The Bachelor of Development Studies (BDevS), affiliated with Kathmandu University, is a four-year undergraduate program structured over eight semesters. Launched in 1999 as the first of its kind in Asia, this internationally recognized course spans 130 credit hours. With 16 weeks of intensive theoretical and practical instruction each semester, the program focuses on sustainable development through an interdisciplinary approach combining Economics, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Development Management, and Research.
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The BDevS program is designed to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the development sector and confront the challenges associated with planning, policy formulation, and implementation. Recognizing the significant influence of external actors on national development policies, the program emphasizes context-specific approaches to development rooted in the country's diverse socio-cultural and environmental realities.
PROGRAM OUTCOME
Upon the completion of this program, BDevS graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and practical skills on GIS (Geographical Information System), Environmental Impact Assessment, Project Management and Evaluation, Development Research, and Community Mobilization.
PROGRAM PROSPECTS
There is a high need for sustainable development practitioners in developing countries like Nepal, and the BDevS graduates are fulfilling this demand. BDevS graduates from National College have been working in NGO/INGO-led development projects, government organizations, donor agencies, and corporate sectors, as well as independent research work and self-employment projects. This program’s graduates are qualified for the Master's in Development Studies (MDevS), Master's in Sociology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Human and Natural Resources Management, Regional Planning, International Relations, Development Management, and other socio-economic related interdisciplinary programs, including MBA.
Eligibility
Students from all streams, such as humanities, management, science, or vocational studies, are eligible to apply.
Requirements for admission to the programs include a minimum of 45% in the aggregate in 10+2 (Higher Secondary Education Board) or equivalent in any stream or at least grade D in three subjects at the Advanced Level.
Students will have to pass an entrance test that consists of written and oral parts. The written test will be in Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge.
Students will be selected from the merit list prepared on the basis of the scores in 10+2 or Advance level, the written examination and interview.
Job Prospects
BDevS graduates from National College have been working in the NGO/ INGOs led development projects, government organizations, donor agencies, and corporate sectors, independent research works along with their self-employment projects. This program’s graduates are qualified for the Master in Development Studies (MDevS), Master in Sociology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Human and Natural Resources Management, Regional Planning, International Relations, Development Management, and other socio-economic related interdisciplinary programs including MBA among the others.
Curricular Structure
First Year First Semester 3 credit each
- Micro economics
- English I
- Ecology and Environment
- Basic Linear Algebra and Applications
- Nepali I (Grammar and Writing)
- Introduction to Sociology and Anthropology
- Innovation in Development (I Credit)
First Year Second Semester 3 credit each
- Concepts and Theories of Development
- Macro economics
- English Il
- Basic Calculus and Applications
- Nepali II (Literature and Research)
- Introductory Statistics
Second Year I Semester 3 credit each
- Community Development
- Monetary Economics
- Community Based Natural Resource Management
- Human Behavior and Organizations
- Nepalese Culture and Society
- Statistics II
Second Year II Semester 3 credit each
- Nepal's Political and Constitutional Development
- Development Communication
- Agriculture and Development
- Public Finance and Budgeting
- Education for Sustainable Development Gender
- Caste, Ethnicity and Social Inclusion
Third Year I Semester 3 credit each
- Conflict Resolution
- Project Management
- Microfinance and Enterprise
- Environment Policy and Law
- Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing
- Governance and Development
Third Year II Semester 3 credit each
- Research Methodology
- Urban Planning and Development
- Project Evaluation
- Development Economics
- Environment Assessment
- Tourism and Development
Fourth Year I Semester 3 credit each
- Proposal/Report Writing and Presentation
- Poverty & Food Security
- Public Health
- Internship
Fourth Year II Semester
- Project Work (6 credit)
- International Relations (3 credit)