Master of Political Science (MAPS) in Nepal is a 2-year/4-semester program of Tribhuvan University under the Humanities and Social Sciences faculty.
Presently, institutions outside the Kathmandu Valley offer this course annually, while campuses within the Kathmandu Valley run the program in the semester system.
MAPS is a post-graduate program that focuses on theories and practices of government and public policies. This helps you understand different facets of government, political events and the political landscape of different countries.
Upon completing your master’s in political science, you can work as a political scientist on political campaigns and assist political leaders or bureaucrats. You can also analyse and report on political developments in the country or province or advise non-governmental organisations in building political and social support for their efforts.
Master of Political Science graduates can earn between NPR 45,000 and 1,80,000 monthly. However, salaries vary drastically based on the experience, skills and location of different executive and management careers.
Key Takeaways of Master of Political Science in Nepal
Course |
Master of Political Science (MAPS) |
Course duration |
2 years (4 semesters) |
Eligibility |
Applicants with Bachelor’s degree from TU or other Universities. Must pass the entrance examination conducted by TU |
Average fee |
Information N/A |
Average Salary |
NPR 45,000 - 1,80,000 per month |
Job designations |
Archivist, Foreign Correspondent, Intelligence expert, City Planner, Diplomat, Executive Advisor, Translator with a Foreign Envoy, Government Affairs Director, Political Consultant, Public Relations Specialist, Political Scientist and more |
Admission requirements for Master of Political Science in Nepal
- To enrol for a MAPS degree, you must hold at least a Bachelor's Degree from TU or any other University.
- You must pass the entrance examination conducted by the TU.
(Note: The Central Department of Political Studies (CDPS) publishes the entrance examination details, application forms, exam date and time.)
Medium of instruction
The medium of instruction for a Master's in political science is English. You will be required to appear exam of assessment and other internal/external tests in English. Likewise, you are also required to complete your master’s level thesis in the English language.
Course requirements
Tribhuvan University has set requirements for students pursuing MAPS in Nepal. Failure to meet the set requirements often prohibits students from appearing in final examinations. The course requirements set by TU for masters in political science students are as follows:
- Attendance of at least 75 % of the entire class is compulsory.
- Students must submit their assignments, reports and thesis within the set deadline.
Thesis Writing
Thesis Writing is compulsory to complete a Master’s Degree in Political Science. It is equivalent to Two Papers, i.e. Six Credit hours in the Final year/ Fourth Semester. It must be written in English language and completed within the given deadline.
Criteria for Internal Assessment
The overall grading system of the Masters in Political Science course depends on external and internal examinations. The grading criteria are as follows:
S.N. |
Assignment |
Description |
Weightage/Value |
1 |
Attendance and active participation in classroom teaching |
75% compulsory attendance of total class |
10% |
2 |
Individual and group research paper (GRP) |
Presentation in classroom |
10% |
3 |
Term paper and mid-term exam |
Presentation in-house seminar |
20% |
4 |
Written Examination |
The written exam conducted by Dean’s Office |
60% |
|
Syllabus of Master of Political Science in Nepal as per TU
Master’s Level in Political Science First Semester
Paper |
Code No. |
Title of Course |
Credit hrs. |
Remarks |
1. |
MAPS-551 |
Political Philosophy |
3 |
Required |
2. |
MAPS-552 |
Modern Political Theory |
3 |
|
3. |
MAPS-553 |
International Politics |
3 |
|
4. |
MAPS-554 |
Public Administration |
3 |
|
5. |
MAPS-555 |
Research Methodology |
3 |
Second Semester
Paper |
Code No. |
Title of Course |
Credit hrs. |
Remarks |
1. |
MAPS-556 |
Constitution and Government |
3 |
Required |
2. |
MAPS-557 |
Public Policy and Governance |
3 |
|
3. |
MAPS-558 |
Conflict, Peace and Development |
3 |
|
4. |
MAPS-559 |
International Law |
3 |
|
5. |
MAPS-560 |
Politics and Government of Nepal |
3 |
Third Semester
Paper |
Code No. |
Title of Course |
Credit hrs. |
Remarks |
1. |
MAPS-561 |
Comparative Government: Unitary and Federal Systems |
3 |
Required |
2. |
MAPS-562 |
Politics and Governance of South Asia |
3 |
|
3. |
MAPS-563 |
Nepalese Politics and Political Behaviour |
3 |
|
4. |
MAPS-564 |
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Nepal |
3 |
|
5. |
MAPS-565(1) |
International Political Economy |
3 |
*Optional any three |
6. |
MAPS-565(2) |
Diplomacy |
3 |
|
7. |
MAPS-565(3) |
International Organization |
3 |
Fourth Semester
Paper |
Code No. |
Title of Course |
Credit hrs. |
Remarks |
1. |
MAPS-566 |
China and India |
3 |
Required |
2. |
MAPS-567 |
Diplomacy and Human Rights |
3 |
|
3. |
MAPS-568(1) |
Regional Studies: Middle East |
3 |
*Optional any one |
4. |
MAPS-568(2) |
Southeast Asia |
3 |
|
5. |
MAPS568(3) |
West Europe and the USA |
3 |
|
6. |
MAPS-569 |
Thesis Writing |
6 |
Complete syllabus of Masters in Politics as per TU
(Note: Offered optional courses are affected by the availability of teaching faculty and the number of students.)
Colleges to Study Master of Political Science in Nepal
Colleges |
Location |
Active Academy College |
Basundhara, Kathmandu |
Birendranagar Multiple Campus |
Chakrapani, Surkhet |
Central Department of political science, Tribhuvan University |
Kritipur |
Mahendra Multiple Campus |
Dang |
Mahendra Multiple Campus |
Dharan |
Mahendra Multiple Campus |
Nepalgunj |
Padma Kanya Multiple Campus |
Bagbazar, Kathmandu |
Post Graduate (Degree)Campus |
Biratnagar |
Prithvi Narayan Campus |
Bagar, Pokhara |
Ramsorup Ramsagar Multiple Campus |
Janakpur |
Thakur Ram Multiple Campus |
Birgunj |
|
Job opportunities
Upon completing your MA in Political Science, you have many options depending on your area of interest.
Many opt for the government/public sector, like civil services, where they can directly contribute to the nation.
You can also pursue your career in the private sector. Many multinational companies and firms hire Political Science students in their Human Resources and other departments like consulting.
A research field is also an option for MAPS graduates. Several reputed Universities accept scholars to research in the field of political science.
Other non-conventional jobs for political science graduates include political writing and political expert for media houses.
As a political scientist, you can also work in the following areas:
- Public Administration
- Public Planning
- Social Policy
- Academics
- Public Affairs
- Analysis
- International Organisation
- International Relations / International Affairs
Other job positions for Master in Political Science degree holders and their estimated salaries in Nepal are as follows:
Master in Political Science Graduate Job Positions |
Average Salary Range (NPR per month) |
Archivist |
28,000 - 55,000 |
Foreign Correspondent |
47,000 - 1,37,000 |
Intelligence expert |
1,91,000 - 2,14,000 |
Policy Analyst |
43,000 - 1,45,000 |
Executive Advisor |
36,000 - 1,09,000 |
Political Scientist |
39,000 - 1,80,000 |
Government Affairs Director |
1,24,000 |
Public Relations Specialist |
36,000 - 1,35,000 |
Political Consultant |
48,000 - 1,40,000 |