.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A in Political Science at Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar, Punjab
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Political Science at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This M.A. Political Science program at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, offers an in-depth exploration of political theories, comparative governance, public administration, and international relations. It equips students with advanced analytical skills to understand and critically engage with complex socio-political dynamics, policy-making processes, and global challenges. The curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of both Indian and international political landscapes.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious graduates from humanities and social sciences seeking to build a career in public policy, civil services, academic research, or journalism. It also caters to professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of governance, international affairs, and political analysis. Individuals with a strong aptitude for critical thinking and a passion for societal issues will find this specialization highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in India, including esteemed roles in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions (PSCs). Opportunities also exist in national and international NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, and media houses as policy analysts, researchers, or journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 7 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical and Historical Base- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with core political theories and historical political thought from both Western and Indian perspectives. Actively participate in class discussions and form study groups to debate complex concepts, ensuring a deep understanding of foundational principles.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s collection of classic political texts, JSTOR for academic articles, Peer-led discussion forums
Career Connection
A robust theoretical foundation is critical for analytical roles in policy research, public administration, and especially for competitive examinations like UPSC, where conceptual clarity is paramount.
Cultivate Analytical Reading and Effective Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Develop critical reading habits by analyzing academic journals, news articles, and government reports. Practice writing concise and argumentative essays, research papers, and policy briefs. Seek regular feedback from professors to refine your writing and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Online resources for critical thinking, University''''s academic support services (if available)
Career Connection
Strong analytical and communication abilities are indispensable for roles in journalism, policy analysis, public relations, and for articulating persuasive arguments in civil service interviews and reports.
Stay Informed on National and International Current Affairs- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, dedicate time daily to follow major national and international political developments. Read reputable newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, and watch credible news analyses to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world events and policy implications.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian national newspapers, Government of India official reports, PRS Legislative Research for policy updates
Career Connection
This practice is vital for success in competitive exams, and for roles in media, diplomacy, and intelligence services, where up-to-date knowledge of socio-political dynamics is essential.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Strategic Elective Selection and Focused Research- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose departmental electives that align with your specific career aspirations, whether it''''s South Asia Politics for diplomacy or Public Policy for think tanks. If opting for a Dissertation/Project, select a research topic that allows for deep specialization and potentially forms a portfolio piece for future employment.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance on specialization, Online research databases like Google Scholar, Academia.edu, University''''s digital library resources
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a highly competitive candidate for niche roles in research, specific government departments, and academic positions, demonstrating expertise in a chosen sub-field of political science.
Pursue Internships and Practical Field Exposure- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out internships with governmental bodies, NGOs, policy research organizations, or political campaigns during academic breaks. These experiences offer invaluable practical application of theoretical knowledge, build a professional network, and provide insights into real-world political processes.
Tools & Resources
University career services department, Online internship platforms (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Networking events and alumni connections
Career Connection
Internships significantly enhance your resume, provide essential work experience, and can often lead to strong references or even direct employment offers, greatly boosting employability in the Indian job market.
Dedicated Preparation for Competitive Civil Service Exams- (Semester 3-4)
If civil services are your goal, begin dedicated and systematic preparation alongside your MA studies. Integrate your syllabus knowledge with general studies, practice mock tests, current affairs analysis, and essay writing. Consider joining a reputable coaching institute or a dedicated study group.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC previous year question papers, Online test series and coaching platforms, Government publications and yearbooks
Career Connection
This practice provides a direct and structured pathway to prestigious careers in the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and various state administrative roles, offering stable and impactful public service opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with 45% marks in Political Science or B.A. with 50% marks overall
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPL-201 | Government and Politics in India | Core | 4 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Federalism in India: Challenges and Dynamics, Union Executive: President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, Indian Parliament: Structure and Functions, Judiciary: Supreme Court and High Courts, Party System and Electoral Reforms |
| MPL-202 | Human Rights | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Commissions, International Human Rights Organizations |
| MPL-203 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Political Culture and Political Socialization, Political Parties and Pressure Groups, Elites and Power Structures, Social Movements and Political Change, Role of Caste, Religion and Language in Politics |
| MPL-204 | Global Politics | Core | 4 | Globalization: Dimensions and Debates, Global Governance and International Institutions, International Political Economy, Environmental Politics and Climate Change, Terrorism and Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies |
| MPL-205 | South Asia Politics | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Geopolitics of South Asia, SAARC: Genesis and Challenges, India-Pakistan Relations, Political Developments in Afghanistan, Democracy and Ethnicity in Sri Lanka, Politics of Bangladesh and Nepal |
| MPL-206 | Politics of Punjab | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Historical Background of Punjab Politics, Akali Movement and Partition, Green Revolution and its Political Impact, Party Politics and Electoral Trends in Punjab, Social Formations and Identities in Punjab, Centre-State Relations concerning Punjab |
| MPL-207 | Regionalism in India | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Concept and Nature of Region, Causes and Manifestations of Regionalism, Types of Regionalism (Ethnic, Economic, Cultural), Regional Disparities and Development, Role of Regional Parties, Regionalism and National Integration |
| MPL-208 | State Politics in India | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Role of States in Indian Federalism, Governor and Chief Minister, State Legislature and Executive, Dynamics of State-level Political Parties, Inter-State Relations and Disputes, Local Self-Government |
| MPL-209 | Public Policy | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Nature, Scope and Importance of Public Policy, Models of Policy Making, Policy Cycle: Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation, Actors in Public Policy, Good Governance and Policy Reforms, Citizen Participation in Policy Making |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPL-210 | International Law | Core | 4 | Nature and Sources of International Law, Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law, State Recognition and State Succession, Law of the Sea and Airspace, International Criminal Law and Justice, International Human Rights Law |
| MPL-211 | Politics of Developed World | Core | 4 | Political System of USA (President, Congress, Judiciary), Political System of UK (Parliamentary Democracy, Monarchy), Political System of France (Semi-Presidentialism), Political System of Germany (Federalism, Electoral System), Political System of Japan (Constitutional Monarchy), Comparative Analysis of Developed Democracies |
| MPL-212 | Politics of Developing World | Core | 4 | Colonialism and Post-Colonialism, Challenges of Development in the Global South, Political Instability and Democratization, Dependency Theory and Neo-Colonialism, Role of Military in Developing Countries, South-South Cooperation |
| MPL-213 | Good Governance | Core | 4 | Concept and Principles of Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-Governance and Digital Initiatives, Citizen Charter and Right to Information, Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms, Ethics in Public Administration |
| MPL-214 | Global Environmental Politics | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Rise of Environmentalism, Climate Change and International Responses, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International Environmental Regimes and Treaties, Environmental Justice, Role of NGOs in Environmental Governance |
| MPL-215 | Gender and Politics | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Gender as a Political Category, Feminist Theories and Perspectives, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender and Political Representation (Quotas, Reservations), Gender-based Violence and Policy Responses, Intersectionality and Identity Politics |
| MPL-216 | Conflict and Peace Studies | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Nature and Causes of Conflict, Theories of Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Disarmament and Arms Control, Human Security and R2P, Gandhi''''s Philosophy of Peace |
| MPL-217 | Diaspora Studies | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Concept and Typology of Diaspora, Theories of Migration and Transnationalism, Role of Diaspora in Homeland Politics, Identity and Integration of Diasporic Communities, Indian Diaspora: History and Political Significance, Challenges and Opportunities for Diasporas |
| MPL-218 | Dissertation/Project | Elective (Departmental) | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
