Master in Urban Studies (MUS)

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Two-year interdisciplinary master’s program integrating social sciences, engineering, planning, and environmental studies to build expertise in urbanization, city systems, planning, governance, and sustainable urban transformation.

DESCRIPTION

Prepares professionals capable of understanding and managing the complexities of rapidly growing urban spaces. Combines theory, research, fieldwork, and technical tools such as GIS. Coursework spans urban history, culture, governance, demography, resilience, transport, finance, health, land use, and climate adaptation. The program emphasizes practical learning through studios, electives, internships, and dissertation projects. Graduates develop competencies needed for sustainable urban development, policy analysis, and infrastructure planning across governmental, private, and international sectors.

CURRICULAR STRUCTURE (TABLE)

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

THIRD SEMESTER (Choose any 5 electives)

FOURTH SEMESTER (Choose one route: Dissertation OR Internship + Research + Elective)

OPTION A — Dissertation Route

OPTION B — Internship + Independent Research + Elective

Electives (Final Semester)

Total Program Credits: 54

FEATURES

• Interdisciplinary curriculum integrating planning, governance, society, environmental systems, and GIS
• Heavy emphasis on research, studios, fieldwork, and applied urban problem solving
• Evening class schedule (4:30–7:30 PM) suited for working professionals
• Strong alignment with sustainable development, resilience, and SDG frameworks
• Practical exposure through internships or dissertation pathways
• Responds to Nepal’s growing need for urban development capacity

FEE

• Approx. NPR 451,000 (domestic students)
• SAARC students: NPR 676,500
• Other international students: NPR 902,000

ADMISSION PROCESS (POINTS)

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with ≥2.5 CGPA or ≥50%
• Application submission to KU School of Arts
• Written entrance test
• Interview
• Final selection based on combined performance

JOB PROSPECTS

• Urban development officer
• Urban governance and policy specialist
• City/urban planner
• Program and project manager
• Community development professional
• International development worker
• Public policy analyst
• Researcher in urban systems
• Urban disaster and resilience analyst
• Cultural and heritage consultant
• Emergency-response planner
• International aid and development coordinator