MA Rural Development

Two-year postgraduate programme under Tribhuvan University focused on multidimensional rural development, integrating economic, social, environmental, governance, and research components.
The programme examines rural poverty, inequality, socio-cultural dynamics, governance systems, natural resource management, and development practices. Students engage with policy frameworks, fieldwork, research, project management, and interdisciplinary analysis. Evaluation follows a structured 60–40 external–internal model. The curriculum builds capacity to work across grassroots, institutional, and policy levels in the development sector.

Curricular structure (table)

Features
Multidisciplinary curriculum
Strong fieldwork and research orientation
Internal evaluation: attendance, peer review, assignments, presentation, mid-term (40%)
External examination: board exam, 60% weightage
Freeship/scholarship available for 15% eligible students
Thesis requirement in final year
Flexible elective options in development practice

Admission process
Bachelor’s degree required (TU or equivalent)
Admission notice issued by TU FOHSS
Apply with academic and personal details
Mandatory entrance exam: 50 MCQs, 2 marks each, 1 hour
Pass marks: 40
Merit-based enrollment according to campus quota

Job prospects
Rural development officer
Planner or policy analyst in government agencies
Project coordinator in NGOs and INGOs
Researcher in development institutions
Community development specialist
Social mobilization expert
Disaster, climate, or migration programme officer
Academician in development studies