National University of Sciences and Technology

Overview

The Governance and Public Policy (MS) programme is a postgraduate offering at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities (S3H) of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), located in Islamabad. This programme equips students with the analytical tools necessary to understand the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies, as well as the impact of institutional frameworks on governance outcomes.

What you'll study

The curriculum integrates theoretical perspectives on policy with practical research, fostering skills in policy analysis, institutional evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making. Students engage with real-world case studies from Pakistan and other contexts, enhancing their understanding of governance challenges.

• Core courses typically include:
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Governance and Institutional Frameworks
  • Research Methods in Social Sciences
  • Public Sector Economics
  • Comparative Public Policy
  • Development Policy and Planning
• Research component: Students undertake a thesis or equivalent research project focused on pressing policy or governance questions, supported by training in research methodology.
• Applied learning: The programme emphasizes case-based learning and policy evaluation exercises, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical governance and policy challenges.

Entry requirements

• Education: Candidates should possess 16 years of education or a 4-year BS degree (minimum 124 credit hours) in Social Sciences, Management Sciences, or Business-related fields.
• Minimum CGPA/Marks: A CGPA of 2.0/4.0 or 55% marks from an HEC-recognized institution is required.
• Preferred background: A background in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, Business, or related fields is advantageous.
• Entry test: Applicants must take the GAT (General) by NTS, GNET (NUST), HAT (HEC), or GRE/GMAT.
• Minimum test score: A score of 50 or above is required.
• Merit criteria: Evaluation is based on academic records and performance in the entry test.
• Personal statement: A statement outlining motivation and suitability for the programme may be requested.
• Interview: An interview may be conducted for certain candidates based on merit and selection rounds.

English requirements: There is no separate English test requirement specified.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MS Governance and Public Policy programme are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including government, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and private sector consultancies. They can take on roles that involve policy analysis, program evaluation, and strategic decision-making, contributing to effective governance and public service delivery.