M-Phil in Public Policy
Objectives
Launched in 2014, the two year MPhil in Public Policy at the CPPG aims to contribute to the education of a new generation of public policy-makers and policy analysts, familiarizing them with the necessary concepts, theories, methods and principles involved in the formulation and analysis of public policy. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical tools and empirical evidence necessary for an in-depth understanding of policy-making in emerging democracies; including the changing nature of governance, practices and ethical questions surrounding the role of the state. The thrust of the program is to bridge the gaps between research and policy making.
The program takes an Interdisciplinary approach to contextualize and analyze issues relating to South Asia in general and Pakistan in particular. It draws upon faculty expertise to enable students to explore one of the most complex and fascinating regions of the world compelling them to address crucial political, economic and social issues confronting us in the twenty-first century. These include, for example, questions of the appropriate design of institutions, the management of contractual relationships, and the design of regulatory mechanisms and economic and sociological approaches to policy evaluation. Appropriate Information Technology and Management (ITM) skills are integrated into the program to bring about attitudinal change and develop professional expertise in promoting methods for efficient, judicious and transparent policy execution through E-Governance.
Who It’s For
Our MPhil program takes cognizance of the fact that many policy problems cut across disciplines and national boundaries. Thus policy analysis and formulation requires broad comparative perspectives to improve conceptualization, and an exchange of information and techniques for viability and sustainability. Consequently, the program aims to develop leadership qualities, managerial skills and analytical acumen among students. It is designed to promote deep understanding of the processes that formulate public policy and its consequences, both untended and unintended. The purpose is to equip students with qualitative as well as quantitative research methods, inculcating a spirit of endurance to conduct good quality research.
If you aspire for a career in public service, journalism, international development, think tanks, social entrepreneurship or academia, the CPPG academic experience, and the skills and knowledge to conduct credible policy relevant research and analysis will put you on a fast track.
Class Profile
Why Do It
CPPG provides an overall post graduate academic experience unmatched by other policy school in the country. Besides receiving rigorous academic training, students are exposed to the practical side of policy making through seminar series and policy dialogues at the CPPG where they get to interact with eminent national and international scholars, policy makers who hail from different political parties and government departments, and business and community leaders. Students also get the opportunity to hone their leadership skills by joining the editorial board of The Student’s Quarterly Research & News magazine, and by organizing various activities at the Centre. Through an MPhil you gain the following:
- Acquire knowledge base of policy making in emerging democracies like Pakistan
- Develop leadership qualities, managerial skills and analytical acumen
- Improve general analytical, technological, writing and presentation skills
- Conduct policy analysis and research independently
“The MPhil program was an opportunity where I learned to transition my raw ideas into meaningful academic output. It is a place where you learn about the ‘human face’ of public policy, beyond statistical figures. This approach has allowed my work to reflect the under-researched socio-political aspects of public policy debates”.
“The Centre for Public Policy and Governance at FCCU has broadened my vision by developing my analytical and critical thinking skills. I couldn’t see any other place in Pakistan better than CPPG to sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills required to succeed in your formative years”.
MPhil is a two year academic degree program comprising of two full semesters of course work, followed by one year of research thesis.
The course curriculum comprises of four types of courses. Participants take four Required courses for grounding in concepts and skills that are essential for policy scholars. Further, a student may take four courses from a selected concentration: Governance, Democracy, and Institution Building (GDIB), Environment, Demography, and Urban Change (EDUC) and Peace Building and Conflict Resolution (PBCR), dependent on class size and concentrations being offered in a particular year. Further, a supervised Research Thesis under active faculty guidance provides the opportunity to conduct in depth research on a particular policy problem so as to inform and contribute towards a better understanding.
Required
Required Courses comprise of essentials of Public Policy for young scholars. This includes: an introduction to public policy to familiarize participants with general approaches to ask questions in the policy world and answer them by using appropriate research methods; instill the required knowledge and skills of economics, human development, institutionalization and policy’s interaction with technology for conducting effective policy analysis.
