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

Course Objectives:

• Know the major analytical and theoretical frameworks regarding international relations employed in political science and related disciplines.
• Understand international institutions and forces that drive behavior in international relations and mutual peace for growth.
• Connect Buddhist Philosophy to international affairs and peacekeeping activities.
• Communicate ideas through written argument.
• Use evidence to critically analyze ideas or policies.
• Appreciate the rights and responsibilities of global citizenship.
• Recognize issues of social justice in global contexts

Job Opportunities: Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer, International Relations Analyst, Policy Analyst, International Development Specialist, Political Risk Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Conflict Resolution Specialist, International Trade Specialist, Human Rights Advocate, International Project Manager, Academician, Foreign Correspondent, Security and Defense Analyst, Public Affairs Specialist, United Nations Officer, International Mediator, International Business Development Manager

Admission Criteria:

Completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree or a three-year Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant work experience, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 out of 4.0 or 50 percent marks in general will be the basic criteria. In addition, securing an acceptable level of ranking in the entrance test administered to measure required competencies including language proficiency and analytical ability will be essential. Admission takes place on a yearly basis and, to be eligible for the program, the applying candidate shall appear for a written Entrance Examination and a Personal Interview. The maximum number of MA-IRPS candidates accepted on a yearly basis is set to 20 students in each class Acceptance into Lumbini Buddhist University is based on the Bachelor’s Degree scores, past academic records, and Entrance Examination scores. Following the selection examination process, a merit list will be published based on students’ past academic performance and entrance examination.

Admission Criteria:

Students from any discipline having passed a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from any recognized university are eligible to apply for admission to a Master’s degree program. Eligible candidates may apply to LBU by filling out an online application form available online. Admission to the program will take place on a Semester basis. To be eligible for the program, the candidate needs to appear for a written entrance examination followed by an interview. The maximum number of candidates is set to 35 students per class.

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