Institutions offering MAS in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure
The Master in Applied Science (MAS) in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (SRI) at the Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MBUST) is a research-based program tailored to meet the urgent global and local demand for infrastructure that can withstand natural and human-induced hazards while promoting environmental sustainability.
As Nepal navigates complex challenges; ranging from seismic activity and climate-induced disasters to rapid, often unplanned urbanization, this program equips professionals with the interdisciplinary expertise required to transform vulnerability into opportunity through innovation.
Unlike traditional course-based degrees that rely on existing "off-the-shelf" solutions, the MAS in SRI is a deeply research-oriented degree. Students are trained to solve complex, novel technological problems by applying rigorous research methodologies. This ensures that graduates are not only experts in their chosen niche but possess the analytical flexibility to excel in diverse professional sectors.
The program bridges the critical gap between engineering design and sectoral needs. By integrating engineering, science, planning, and policy, MBUST ensures that infrastructure is not designed in a vacuum but is specifically tailored to the socio-economic and cultural contexts of sectors like tourism, housing, and water supply.
Key Competencies
Graduates of the program will be proficient in:
- Resilient Design: Creating infrastructure that accounts for climate and disaster risks.
- Sustainable Materials: Utilizing eco-friendly and innovative construction alternatives.
- Risk Mitigation: Implementing advanced risk assessment and community-based land use planning.
- Systems Thinking: Applying life-cycle and systems-oriented approaches to project management.
- Inclusive Development: Balancing economic, social, ecological, and cultural dimensions of development.
Eligibility
4-year Bachelor's in science/engineering/technology subjects with CGPA of 2.75/4.0 (or international equivalent).
Curricular Structure
The program is grounded in applied, community-relevant research, with current efforts heavily focused on leveraging rural tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development. Key research domains include:
| Domain | Focus Areas |
| Rural Building Structures | Masonry/Bamboo/Timber resilience, structural health monitoring, and low-cost retrofitting. |
| Innovation in Materials | Sustainable alternatives, material improvement, and nanotechnology applications. |
| Rural Transportation | Design and development of resilient hiking and trekking trails. |
| Risk & Community | Risk-sensitive land use planning and strategies for local self-recovery. |
Academic Structure & Specialization
The MAS program offers high flexibility, allowing students to define their own unique specialization through their thesis work. Elective courses are curated to align with and support each student’s specific research goals, leading to expertise in fields such as:
- Structural Engineering
- Advanced Construction Materials
- Settlement Planning
- Building Design