Colleges offering BES under Kathmandu University
The Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES) is an innovative and interdisciplinary four-year (eight semesters) undergraduate program jointly offered by the School of Science and the School of Arts at Kathmandu University. Drawing on the combined strengths of these two esteemed schools, the BES program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of environmental issues through both scientific and socio-cultural lenses.
The School of Science, the first signatory school of Kathmandu University and a QAA-accredited institution by UGC Nepal, brings its well-established expertise in the planning and delivery of science-based and interdisciplinary programs. Similarly, the School of Arts, one of the oldest schools within the University, offers a rich academic foundation in humanities, social sciences, and contemporary disciplines such as mass communication, music, art, and philosophy.
With increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, this program is designed to prepare students for impactful careers and further academic pursuits in environmental science, policy, and advocacy. In addition to a solid academic curriculum, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through practicals, field trips, internal projects, conferences, and workshops, ensuring graduates are both knowledgeable and skilled.
This program is ideal for students passionate about the environment, sustainability, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. It provides a strong foundation for understanding and addressing the complex environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.
Salient Features
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Various scholarship opportunities, including a Fee waiver for entrance toppers, semester toppers, merit and need-based scholarships, endowment fund scholarships, research project-based scholarship, and employment opportunities for meritorious graduates, are also available.
Eligibility
Nepali or non-Nepali nationals with 10+2 or equivalent level education of at least 1.60 CGPA or 40% in aggregate, and GCE Advanced Level students passed in a minimum of three subjects in A level and one general paper in AS Level with a minimum 40% FUM in aggregate are eligible for admission.
The admission is open to all interested graduates of all the streams of Higher Secondary Schools, such as Science, Arts, Management, Computer, etc., with the minimum qualifications.
Job Prospects
Pursuing Bachelor of Environmental Studies opens doors to various career prospects which are as follows:
- Environmental Inspector,
- Environmentalist,
- Environmental Resource Manager,
- Ecologist/ Conservationist,
- Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E),
- Gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) Officer,
- Sustainable and Climate Finance Officer, EE/EIA Officer,
- Environmental Educator/ Environmental Lawyer/ Environmental Journalist/ Environmental consultant/ Environmental Reporter, and
- Many more in Natural Resources, Climate Change, Development, and Sustainability-related works.
Curricular Structure
The key courses and components of the curriculum are as follows:
- Environmental economics
- Community-based learning
- Environmental education
- Ecology
- Climate change
- GIS and remote sensing
- Environmental policy and law
- Environmental pollution
- Environmental health
- Environmental arts and groups
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Biological monitoring and food security
- Sustainability
- Nature-based solutions and innovation