Governance, Democracy, and Institution Building (GDIB)
Improving governance, constructing representative, transparent and accountable government, enhancing civil society and reviving and revitalizing institutions remain critical public policy issues in Pakistan, like many developing countries. This concentration will explore various topics: from civil services reform to local bodies; autonomy and independence of judiciary to interface between bureaucracy and political parties in a democratic setup; issues pertaining to productive functioning of provincial and national assemblies to training of legislators; skill development of bureaucrats, and the role of Election Commission of Pakistan. The class discussion would involve both theoretical aspects as well as an understanding of ground realities.
Environment, Demography, and Urban Change (EDUC)
Environmental decay, rising population and accelerated urbanization is visible in Pakistan. Demographic change is phenomenal. The country has a population of 170 million and growing at a rate of 2% per annum. Forecasts of demographic transition in Pakistan raise concerns about citizen security, environmental decay, challenges of urban governance, energy self-sufficiency, water conservation, employment generation, peace, security, governance and the list is unending. Population is a human resource that demands investment in improving its quality, productivity and skills.
The concentration will explore the nexus between environment, urban change and demographic transition, specifically exploring questions in population strategy that helps in managing demographic transition and is not simply a Family planning/Reproductive health issue but a core national issue, which has implications for the very survival and efficient functioning of the Pakistani nation-state.
Peace Building and Conflict Resolution (PBCR)
Pakistan has been mired in various conflicts both internal and with its neighbors since independence. The Kashmir imbroglio with India, the continuing war in Afghanistan, the insurgency in Baluchistan, the multifaceted violence in the large metropolis of Karachi, the religious sectarian violence, and ‘honor’ killings against women are but a representation of various types of violence in Pakistan. The PBCR concentration is meant to analyze these conflicts at a programmatic level to develop the necessary mediatory space, to produce skilled mediators, negotiators and facilitators as a go between the various parties or to create the necessary alternative discourse and effective institutions to counter the violence.
- Completion of two semesters of course work
- Completion of research thesis
- Passing the Viva Voce examination
Centre for Language Development (CLD) at FC College offers personalized sessions to improve writing and analytical skills in English language. A participant may take their assignment along with feedback to the CLD to work with a language instructor to improve their grammar, sentence structure and overall writing style.
Students may take the following courses offered by the Department of Political Science, FC College in lieu of courses offered by the CPPG:
PLSC 507: Constitutional and Political Processes in Pakistan
PLSC 508: Foreign Policy and Analysis
PLSC 517: Politico-Strategic Dynamics of South Asia
PLSC 519: Local Government System in Pakistan
PLSC 523: Research Techniques in Political Science
- Baccalaureate or 16 years of education from any HEC recognized university
- Have a degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences
- Submit a Research Proposal (1000 words)
- Clearance of Entrance Exam
- Short listed candidates to be interviewed by the CPPG Selection Committee
Sample Program
Year 1 (Fall) |
CPPG 615 Public Policy: Theories and Analysis |
CPPG 617 Economics and Public Policy |
CPPG 656 Informal Economy and Urban Development |
CPPG 663 Minorities and Public Policy |
Year 1 (Spring) |
CPPG 616 Research Methodology |
CPPG 619 Human Development |
CPPG 629 Political Leadership and Policy Making in Pakistan |
CPPG 660 Globalization and Transformation of Religion in South Asia |
Year 2 |
698 Research Thesis |
FAQ
One can pursue a PhD; teaching jobs at a university or college; research and analysis jobs in Think Tanks, media houses or NGOs; or become a social entrepreneur.
Four days a week while participation is mandatory in the Seminars organized fortnightly
Class timings are generally from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm (one hour lunch break from 1 to 2 pm)
Total Duration is two years: one year of course work & one year of research thesis
Concentrations & Course Descriptions
Required
Governance, Democracy, and Institution Building (GDIB)
Environment, Demography, and Urban Change (EDUC)
Peace Building and Conflict Resolution (PBCR)