MSc Biodiversity and Environmental Management

Two-year, four-semester TU–IOST master’s program focused on biodiversity science, conservation, environmental management, and interdisciplinary research linked to Himalayan and global ecological priorities.
Program integrates biodiversity assessment, conservation theory, environmental management, ecology, development policy, legislative frameworks, research methods, and field-based investigation. Curriculum blends lectures, lab work, field projects, term papers, seminars, and dissertation work. Designed to prepare graduates for advanced research, PhD studies, and professional roles in biodiversity and environmental governance.

Curricular structure (table)

Features
• Four-semester, 63-credit program (European Credit Transfer System aligned)
• Field-oriented and research-intensive training
• Lectures and training from TU faculty, government agencies, NGOs, and international experts
• Supported by international collaboration (Norad / NOMA)
• Annual intake of 15 students, including marginalized groups
• Continuous internal assessments + final examinations (first three semesters)
• Final semester dedicated to dissertation and oral defense

Eligibility
• Two–three-year bachelor’s + MSc degree, or four-year bachelor’s degree in biological sciences (Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetic Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry)
• Accredited university degree required

Admission criteria
• Mandatory entrance exam (100 marks, 2 hours, MCQs)
• Pass mark: 35%
• Merit calculation: 20% BSc marks + 80% entrance marks
• 80% seats open competition, 20% inclusive/reserved
• Reserved category requires SLC from community schools, backward-region criteria, and TU/community-campus bachelor background
• Vacant reserved seats transferred to open competition

Job prospects
• Biodiversity and conservation specialist
• Environmental impact assessment practitioner
• Researcher in ecological and environmental sciences
• Protected-area and wildlife-management roles
• Environmental policy and governance institutions
• NGOs/INGOs working in conservation and development
• Climate-change and ecosystem-management projects
• Academic and field-based research positions