Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing (BYSW)

Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing (BYSW) at Kathmandu University School of Arts

Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing (BYSW) is a four-year undergraduate program at Kathmandu University School of Arts (KUSOA), Hattiban, Lalitpur. The program is jointly owned by the School of Arts and School of Medical Sciences of Kathmandu University (KU).

Its curriculum combines yogic traditions and practice with human biology, Asian philosophies, Sanskrit, psychology, wellbeing, biomechanics, nutrition, research, Ayurveda, meditation, ethics, internship, and thesis work.

BYSW is structured across eight semesters. It carries 138 credits based on the semester credit totals, with practical yoga, human biology practicums, project work, a Yoga Lab, Yogic Internship, and Research Paper/Thesis built into the curriculum. The maximum cohort size is 24 students.

Quick Highlights

About Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing

BYSW brings several areas of study into one undergraduate curriculum. Yoga is approached through its historical foundations, philosophical traditions, practical systems, human biology, psychology, health and wellbeing, research, ethics, and related traditional knowledge.

The first year establishes foundations through History and Foundation of Yogic Sciences, Sanskrit, Human Biology for Yoga, Asian Philosophies, English for Yogic Sciences, yoga practice, and human biology practicums. The second year moves into biomechanics, psychology, capabilities and wellbeing, Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan yogic practices, naturopathy, and applied yoga.

Later semesters introduce nutrition, research methodology, Ayurveda and Herbal Science, entrepreneurship, different schools of yoga practice, Yoga Lab, ethics, yogic therapy and mental health, traditional Nepali health systems, meditation, mantra and mindfulness, Yoga and Tantra, internship, and thesis work.

The program should therefore be understood as a broad university degree in yogic science and wellbeing rather than a short yoga-training course.

Duration and Credit Structure

Duration: Four years

Academic Structure: Eight semesters

Total Credits: 138 credits

The first six semesters each carry 18 credits. The final two semesters carry 15 credits each, producing a total curriculum load of 138 credits.

The structure moves from foundation study toward increasingly applied, research-oriented, and independent academic work.

BYSW Curriculum

First Year, First Semester

Semester Total: 18 credits.

First Year, Second Semester

Semester Total: 18 credits.

Second Year

The third semester includes Human Biology for Yoga III, Yoga in Global Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Patanjala Yoga System, Biomechanics for Yoga, and Applied Yoga I.

The fourth semester includes Psychology for Yoga, Information & Communication Technology for Yogic Sciences, Capabilities and Wellbeing, Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Yogic Practices, Naturopathy (Pancakarma), and Applied Yoga II. Each semester carries 18 credits.

Third-Year Study

The third year shifts more clearly toward research, applied knowledge, ethics, and advanced yoga-related study.

Third Year, First Semester

The curriculum includes Nutrition and Diet, Yoga and Wellbeing, Research Methodology, Yoga System of Gorakhnath, Principles of Ethics, and Project Work. Each course carries three credits, giving a semester total of 18 credits.

Third Year, Second Semester

Students study Ayurveda and Herbal Science I, Entrepreneurship and Wellbeing, Research Applications in Yogic Sciences, Yogic Principles in Srīmad-Bhagavad-Gīta, Different Schools of Yoga Practices, and Yoga Lab.

The Yoga Lab gives the curriculum a distinct practical component at the same stage that students are developing research-related academic work. The semester carries 18 credits.

Fourth-Year Study

The final year brings together advanced coursework, internship, meditation-related study, and independent research.

Fourth Year, First Semester

Students take:

• BYSW 401 Ayurveda and Herbal Science II

• BYSW 402 Ethics for Yogic Practitioners

• BYSW 403 Yogic Therapy and Mental Health

• BYSW 404 Yogic Readings in Yogic Texts

• BYSW 440 Yogic Internship

Each course carries three credits, for a semester total of 15 credits.

Fourth Year, Second Semester

The concluding semester includes Traditional Nepali Health Systems, Meditation, Mantra, and Mindfulness, Yoga and Tantra, and Research Paper/Thesis.

Each course carries three credits, giving a final-semester total of 15 credits.

The progression from Research Methodology and Project Work in the third year to Research Applications in Yogic Sciences and the final Research Paper/Thesis gives research a continuing place in the degree rather than limiting it to the last semester.

Practical Learning

Practical study appears from the first year.

Yoga in Practice I and II are supported by Human Biology Practicum I and II. Applied Yoga I and II follow in the second year, while the third year includes Yoga Lab. The fourth year adds a Yogic Internship.

This sequence connects classroom-based subjects with practical work throughout the degree.

