Faculty of Social Sciences

PhD in Political Science

The Ph.D. program in Political Science at UIII stands as a beacon of academic excellence and rigorous scholarship. Tailored to address the intricate political landscapes of Muslim societies and states, this program seeks to nurture scholars who will be proficient in original, independent research about political dynamics.

Program Overview

Depending on their research interest, students will take several courses that constitute the core subject of their expertise. The MA in Political Science program is designed to equip students with excellent theoretical knowledge and expertise relevant to religious leaders, community organizers, and policymakers to deal with a variety of social problems about the relationship between religion and politics. For those wishing to pursue further education, the MA program will provide excellent substantive and theoretical knowledge of key issues in the study of Islam, religion, and politics, and a strong methodological foundation to conduct further research in these areas. With a unique blend of theoretical depth and empirical richness, students are also given the required and relevant theoretical and methodological tools to dissect political phenomena, understand the undercurrents of international relations, and propose innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges.

Learning Outcomes


Conceptual Understanding

Compare and contrast the core concepts, approaches, and theories of political science.

Global Context

Analyze contemporary global issues and their impact on domestic political or socio-economic structures, and vice-versa.

Regional Expertise

valuate the evolution and function of political or socio-economic institutions in the Muslim world.

Problem-Solving

Critically assess potential solutions to pressing political or socio-economic challenges in Muslim societies and beyond.

Research Proficiency

Develop a theoretically-informed research design addressing significant political or socio-economic problems in Muslim societies.

Independent Research

Demonstrate the capability to initiate, design, and execute independent research projects, culminating in original contributions to the field.

Effective Communication

Produce scholarly research articles and effectively present results to both academic and public audiences.

Degree Requirements

To earn a Ph.D. in Political Science from UIII, candidates must accumulate a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond their Ph.D. Dissertation. This includes courses on foundational knowledge, dissertation research and writing, and a culminating Ph.D. dissertation.

Field of Study

  • Social Movement: Study of grassroots movements pushing for societal change.
  • Political Institutions: Examination of the structures and processes of governance.
  • Democracy and Democratization: Understanding the rise and consolidation of democratic governance.
  • Political Islam: Scrutiny of the intersection between Islam and politics in various contexts.
  • Political Economy and Development: Exploring the interplay between politics and economics and how they impact societal progress.
  • Gender and Politics: Analysis of how gender roles and norms influence political processes.
  • Voting Behavior: Investigating the patterns and reasons behind voter choices.

  • Theory and History: Delving into the foundational ideas and past events that shape global politics.
  • Security Studies and Foreign Policy: Analyzing strategies that nations adopt for security and their diplomatic relations.
  • International Institutions and Global Governance: Examining global bodies and frameworks facilitating cooperation.
  • International Political Economy: Studying the global economic system and its political underpinnings.
  • Peace Studies: A focus on the principles and strategies promoting global peace and conflict resolution.
  • Comparative Foreign Policy: Investigating and comparing the foreign policies of different nations.
  • Global Competition and Technology: Understanding the dynamics of international rivalry in the age of digitalization and the role of technology in shaping global politics.

Ph.D. in Political Science: Coursework Track

At UIII, the Ph.D. in Political Science with a coursework track represents the zenith of academic excellence in the field.

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Ph.D. in Political Science: FOSS MA Graduates Track

The Ph.D. in Political Science: FOSS MA Graduates Track at UIII is a specialized route for graduates of our MA in Political Science program.

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The PhD Dissertation Journey

The PhD Journey at the University of International Islamic Integration (UIII) is a meticulous and academically rigorous endeavor designed to shape scholars and researchers.

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