MSc in Interdisciplinary Water Resources Management

Pokhara University
2 years
Rs. 200000
Updated December 7, 2025

University

Pokhara University

Duration

2 years

Fee

Rs. 200000

Summary

Two-year, four-semester master’s program focused on producing interdisciplinary water professionals capable of addressing hydrological, social, policy, economic, environmental, and governance challenges in water resources management.

The MSc in Interdisciplinary Water Resources Management under Pokhara University trains professionals in hydrology, hydraulics, water governance, environmental systems, disaster risk management, gender and social inclusion, legal frameworks, and integrated water resources management (IWRM). The program is supported by the Crossing Boundaries (CB) Project of the Netherlands, providing SAWA Fellowships to 10 students annually (8 female, 2 male).

Students complete 44 credits of coursework and a 16-credit thesis. The curriculum blends scientific, social, and policy-oriented perspectives to produce graduates capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating water resources programs in Nepal and South Asia.

Description

Curricular Structure (Table)

Total Credits: 60 (Coursework 44 + Thesis 16)

Semester I

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
IWM 611Hydrological Science3
IWM 612Water Flow and Hydraulics3
IWM 613Role of Water in Productive Activities3
IWM 614Society and Water: Public Health, Livelihood and Ecosystem3
IWM 615EIA and GIS Application in Water Resources3
IWM 616Presentation, Writing and Reporting Skills2

Semester II

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
IWM 621Economics of Water Resources Management3
IWM 622Gender, Water and Social Inclusion2
IWM 623Conflicts in Water Management3
IWM 624Legal and Policy Dimensions of Water Management3
IWM 711Water Induced Disaster and Risk Management3

Semester III

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
IWM 712Integrated Water Resources Management3
IWM 713Field Research Methodology4
IWM 714Power, Authority and History2
IWM 750Elective4

Semester IV

Course CodeCourse TitleCredits
IWM 700Thesis16

Features

Features

  • Interdisciplinary blend of engineering, social sciences, economics, governance, and environmental studies
  • Supported by CB Project with SAWA Fellowships (tuition + stipend + international exposure)
  • Strong focus on gender, social inclusion, conflict, and policy dimensions
  • Applied learning through field research, disaster management, hydrology, and IWRM
  • Designed to align with Nepal’s Water Resources Strategy (2002) and National Water Plan (2005)
  • Thesis-based research work strengthens analytical and professional capacity

Fee (Approximation)

  • Full fee paying students: NPR 200,000 for the entire course
  • SAWA Fellowship recipients: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend + study visit opportunities

Admission Process

Admission Process

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Basic Sciences, Applied Sciences, or Natural Sciences with second division
  • Apply when admissions open at Nepal Engineering College
  • Sit for entrance examination
  • Participate in interview (especially for SAWA Fellowship consideration)
  • Merit-based selection combining academics, test score, interview performance, and work experience
  • Enrollment into Semester I

Job Prospects

Job Prospects

  • Water resources manager
  • Hydrological and watershed analyst
  • Disaster risk reduction specialist
  • Water governance and policy consultant
  • Environmental and social safeguards specialist
  • Climate and water adaptation planner
  • Researcher in water security, livelihood, and ecosystems
  • GIS and water-focused data analyst
  • Project manager in NGOs, INGOs, and government agencies
  • Specialist in gender, water, and social inclusion programs