Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies, Tribhuvan University

Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu

Estd. 2007

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Overview

The Department of Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies (CPDS) at Tribhuvan University offers graduate-level study focused on the changing forms of conflict and their relationship with peace and development. The department approaches conflict as a subject that crosses disciplinary boundaries and requires academic work that connects theory, research, and applied learning.

Its MA in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies is structured as a two-year program with four semesters and includes lectures, seminars, research, fieldwork, internships, and a thesis. The department also serves as an academic space for teaching, research, and exchange among scholars and practitioners working in conflict, security, and peace-related fields.

Quick Highlights

Institution: Department of Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies (CPDS)
University: Tribhuvan University
Primary Program: MA in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies
Program Level: Master's
Duration: Two years
Academic Structure: Four semesters
Language of Instruction: English
Assessment: Written assignments, exams, research papers, class participation, and thesis
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 80%
Admission Basis: Bachelor's degree and competitive screening
Academic Components: Lectures, seminars, research, fieldwork, and internships

Introduction to the Department

CPDS is focused on the study of conflict in its changing forms and settings. The department examines conflict beyond conventional disputes linked to religion, identity, and resources. Its academic focus includes forms of conflict such as narco-terrorism, human trafficking, trans-border crime syndicates, and political terrorism.

The department places importance on understanding conflict across different levels, including domestic, local, national, and global contexts. This broad scope supports study of how conflict intersects with peace processes, security concerns, governance, and development.

Academic Approach

The department follows a multidisciplinary academic approach. It brings together perspectives from social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences, and philosophy to support the study of conflict, peace, and development.

This structure reflects the view that contemporary conflict cannot be understood through a single discipline alone. By drawing from multiple fields, the department creates space for broader analysis of conflict processes, their causes, and their social and political consequences.

MA in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies

The main academic program offered by the department is the MA in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies. It is a two-year master's program divided into four semesters.

The program combines classroom-based learning with research and applied academic work. Its structure includes:

lectures
seminars
research
fieldwork
internships

In the final semester, students are required to complete a research thesis as part of the degree requirements.

Areas of Study

The MA program covers a range of academic themes related to conflict and peace. These include conflict analysis, peacebuilding strategies, governance, human rights, and development.

The course content is intended to help students examine the nature of conflict and its effects on societies and institutions. It also connects conflict studies with questions of peace processes and development practice.

Theory and Practice

A key feature of the department's academic orientation is the connection between theory and practice. Students engage with conceptual and analytical study while also taking part in research-based and field-based learning.

This structure supports the development of academic knowledge as well as skills relevant to mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding, policy analysis, teaching, and research.

Comparative Perspective

The program uses a comparative approach to the study of conflict and peace processes. It examines cases from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. This helps students study conflict across different historical and regional settings while considering both common patterns and local conditions.

The comparative perspective is also supported through student and faculty exchanges with partner institutions.

Academic Exchange and Partnerships

CPDS has academic links with international institutions working in related fields. The department has partnerships with:

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)
University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan

These partnerships support academic exchange and contact among students, faculty, academics, and practitioners.

Admission and Student Inclusion

The MA in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies is open to applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree. Admission is based on a competitive screening process.

The department also seeks applications from women, candidates from remote areas, and marginalized communities. Scholarships are available. For Nepalese students, the tuition fee may be paid in three installments per semester.

Language of Instruction and Assessment

English is the language of instruction and written academic work in the program. This supports participation in a department with an international student and faculty composition.

Student assessment includes written assignments, exams, research papers, and class participation. The final semester also requires submission of a research thesis. Regular attendance is compulsory, and students must maintain at least 80% attendance.

Academic Role of CPDS

Alongside its teaching function, CPDS also serves as a forum for academic and professional engagement in the fields of conflict, security, and peace. It brings together teaching, research, and exchange among those working in these areas.

This role gives the department an academic identity that extends beyond classroom instruction and places it within broader discussions on conflict, peace processes, and development.