Building on the success of its MPhil programs, particularly MPhil Public Policy and MPhil Development Studies, PIDE proudly announces the upcoming launch of the PhD in Public Policy and Governance. 

Why PhD in Public Policy and Governance at PIDE?

In today’s rapidly evolving governance landscape, there is a growing demand for experts who can deliver research-based, context-specific solutions. The PhD in Public Policy and Governance at PIDE is designed for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking advanced expertise in public sector governance, institutional reform, and evidence-based policymaking.

Program Aims and Objectives

The PhD in Public Policy and Governance aims to:

• Develop high-level research skills to explore public policy challenges in Pakistan and beyond.
• Enhance students’ ability to conduct rigorous policy analysis using modern research techniques.
• Foster an environment for critical thinking and evidence-based policymaking.
• Equip graduates with the necessary expertise to influence and improve public sector governance.
• Strengthen the pipeline of highly qualified policy researchers and professionals in Pakistan.
• Build advanced research skills to tackle complex public policy issues
• Promote critical thinking and policy innovation
• Train future leaders in public administration, academia, and international development
• Provide a platform for influencing real-world policy reforms in Pakistan

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates possessing MPhil or equivalent degree in Public Policy, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Economics and Finance, Econometrics, Business Administration, Demography, Development Studies, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science from an HEC recognized university/institution with at least a first division (annual system) or CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00 (in the semester system or equivalent) shall be eligible to apply for admission.
• Applicants will be selected on the basis of their performance in the admission test, interview, academic record, research publications, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose.
• The in-service applicants will be required to submit the No Objection Certificate issued by their employers before the beginning of the academic session.

Academic Program (Regular)

Duration

3 years (minimum)
8 years (maximum)
Total Credit Hours of Degree: 66
Course work: 18
Thesis: 48 

Course Work Structure Semester Wise

Semester wise Programme Structure

Comprehensive Exam

 Following the completion of coursework, every PhD student shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination in order to be granted candidacy as PhD researcher; provided that if the student fails to pass the comprehensive test, he or she shall be allowed one more attempt to take the test.

The comprehensive examination must be taken after the completion of the core courses designed for PhD program. The comprehensive exam will be conducted from the following courses.

Contemporary Debates in Governance
Design Thinking and Critical Thought

Judgement and Decision Making with Data

The comprehensive examinations shall be composed of two parts – a written examination and an oral examination. The oral examination shall be taken after one week of written examination. The marks distribution shall be:

Note: If a student fails any of the comprehensive examinations in the second attempt, he/she shall cease to be a student of PhD program. Similarly, if a student fails to attempt any of comprehensive examinations in the three consecutive schedule comprehensive examinations, he/she shall cease to be a PhD student at PIDE.

DOCTORAL RESEARCH

• Each PhD researcher shall be required to write a doctoral dissertation that meets the following minimum criteria:

1. 1. The students need to pass all the comprehensive exams before registration for PhD dissertation as partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree.
   2. The PhD candidates must register for dissertation during all the semesters subsequent to passing comprehensive examinations under the supervision of a supervisor and co-supervisor appointed by the Dean on the recommendations of the HoD.
   3. Each PhD candidate is required to submit a formal research proposal to the HoD. The research proposal must be defended in a seminar and approved by the Graduate and Research Management Council (GRMC).
   4. The thesis must be written in English following the thesis guidelines of the Institute.
   5. The thesis must demonstrate a student’s capacity to pursue original research based on a good understanding of research techniques and concepts appropriate to the research area. It must represent a distinct and significant contribution to the subject, whether through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of new theory or the revision of older views. It should show the exercise of critical judgment about both the candidate’s own work and that of other scholars in the field.
   6. The maximum time for the completion of the degree shall be 4 years. However, under exceptional circumstances, an extension may be granted for one year.
   7. In all other respects, the PIDE-Ph.D rules shall be applicable.