph.D. Programme. A Govt. College/Public Sector University teacher or member of the research staff of a Govt. Research Organization who has shown undoubted promise for research and holds MA/M.Sc. degree may be recommended by the Admission Committee for admission directly to Ph.D. Programme. However, he/she would have to complete the course work required for MPhil/MS.
A No Objection Certificate from the employer is required to be attached with Admission Form and routed through Proper channel in case of in-service candidates. Admission to Ph.D. Programme is made on a competitive basis. The minimum period for completion of PhD. Programme shall be three years whereas maximum period shall be seven years. Students applying for admission are required to submit a copy of synopsis/research work. Admission will be given subject to the availability of the Supervisor in the field of research strictly according to HEC’s requirements.