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MA in Political Science at University of Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Political Science at University of Delhi Delhi?
This MA Political Science program at the University of Delhi focuses on advanced theories, comparative politics, Indian governance, and international relations. Rooted in India''''s rich political landscape, it provides a comprehensive understanding of democratic processes, policy-making, and socio-political dynamics. The program is distinguished by its deep engagement with both classical and contemporary political thought, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and contextual relevance to current global and national challenges. It aims to develop robust analytical and research skills pertinent to the evolving demands of the Indian public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, particularly those with a degree in humanities, social sciences, or law, seeking entry into policy research, civil services, journalism, or academia. It also caters to working professionals, including those in NGOs, government, or media, looking to deepen their understanding of political processes and upskill for leadership roles. Additionally, career changers transitioning to roles requiring strong analytical and communication skills in public affairs or advocacy will find this program highly beneficial due to its rigorous curriculum and intellectual environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including positions in the Indian Civil Services, political consulting firms, policy think tanks, journalism, international organizations, and academia. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals potentially earning INR 10-20+ lakhs, especially in government, policy advocacy, or research. Growth trajectories often lead to senior analyst roles, policy advisors, educators, or leadership positions in public administration. The program also aligns with foundational knowledge for various competitive examinations, including UPSC and state PSCs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Theories and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong conceptual base in political theory, public administration, international relations, and Indian political thought. Regularly engage with classic texts and contemporary debates beyond classroom lectures. Form study groups to discuss complex ideas and ensure clear understanding.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, JSTOR for academic articles, Reputable political science blogs
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is crucial for cracking civil service exams, engaging in informed policy analysis, and pursuing advanced research, providing the core knowledge required for any political science career.
Develop Academic Writing and Critical Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek feedback on assignments and essays from professors. Participate in academic writing workshops. Practice structuring arguments logically, using evidence effectively, and critically evaluating different perspectives. This includes honing the ability to summarize complex readings concisely.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Citation management tools like Zotero or Mendeley, Online courses on critical thinking
Career Connection
Strong analytical and writing skills are indispensable for roles in policy drafting, journalism, research, and advocacy, enabling clear and persuasive communication of complex ideas.
Engage in Departmental Seminars and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all departmental seminars, guest lectures, and student-led discussions. Actively participate by asking questions and sharing insights. This not only broadens understanding but also helps in networking with faculty and fellow students, fostering an intellectual community.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Email lists, Social media groups for event announcements
Career Connection
Builds confidence in public speaking, develops networking skills essential for future collaborations, and exposes students to diverse viewpoints, preparing them for roles requiring public engagement and intellectual discourse.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake an Internship with a Think Tank or NGO- (During Semester 3 break or alongside Semester 4)
Actively search for and apply to internships with political consulting firms, policy think tanks (e.g., ORF, CPR), advocacy NGOs, or legislative research bodies. Focus on gaining practical exposure to policy analysis, data collection, and report writing in a real-world setting.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, Internshala.com, Company websites of relevant organizations
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong references, directly enhancing employability in policy and development sectors.
Specialize Through Elective Choices and Independent Study- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully select Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with specific career interests (e.g., International Relations, Public Policy, Gender Studies). Complement coursework with independent reading and research on chosen areas, potentially leading to a dissertation or major research paper.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for guidance, Advanced library databases, Academic journals specific to chosen specialization
Career Connection
Deepens expertise in a niche area, making candidates highly competitive for specialized roles in research, policy analysis, and advocacy, demonstrating focused knowledge and analytical capability.
Participate in National-Level Quizzes and Debates- (Semester 3-4)
Join university debate societies, Model UN clubs, or current affairs discussion groups. Actively participate in inter-university quizzes, essay competitions, and policy debate challenges focused on national and international issues. This sharpens quick thinking and persuasive communication.
Tools & Resources
Reputable Indian and international media, Debate training resources, Public speaking practice
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, public speaking, and spontaneous analytical skills – highly valued in civil services interviews, media roles, political campaigning, and strategic communication positions.
Advanced Stage
Pursue Doctoral Research or Advanced Fellowships- (Post-MA, typically starting after Semester 4)
Prepare and apply for PhD programs in political science in India or abroad, or competitive research fellowships offered by national/international organizations. This involves developing a strong research proposal, preparing for entrance exams, and securing letters of recommendation.
Tools & Resources
UGC-NET/JRF preparation, University PhD program websites, Research grant databases, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for an academic career, high-level policy research, or expert roles in international organizations, leading to thought leadership and significant contributions to the field.
Engage in Policy Advocacy and Lobbying- (During or immediately after Semester 4)
Gain practical experience in policy advocacy by joining or volunteering with NGOs, think tanks, or civil society organizations working on specific policy issues. Learn to draft policy briefs, organize campaigns, and interact with policymakers to influence legislative or administrative outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Policy analysis frameworks, Communication and media relations training, Understanding of Indian legislative processes, Networking with political stakeholders
Career Connection
Directly prepares for impactful careers in public policy, government relations, lobbying, and social activism, enabling graduates to shape public discourse and policy direction.
Specialize in Quantitative/Qualitative Research Methodologies- (During or immediately after Semester 4)
Undertake advanced training or workshops in specialized research methodologies, such as advanced statistical analysis, discourse analysis, ethnographic studies, or big data analysis in political science. Apply these skills in independent research projects or thesis work.
