Master in Human and Natural Resource Studies
University
Kathmandu University
Duration
2 years
Fee
Rs. 451000
Colleges
1+
Summary
Short description
A two-year interdisciplinary master’s program focused on natural resource management, community development, environmental governance, and applied research, designed to build technical, analytical, and field-based competence for work in development, policy, and resource governance sectors.
Description
The Master in Human and Natural Resource Studies (HNRS) develops professionals who understand the interdependencies between human systems and natural ecosystems. The program integrates social sciences, environmental studies, economics, and governance, emphasizing real-world research, community engagement, and problem-solving for equitable and sustainable resource management.
The curriculum prepares graduates to analyze rural societies, design development interventions, assess natural resource conflicts, work with marginalized groups, and manage projects. Strong emphasis is placed on fieldwork, community internships, participatory learning, and applied research. Options for dissertation or internship allow specialization in academic or professional pathways.
Description
Curricular Structure (table)
| Component | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ~39 | Development studies, gender & inclusion, environmental economics, conflict & resource management, public policy, project management, forestry, wildlife, climate change, ecosystem analysis, research methodology, data analysis |
| Electives / Advanced Topics | Variable | Urban development, social protection, SDG localization, deliberative governance, displacement studies, alternative energy |
| Dissertation Option (A) | 9 | Supervised academic research with proposal defense and final submission |
| Internship Option (B) | 6 + 3 | Community internship (3) + Independent study (3) |
| Total Required | 48 credits | Completion within 2 years (max. 5 years allowed) |
Features
Features
• Strong interdisciplinary design blending social and ecological sciences
• Heavy emphasis on fieldwork, applied research, and community engagement
• Focus on marginalized and disadvantaged groups
• Options for academic research or practice-oriented internships
• Small intake (24 per semester) ensuring close faculty supervision
• Grading system with minimum CGPA requirement of 3.0
• Ideal preparation for development careers and doctoral studies
Fee
• Tentative: NPR 451,000
Admission Process
Eligibility
• 3 or 4-year bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Minimum 45% or CGPA 2.0
• Must pass entrance exam evaluating language skills and analytical ability
Admission process (point form)
• Admission announcement in December
• Obtain and submit application form with required documents
• Sit for entrance examination
• Selection based on exam ranking and academic qualification
• Successful candidates enroll and choose desired course progression
Job Prospects
Job prospects
• Specialist in rural development
• Natural resource program officer
• Social researcher
• Development planner
• Climate and environment analyst
• Community development coordinator
• Policy analyst for government or development partners
• NGO/INGO project manager
• Livelihoods and inclusion specialist
• Monitoring and evaluation officer
• Consultant in natural resource governance
• Researcher or PhD aspirant
Colleges Offering This Course
Kathmandu University School of Arts
No entrance requirements available
No curriculum information available
Contact the university for detailed curriculum information