ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has introduced revised curricula for Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs in Sociology, setting new academic benchmarks to improve the quality of education and better align it with evolving industry demands.
The updated curricula were developed by the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC), which comprised senior academics and subject experts from leading universities across Pakistan. The committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Anwar Alam of the University of Peshawar, included 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, Deputy Director at HEC, served as Secretary.
A key revision in the Sociology degree structure is the updated credit hour requirements, with the Associate Degree in Sociology now requiring a minimum of 68 credit hours, while the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology program has been set at 131 credit hours. The BS Sociology curriculum has also been expanded to include specialized tracks, allowing universities to tailor coursework to contemporary academic and professional needs. The prescribed specializations include Industrial Sociology, Social Inclusion & Diversity, Rural Sociology, and Urban Sociology. Universities have also been given the flexibility to introduce additional specializations based on faculty expertise and institutional resources, following HEC’s prescribed framework.
To enhance practical learning and better prepare students for the workforce, the revised BS Sociology curriculum includes mandatory experiential learning components. Under HEC’s Undergraduate Education Policy V 1.1, students must complete a supervised internship and a capstone project, each carrying three credit hours. These additions aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring graduates are equipped with hands-on experience in their field. However, these requirements will not apply to the Associate Degree program.
The updated MPhil Sociology curriculum has also been restructured to foster a more research-driven academic environment. It now comprises three core courses, five elective courses, and a mandatory research component. Universities will have the autonomy to offer elective courses based on faculty expertise and available academic resources, ensuring flexibility while maintaining high educational standards.
The revised curricula establish key academic parameters, including eligibility criteria, program learning outcomes, model schemes of study, and degree award requirements. While HEC has set these broad guidelines, universities will be responsible for designing detailed course syllabi that align with industry trends and research advancements.
HEC has officially directed all universities to implement the revised Sociology curricula immediately. An electronic copy of the updated framework is available on the commission’s official website. This move marks a significant step in modernizing Pakistan’s higher education landscape, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly evolving socio-economic environment.