ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has introduced revised curricula for Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs in Sociology, aiming to elevate academic standards and enhance educational quality to better meet the evolving needs of the industry.
These updated curricula were developed by the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC), which included senior academics and subject matter specialists from leading universities across Pakistan. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Anwar Alam from the University of Peshawar, the committee comprised representatives from institutions such as Quaid-i-Azam University, the University of Punjab, the University of Sindh, Forman Christian College, and the University of Balochistan, among others. Mr. Muhammad Ali Baig, who serves as Deputy Director at HEC, acted as the committee’s Secretary.
A notable change in the Sociology degree structure is the updated credit hour requirements, with the Associate Degree now necessitating a minimum of 68 credit hours, while the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology program is set at 131 credit hours. Furthermore, the BS Sociology curriculum has been expanded to offer specialized tracks, allowing universities to tailor coursework to fulfill contemporary academic and professional needs. The identified specializations include Industrial Sociology, Social Inclusion & Diversity, Rural Sociology, and Urban Sociology. Additionally, universities have the option to introduce further specializations based on the expertise of their faculty and resources available, following HEC’s established framework.
To enhance practical education and better prepare students for the job market, the updated BS Sociology curriculum includes essential experiential learning elements. In line with HEC’s Undergraduate Education Policy V 1.1, students must complete a supervised internship and a capstone project, each carrying three credit hours. These improvements are intended to bridge the gap between theoretical study and practical application, ensuring graduates gain relevant hands-on experience in their fields. However, these provisions will not apply to the Associate Degree program.
The updated MPhil Sociology curriculum has also been revamped to foster a research-driven academic environment. It now consists of three core courses, five elective courses, and a mandatory research component. Universities are empowered to offer elective courses based on faculty expertise and available academic resources, allowing for flexibility while maintaining high educational standards.
The new curricula set important academic parameters, including eligibility criteria, program learning outcomes, model study plans, and requirements for degree completion. While HEC has provided these general guidelines, universities will be responsible for creating detailed course syllabi that reflect the latest industry trends and advancements in research.
HEC has officially directed all universities to begin implementing the updated Sociology curricula immediately. An electronic version of the revised framework is available on the commission’s official website. This initiative marks a significant step forward in modernizing higher education in Pakistan, ensuring that graduates possess the relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape.
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