MA International Relations and Diplomacy

Two-year, four-semester graduate program under Tribhuvan University designed to produce analysts and practitioners in international relations, foreign policy, and diplomacy. Emphasizes theoretical foundations, regional studies, diplomatic practice, and research competence.
A multidisciplinary master’s program combining IR theory, diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, South Asian politics, international law, political economy, research methodology, and practical diplomatic skills. Students engage in seminars, presentations, term papers, and a thesis. The program prepares graduates for roles in government ministries, diplomatic services, international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, media, and academia. English-medium; competitive admission; heavy analytical workload.

Curricular structure 

Features
• English-medium program
• Competitive entrance exam + interview
• Strong theoretical and applied blend
• Focus on South Asian and global issues
• Research-based learning with thesis requirement
• Seminar, workshop, and presentation-heavy coursework
• Multidisciplinary and practice-oriented
• Designed to support professional diplomatic and policy careers
• Only offered at the Central Department of IRD, TU

Admission process 
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with second division or CGPA ≥ 2.0 (TU-recognized)
• Demonstrate English proficiency
• Submit application to the Dean’s Office (Humanities & Social Sciences)
• Sit for the competitive entrance exam (language + analytical reasoning)
• Achieve required score or ranking
• Participate in personal interview
• Selection based on combined exam score, qualifications, experience, and interview
• Limited intake (~50 per year)

Job prospects
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government ministries
• Foreign service/diplomatic career tracks
• International organizations (UN agencies, IOM, INGOs)
• Think tanks and policy research institutes
• NGOs working on governance, human rights, migration, development, climate, security
• Media and strategic communication roles
• Research and academia (teaching, research projects)
• Political risk analysis, consulting, advocacy
• Project coordination in development sector
• Roles requiring geopolitical analysis and international-policy assessment