Master of Arts in Political Science (MAPS) is a two year, 4 semester program of Tribhuvan University. Currently, campuses outside Kathmandu valley are running annual system and the campuses inside valley are running the program in semester system. The course is over viewed by the Central Department of Political Sciences under the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in TU, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The Master of Arts in Political Science (MA Political Science) degree is awarded by the Tribhuvan University.
MA in Political Science program is designed to produce competent graduates in the related field. The course can be ideal for those seeking to make a career in professional political science along with other sectors such as law, journalism, business and government. In addition to the theoretical knowledge, students benefits from robust methodological training.
MA in Political Science (MAPS) is a major discipline under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Tribhuvan University. It is one of the oldest and most reputed postgraduate program dedicated to develop qualified students having knowledge about theory and practices in political field. The interdisciplinary approach of this program is tended to provide theoretical knowledge of political science in general and the understanding of Nepalese politics and political system in particular.
This program offers:
- an opportunity to get theoretical and practical knowledge about different sub disciplines of political science
- an in-depth knowledge about multi dimensional approaches to the study of political science in the globalized context
- offers various methods of research including qualitative and quantitative techniques in general and their application in the study of political field
Objectives of the course:
- To build a student's theoretical and practical knowledge in the fundamental concepts of politics and sub disciplines of political science
- To produce globally saleable and competent manpower within the nation in all the sectors related to Political Sciences
- To teach students how the national, regional and global politics in a globalized world of the 21st century are interdependent and have reciprocal effects
- To produce skilled scholars, leaders and policymakers, including key executive authorities so far
- To provide theoretical knowledge of political science in general and particularly in the context of Nepalese politics and political system
- To train students and improve their abilities to withstand the increasing compete in different jobs, exams and research fields
- To enable students to analyze the basic philosophies and theories of governance, government, civil society and economy and implement them to current political systems
- To enable students to gather and assess the information and data used in the economic, foreign affairs, social and security policy-making area
- To enable students to conduct research and develop policy
Salient Features
Central Department of Political Science has made Thesis Writing a Compulsory course to each and every student for the completion of Master's Degree in Political Science. It is equivalent to Two Papers, i.e. Six Credit Hours in Final Fourth Semester.
Eligibility
In order to enroll in MA Political Science course a prospective student must have the following qualifications:
- The prospect must be certified with a Bachelors Level Degree from Tribhuvan University (TU) or any university recognized by TU.
- He / She must appear for an entrance examination conducted by Tribhuvan University.
- Furthermore, the student must obtain a minimum passing grade set by TU in that examination to successfully be granted a place in the program.
- The details of the entrance examinations, including the application forms and exam dates and times, are published by Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS).
Job Prospects
MA in Political Science degree not only opens roads to a political career but also in many other sectors as they develop skills in critical thinking, understanding of laws and policies, communication skills, knowledge of historical events, their causes and indicators, and ability to engage in social and political problems. This gives them a door to areas in politics, law, business, media, etc. Few of the scopes include:
- In the field of politics one might aim at a job in the federal government, public affairs and administration, or aim to be a lobbyist, political campaign manager or even a political leader.
- With their knowledge in legal matters one may consider going to law school or if not opt to become an analyst, legal adviser, paralegal or a legal assistant.
- Scopes in business include International business specialist, Market researcher, and Public Relations specialist.
- A student may also pursue a career in analyzing, reviewing and commenting as a political specialist in national or international news in the media.
- One may also choose to be an educator/professor in schools and colleges.
- With a MAPS degree one might also become a researcher/analyst to scientifically study different political choices of the people and government.
The Master of Arts in Political Science degree prepares graduates to work in an array of sectors, such as public affairs and public administration, secondary school, college, journalism, law, business and federal governments. The Master of Arts in Political Science degree holder can think of working as:
- Political Scientist
- Lobbyist
- Political Campaign Manager
- International Business Specialist
- Market Researcher
- PR Specialist
Prospect Careers
Curricular Structure
First Semester Courses
| Code No. | Subject | Credit Hrs. |
| MAPS-551 | Political Philosophy | 3 |
| MAPS-552 | Modern Political Theory | 3 |
| MAPS-553 | International Politics | 3 |
| MAPS-554 | Public Administration | 3 |
| MAPS-555 | Research Methodology | 3 |
Second Semester Courses
| Code No. | Subject | Credit Hrs. |
| MAPS-556 | Constitution and Government | 3 |
| MAPS-557 | Public Policy and Governance | 3 |
| MAPS-558 | Conflict, Peace and Development | 3 |
| MAPS-559 | International Law | 3 |
| MAPS-560 | Politics and Government of Nepal | 3 |
Third Semester Courses
| Code No. | Subject | Credit Hrs. |
| MAPS-561 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| MAPS-562 | Politics and governance of South Asia | 3 |
| MAPS-563 | Nepalese Politics and Political Behaviour | 3 |
| MAPS-564 | Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Nepal | 3 |
| MAPS-565 (1) | International Political Economy | 3 |
| MAPS-565 (2) | Diplomacy | 3 |
| MAPS-565 (3) | International Organization | 3 |
Fourth Semester Courses
| Code No. | Subject | Credit Hrs. |
| MAPS-566 | China and India | 3 |
| MAPS-567 | Democracy and Human Rights | 3 |
| MAPS-568(1) | Regional Studies: Middle East | 3 |
| MAPS-568(2) | Southeast Asia | 3 |
| MAPS-565 (3) | West Europe and USA | 3 |
