Faculty of Forestry, Agriculture and Forestry University

The Faculty of Forestry (FOF) is one of three faculties under Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) in Nepal. Based in Hetauda, Makawanpur, the faculty focuses on forestry, environment, and natural resource management through academic study, research, and field-based learning. Its academic activities cover undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education in forestry-related fields.

The faculty began its academic program in 2013 with B.Sc. Forestry and later developed postgraduate study through M.Sc. and PhD programs. Teaching and research are organized through eight academic departments, with practical learning supported by field visits, case studies, research activities, and a 95 ha forest used for hands-on academic work.

Quick Highlights

Faculty Background

Agriculture and Forestry University was established in 2010 after legislation for the university was passed in June of that year. Its development involved the upgrading and merging of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science at Rampur, Chitwan, and the Institute of Forestry at Hetauda, Makawanpur.

AFU operates through three faculties:

• Faculty of Agriculture (FOA)

• Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries (FAVF)

• Faculty of Forestry (FOF)

Within this structure, the Faculty of Forestry concentrates on education and research connected with forests, environmental concerns, and natural resource management. Its academic direction links forestry education with sustainability, field practice, research, and community-related natural resource issues.

The faculty began academic activities in 2013 with B.Sc. Forestry. Postgraduate academic programs in forestry science, including Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy study, also began in Hetauda in 2013.

Academic Focus

The academic work of the Faculty of Forestry covers forestry, environmental studies, biodiversity, watershed management, wildlife, forest products, forest measurement, silviculture, natural resource economics, policy, and related areas.

Its teaching and research approach combines classroom study with practical work. Students may take part in field activities, case studies, laboratory or practical exercises connected with their courses, and research work.

Research activities also address community-based issues. Faculty members and students work across forestry research, natural resource management, policy, and practice while connecting academic work with local contexts.

Programs Offered

The Faculty of Forestry provides academic study at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

Postgraduate programs operate under the Directorate of Post Graduate Programme. The M.Sc. program combines coursework with research, while doctoral study requires an academic and research background that meets the stated admission conditions.

B.Sc. Forestry and Extended Academic Presence

B.Sc. Forestry was the first academic program started by the Faculty of Forestry in 2013.

From 2019, bachelor's-level forestry study was also conducted through:

• College of Natural Resources Management (CNRM), Katari, Udaipur District, as a constituent college

• Shiddant College, Susta Purba, Nawalparasi District, as an affiliated college

Each of these institutions has a stated capacity of 50 students for the bachelor's program.

M.Sc. Forestry

The M.Sc. program runs for four semesters, with each semester lasting six months. It combines coursework and research and requires students to complete thesis work in the final semester.

For M.Sc. Forestry, applicants must hold a B.Sc. Forestry or equivalent degree and have completed a minimum of 16 years of education under the 10+2+4 structure.

Admission is based on an entrance examination.

For M.Sc. Forestry (Biodiversity) and M.Sc. Forestry (Environmental Science), eligible academic backgrounds include:

• B.Sc. Forestry

• B.Sc. Environmental Science

• M.Sc. Botany

• M.Sc. Zoology

• B.Sc. Ag.

• Equivalent degree

Applicants are also required to have completed a minimum of 16 years of education.

M.Sc. Academic Structure

The master's program progresses from subject-based coursework to research preparation and thesis work.

First Semester

The first semester includes subjects such as:

• Advance Silviculture

• Sustainable Forest Management

• Wild Life and Protected Area Management

• Advance Wood and Non-wood Utilization

• Advance Watershed Management

• Advance Natural Resource Economics

• Term Paper and Seminar

Second Semester

Study areas include:

• Community Based Forest Management and Governance

• World Forestry System

• Climate Change and Impacts on Natural Resources

• Environmental Impact Assessment

• Agroforestry Systems and Management

• Renewable Energy Resources and Bio-Energy

• Forest Policy, Laws and International Conventions

• Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration

• Term Paper and Seminar

Third Semester

The third semester moves further into research preparation and specialized study. Components include:

• Statistical Analysis and Research Methodology

• Research and Thesis

• Computer Programming (C++)

• GIS Application in Natural Resources

• Special Study

Students select special papers according to the program structure.

Fourth Semester

The final semester is centered on:

• Research and Thesis

• Seminar

This stage allows students to concentrate on research and complete the thesis requirement.

PhD in Forestry

The PhD program includes two study routes: Degree by Course and Research and Degree by Research.

Degree by Course and Research

Applicants are required to have an M.Sc. degree in Forestry or a related subject with first division on a percentage basis or a CGPA of 3.25/4.0 in a related or relevant field. Prerequisite courses may apply according to the applicant's previous M.Sc. study.

Other requirements include:

• At least one research article as first author

• English as the medium of undergraduate and postgraduate study, with IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE considered in special cases

• Two confidential recommendation letters

• At least one recommendation from a university professor in the relevant subject

• An acceptable research proposal for the PhD dissertation

• Assured research funding

Degree by Research

This route requires at least five years of work experience in academic, research, or development activities after completing an M.Sc. degree.

Applicants must have passed the M.Sc. degree with at least second division on a percentage basis or a CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a related or relevant field. Prerequisite courses may apply according to previous academic study.

Research publication requirements vary according to the applicant's academic result:

• Applicants with first division or CGPA 3.25/4.0 must have at least two first-author research articles.

• Applicants with second division or a CGPA below 3.25/4.0 must have at least three first-author research articles.

Applicants must also meet the stated English-medium requirement or the applicable language proficiency condition, submit two confidential recommendation letters, prepare an acceptable concept research proposal, and have assured research funding.

Departments

Academic teaching and research are organized through eight departments:

1. Department of Basic Science and Humanities

2. Department of Ecology and Environmental Science

3. Department of Forest Products Utilization

4. Department of Forest Survey and Engineering

5. Department of Natural Resource Management

6. Department of Silviculture and Forest Biology

7. Department of Soil and Watershed Management

8. Department of Wildlife and Protected Reserve

These departments cover biological, environmental, technical, management, and policy-related areas within forestry education.

Field-Based Learning and Research

Practical work forms a distinct part of the faculty's academic activities. A 95 ha forest supports field-based learning where students can apply concepts covered in their courses.

Practical exposure includes:

• Course-related field visits

• Case studies

• Field-based observations and exercises

• Research activities

• Laboratory and practical components in relevant subjects

• Thesis and dissertation work at postgraduate levels

This combination gives students direct academic exposure to forest and natural resource settings alongside classroom and research-based study.

Academic and Research Community

The Faculty of Forestry has eight departments with 16 faculty members involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Academic work is supported by 35 administrative and technical staff members.

Faculty and students also take part in research related to forestry, natural resources, communities, policy, and management. The academic setting brings together teaching, mentoring, fieldwork, research, and postgraduate supervision within the forestry discipline.

Contact Details

Institution: Faculty of Forestry (FOF), Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU)

Location: Hetauda, Makawanpur, Nepal

Phone: +977-57-524154, +977-57-527354

Email: deanforestry@afu.edu.np

Website: www.afu.edu.np/forestry

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