Master in International Relations and Peace Studies

Master in International Relations and Peace Studies provides you with the ideal opportunity to gain insight into global politics and regional studies, peacekeeping theories, and approaches to enhance your global career perspective and to become part of an exciting network of international relations and peacekeeping experts while staying on the job. We educate for success in challenging positions in government, international organizations, NGOs, consulting, academia, and the media

Program Overview 

Master’s in International Relations Peace and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary program  that  offers students a critical understanding of global and regional politics. Through the combination of IR theories along with the unique blend of Buddhism and Peace Studies, the program tries to present students a unique method of interpreting modern international affairs.  

Over the course of four semesters, students engage with a broad range of topics, including International Humanitarian Law, International Migration, International Security, Peace and Conflict Studies, Diplomacy and the role of media in global politics including insights into Nepal’s foreign policy and political context.  

Course Objectives  

• Understand global political issues through various theoretical frameworks of International Politics, economics, security, migration, media and Law.  

• Connect Buddhist Philosophy to international affairs and peacekeeping activities. 

• Understand international institutions and forces that drive their behavior in international relations for mutual peace and growth. 

• Communicate ideas through written arguments supported by critical analysis and evidence 

• Appreciate the rights and responsibilities of global citizenship. 

• Recognize issues of social justice in global contexts 

Admission Criteria:

• Four-year Bachelor’s degree from any discipline

or

• Three-year Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant work experience
• Minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 or 50% marks

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods consist of lecture sessions, discussion sessions, presentation sessions, audio-video aids, and field visits.

Lecture session: The instructor will share his/her ideas, knowledge, and thoughts on different topics based on course content, reading materials, articles, books as well as personal experiences.

Discussion session: Students will have a chance to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge in the classroom in line with the lecture of the instructor.

Presentation session: Students will make presentations on topics in their respective subjects as designed by the instructor. The session aims to achieve the active participation from all the students.

Audio-visual show: The instructor will use appropriate photos, maps, recordings, music, YouTube videos, documentary films, and movies for the instruction.

Field visit: The instructor will arrange field visits in the United Nations, I/NGOs, and places of importance where appropriate. Likewise, the instructor will conduct fieldwork on the topics of the respective subject. The fieldwork will either be held within the local area or outside as per requirement. The cost of the fieldwork will be reimbursed by the students themselves if external funding is not secured.

Assessment Methods

The examination for a course carries 100 marks, out of which the final examination carries 50 marks (50 percent), and the internal examination carries 50 marks (50 percent). The class teacher will be responsible for conducting the internal exam. The examination methods of internal examination will be:

• Internal written exam (10 percent= 10 marks)
• Home assignments: article or book review and field visits and report writing (10 percent= 10 marks) 
• Classroom presentation and group discussion (10 percent= 10 marks)
• Debate (10 percent= 10 marks)
• Research Seminar (10 percent= 10 marks)

Class attendance, class participation, and student self-discipline will be considered during the evaluation process of the internal examination.

A lecture session will be held on the theoretical foundations of classroom presentation, article or book review, and debate for the purpose of internal examination. Furthermore, the classes will be held to discuss the formats and methods of the internal examination system.

Fee Structure

The fee structure is for the academic year of 2080/2081. Every year the fee structure will be increased by 15 % in case of no other decisions.  

Total Fee of the Program for 2080/2081 NRs. 1,50,000.00 

Total Fee for the SAARC Students (+25%) for 2080/2081: NRs. 1,87,500.00 

Total Fee for the International Students (+100%)  for 2080/2081: NRs 300,000.00