Students are therefore expected to engage with both conceptual and applied components, including human biology, yoga practice, research, project work, laboratory activity, and internship.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Applicants from any education background may apply if they have completed high school or a 10+2 equivalent qualification with a minimum CGPA of 2.0.

The admission criteria do not restrict applicants to a particular high-school stream.

Admission and entrance procedures operate according to Kathmandu University rules and the requirements applicable to BYSW.

Seats

Seats: The maximum cohort size is 24 students per intake.

This figure is consistent with the finalized KUSOA program context, which identifies 24 seats for Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing.

Evaluation Methods

Student performance is divided equally between internal and external evaluation.

In-semester evaluation can include class tests, reflection, midterm assessment, assignments, journal or portfolio work, class performance, presentations, and attendance.

End-semester evaluation carries the remaining 50% and is conducted externally through the Office of the Controller of Examination.

Students must obtain at least 40% independently in both evaluation components to successfully complete a course.

Attendance and Academic Progression

Students are required to maintain at least 80% attendance.

A student who does not meet the attendance requirement is classified as “Not qualified” and cannot appear in the external end-semester examination for the applicable course.

The academic rules also state that a student who fails to secure 50% of the total credits offered in a semester must drop out from that semester.

These conditions make regular participation and successful completion of semester credits important parts of academic progression.

Internship and Research Paper/Thesis

The fourth year includes BYSW 440 Yogic Internship and BYSW 450 Research Paper/Thesis, each carrying three credits.

The internship follows earlier practical courses such as Yoga in Practice, Applied Yoga, Human Biology Practicum, Project Work, and Yoga Lab.

The thesis also follows a research sequence that includes Research Methodology and Research Applications in Yogic Sciences. This gives students experience with research before the final independent academic component.

Academic Scope and Skills

The curriculum can support development in areas directly connected with its subjects, including yoga practice, understanding of human biology for yoga, Sanskrit used within yogic study, research, academic writing, ethical reasoning, project work, and engagement with different yogic traditions.

Students also encounter psychology, nutrition, wellbeing, biomechanics, Ayurveda, meditation, traditional health systems, and entrepreneurship as academic subjects.

These areas should be understood within the scope of the bachelor's curriculum. The degree itself does not establish medical licensing or independent clinical authority.

Program Contact

The Yogic Sciences & Wellbeing Program has a separate KUSOA contact.

Contact: Dr. Hemraj Koirala
Phone: 9851036221
Email: bysw@kusoa.edu.np

General School of Arts admission communication is available through:

Admissions Email: soa_admission@ku.edu.np
Admissions Phone: 9801298094

Who May Consider BYSW?

BYSW may suit students who want a four-year academic study of yoga that combines practical training with philosophy, human biology, research, psychology, nutrition, ethics, and related traditions.

Applicants should be comfortable with both practical and academic work. The curriculum includes Sanskrit, biological sciences, written research, practical yoga, laboratory activity, project work, internship, and a final thesis.

The program may be particularly relevant to students looking for a university degree in yogic science and wellbeing rather than a short-term yoga course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing at KUSOA?

BYSW is a four-year undergraduate program organized across eight semesters.

How many credits are included in BYSW?

The semester totals add up to 138 credits across the four-year curriculum.

How many seats are available for BYSW?

The maximum cohort size is 24 students per intake.

What is the eligibility for Bachelor in Yogic Science and Wellbeing?

Applicants from any education background can apply with a high school or 10+2 equivalent qualification and a minimum CGPA of 2.0.

What subjects are studied in BYSW?

The curriculum includes yogic science, Sanskrit, human biology, Asian philosophies, psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, research, Ayurveda, meditation, ethics, yoga practice, traditional health systems, internship, and thesis work.

Does BYSW include practical yoga courses?

Yes. Practical components include Yoga in Practice I and II, Applied Yoga I and II, Human Biology Practicums, and Yoga Lab.

Does the program include an internship?

Yes. BYSW 440 Yogic Internship is a three-credit course in the fourth year.

Is research part of the BYSW curriculum?

Yes. Students study Research Methodology and Research Applications in Yogic Sciences, complete Project Work, and finish with a Research Paper/Thesis.

How are BYSW students evaluated?

Assessment consists of 50% in-semester evaluation and 50% external end-semester examination. Students must obtain at least 40% in both components independently.

What attendance is required for BYSW?

Students must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance to qualify for the applicable external end-semester examinations.

Is BYSW jointly connected with the School of Medical Sciences?

Yes. The program is jointly owned by Kathmandu University's School of Arts and School of Medical Sciences.