Tools & Resources
Advanced courses on NPTEL, Coursera, Specialized workshops (e.g., in R, Python for data analysis, NVivo for qualitative research), Relevant academic literature
Career Connection
Highly valued in research-intensive roles in academia, market research, electoral strategy, and data-driven policy analysis, providing a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in any discipline from the University of Delhi or any other Indian or Foreign University recognized as equivalent by the University of Delhi.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA POL 101 | Political Theory: Basic Concepts and Debates | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Theory, Liberty and Equality, Justice and Rights, Power and Authority, Democracy and Citizenship |
| MA POL 102 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature of Public Administration, Theories of Organization, Bureaucracy and Governance, Public Policy, Administrative Ethics |
| MA POL 103 | Theories of International Relations | Core | 4 | Realism and Liberalism, Marxism and Critical Theories, Feminist and Post-colonial Approaches, International Security, Global Governance |
| MA POL 104 | Themes in Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Dharma, Danda, Statecraft), Modern Indian Thought (Liberalism, Nationalism, Socialism), Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, Contemporary Debates |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA POL 201 | Political Sociology | Core | 4 | State and Society, Power and Legitimacy, Political Culture, Social Movements, Political Change |
| MA POL 202 | Comparative Political Analysis | Core | 4 | Approaches to Comparative Politics, Political Systems, Regimes and Transitions, Electoral Systems, Federalism |
| MA POL 203 | Indian Foreign Policy | Core | 4 | Determinants of Indian Foreign Policy, Non-Alignment, Major Power Relations, Regional Cooperation (SAARC, ASEAN), India''''s Role in Global Affairs |
| MA POL 204 | Global Politics | Core | 4 | Globalization, Global Economy, Environment and Climate Change, Human Rights, International Law and Institutions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA POL 301 | Modern Indian Political Thought | Core | 4 | Nationalist Thought, Reformist Movements, Gandhi''''s Political Ideas, Ambedkar''''s Critique of Caste, Nehruvian Consensus |
| MA POL 302 DSE | Western Political Thought | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Mill, Marx |
| MA POL 303 DSE | State Politics in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Federalism in India, Regionalism and Identity, Party Systems and Electoral Politics, Developmental Policies in States, Governance Challenges |
| MA POL 304 DSE | Research Methods in Political Science | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Research Design, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Ethics |
| MA POL 305 DSE | Gender and Politics | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Feminist Theories, Gender and Public Policy, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender Justice and Rights, Political Representation of Women |
| MA POL 306 DSE | Human Rights: Theory and Practice | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concepts of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, International Human Rights Law, Role of NGOs and Advocacy |
| MA POL 307 DSE | Geopolitics | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Geopolitics, Energy and Resource Politics, Maritime Security, Regional Conflicts and Power Dynamics, Great Power Competition |
| MA POL 308 DSE | Politics of Identity | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Identity Formation and Politics, Nationalism and Sub-Nationalism, Ethnicity and Religion, Caste and Class in Politics, Multiculturalism and Diversity |
| MA POL 309 DSE | Public Policy and Governance in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Policy Process and Analysis, Theories of Governance, Social Sector Policies in India, Economic Reforms and Liberalization, E-Governance and Digital India |
| MA POL 310 DSE | India''''s National Security | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | National Security Doctrine, Internal Security Challenges, External Threats and Regional Dynamics, Nuclear Policy and Deterrence, Defence Reforms and Modernization |
| MA POL 311 DSE | Media and Politics | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Role of Media in Democracy, Media Theories and Effects, Media Ownership and Regulation, Propaganda and Disinformation, Social Media and Political Mobilization |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA POL 401 | Democracy and Human Rights | Core | 4 | Theories of Democracy, Challenges to Democracy, Human Rights Regimes, Citizenship and Global Justice, Democratic Institutions |
| MA POL 402 DSE | Global Political Economy | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Global Political Economy, International Trade and Finance, Development and Underdevelopment, Global Production Networks, Global South and Neo-colonialism |
| MA POL 403 DSE | Politics of Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Development, State and Market in Development, Poverty and Inequality, Sustainable Development Goals, Post-Development Critique |
| MA POL 404 DSE | Environment and Politics | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Environmental Theories, Climate Change Politics, Environmental Movements, Global Environmental Governance, India''''s Environmental Policy |
| MA POL 405 DSE | Disasters and Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Disaster Risk Reduction, Vulnerability and Resilience, Policy Responses to Disasters, Governance and Disaster Management, Climate Change Adaptation |
| MA POL 406 DSE | Social Movements in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Social Movements, Peasant Movements, Women''''s Movements, Environmental Movements, Dalit Movements and Caste |
| MA POL 407 DSE | Urban Governance in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Urbanization in India, Urban Local Bodies, Smart Cities Mission, Urban Planning and Development, Challenges of Urban Governance |
| MA POL 408 DSE | Electoral Politics in India | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Electoral System and Reforms, Voting Behaviour and Trends, Party System and Coalitions, Election Commission of India, Money and Muscle Power in Elections |
| MA POL 409 DSE | Critical Theory | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Frankfurt School, Jürgen Habermas, Michel Foucault, Postmodernism and Power, Critique of Modernity |
| MA POL 410 DSE | Digital Humanities and Political Science | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Digital Methods in Political Science, Data Visualization and Analysis, Text Mining and Content Analysis, Social Media Analysis, Digital Ethics and Research |
| MA POL 411 DSE | Citizenship and Migration | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Citizenship, Migration Flows and Causes, Refugee Crisis and Policy, Statelessness and Rights, Global Governance of Migration |
