MA Labor Studies

Tribhuwan University
2 years
Rs.
Updated December 2, 2025

University

Tribhuwan University

Duration

2 years

Fee

Rs.

Summary

Two-year, four-semester interdisciplinary program examining labour, work, employment relations, labour rights, labour economics, migration, social policy, and the political, cultural, and economic systems shaping working populations.
Curriculum integrates sociology, economics, political economy, demography, human rights, labour law, industrial relations, migration studies, gender, development, and labour-market research. Focus is on conceptual, theoretical, and applied knowledge of labour systems, employment patterns, informality, globalization, and labour security. Program combines classroom teaching, research, fieldwork, policy analysis, and practical modules such as mapping, GIS, and labour statistics. Graduates develop analytical competence for labour policy, human resources, research, social advocacy, and governance roles.

 

Description

Curricular structure (condensed)

SemesterComponents
IConcepts & Foundations; Society, Culture & Labour; Labour Economics; Labour Standards & Law; Global Issues in World of Work
IIPolitical Economy of Labour Markets; Employment & Social Security; Industrial & Employment Relations; Research Methodology; Human & Labour Rights
IIICare Economy & Informal Sector; Labour Statistics; Occupational Health & Safety; Two optional papers (Social Dialogue / Labour Movements / Labour Demography + HR Projection / International Business & Labour / Gender & Labour / PM&E of Employment)
IVLabour Diplomacy & Human Security; Globalization & Labour Mobility; Two optional papers (Administration & Governance / Poverty & Employment / Entrepreneurship & IR + Labour Mapping & GIS / Labour Geography / Productivity / Nutrition & Labour Efficiency / Labour Econometrics); Thesis (6 credits)

Features

Features

  • Total 60 credits.
  • Thesis compulsory (6 credits).
  • English-medium instruction.
  • Flexible class hours (morning/evening).
  • Combination of academic theory and applied labour-sector training.
  • Evaluation ratio generally 40% internal + 60% external.
  • Practical subjects (GIS, mapping) heavier on internal assessment.
  • Designed to prepare both researchers and practitioners.

 

Admission Process

Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline recognized by TU.
  • Must pass written entrance exam and oral interview.
  • Merit list considers entrance performance (and may consider bachelor-level marks).

Admission criteria

  • Annual admission cycle.
  • Submit application with required documents.
  • Sit for qualifying entrance exam.
  • Attend interview (for shortlisted candidates).
  • Final selection based on merit.
  • Intake capacity: 50 students per batch.

Admission process (point form)

  • Obtain and submit the application form.
  • Sit for entrance/eligibility test conducted by TU FOHSS/Program Office.
  • Undergo interview if shortlisted.
  • Merit-based admission; pay fees to confirm enrollment.

Job Prospects

Job prospects

  • Trade union educator or researcher.
  • Mediator in labour disputes.
  • HR specialist, labour-relations officer, organizational policy officer.
  • Academic and teaching roles.
  • Labour policy analyst in government, NGOs, INGOs.
  • Employment and economic-development officer.
  • Researcher in labour rights, migration, social protection, inequality, and workforce studies.