Scope of history degree in Pakistan

 

Scope of history degree in Pakistan

History is a very important subject in the realm of social sciences. In Pakistan, it is also referred to as an academic field of arts and humanities. History is recording of events and happenings of the past. These happenings could be in near past or distant past, including events, personalities and phenomenon.

 

Importance of history degree in Pakistan

History is very important subject of study because it gives knowledge, insights and vision to a student. The historian examines the written records of the past and uses them to study the human societies and interpret the events and trends that shaped them. History gives important clues to predict the future. You cannot think about future unless you know the history of something. It not only gives knowledge to a person, but also develops his skills of reasoning, critical analysis, observation and foresight, which are considered key in modern life. There are many specialties in history, including art, musicology, politics, specific historical periods, religions, science, social movements, institutions, warfare, and specific regions or cultures.

Knowledge of the appropriate languages, both common and obscure, is often useful for many specialties. In some cases the historian may be one of only a few individuals who can make sense of a forgotten tongue.  

Education of history in Pakistan

History is taught in Pakistan in schools, colleges and universities. As a separate subject, it is usually taught at college and university level, though some private schools also offer it at the lower levels. The subject of Pakistan Studies or Social Studies (in some schools) offers history of South Asia and Pakistan. It includes areas of language, culture, people, customs and traditions and other related subjects.

At the college level in FA studies, history is also offered as a separate subject. It may include history of Pakistan and the world. The options become wider at the undergraduate (4 years) and post graduate (2 years) levels where a student gets the change to study in depth about history of various countries, regions or areas.  

 

Demand of history degree in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the students traditionally studied history at the post-graduate level by enrolling in a two-year MA/MSc program. The introduction of 4-year bachelor degrees a few years ago has produced more depth and rigor in the study of any discipline and history is no exception. Now, students at undergraduate level study more subjects in history that helps them build expertise in certain areas at the post-graduate level. Master of History opens many venues for a graduate that are not limited to teaching only.

Job prospects with a history degree in Pakistan

The subject of history is a preferred choice for many candidates undertaking exams of Provincial Management Services (PMS) or Central Superior Services (CSS). In addition, knowledge of history helps in successful attempting of MCQ tests for various public and private sector jobs as they often relate to history and Pakistan Studies. A graduate of history has wide options of career choice, some of which are described below:

• Academic Librarian
• Archaeologist
• Museum Curator  
• Archivist
• Broadcast Journalist
• Editorial Assistant
• Civil Service administrator
• Information officer

 

Other skill areas that can be developed through studying history include:

• Communication
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Reasoning
• Logical thinking
• Time management
• Presentation skills
• Team work  

 

Universities offering history degree in Pakistan

A number of public and private universities in Pakistan offer education at advanced level in the subject of history. Some of these include Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad; University of the Punjab, Lahore; Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad; Bahauddin Zikriya University, Multan; Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan; University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Karachi University, Karachi and many others.