MA in Rural Development

MA in Rural Development at Bardagoriya College

The Master of Arts in Rural Development at Bardagoriya College is a two-year postgraduate program affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU). It follows a four-semester structure and examines rural development through economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental perspectives.

The course connects development theory with research, field-based practice, local governance, rural finance, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, technology, and natural resource management. It is designed for graduates who want to study the challenges and development needs of rural communities in greater depth.

Bardagoriya College is located in Bardagoriya Rural Municipality–1, Bauniya, Kailali, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal.

Course Details

Course: Master of Arts in Rural Development
Abbreviation: MA RD / MRD
College: Bardagoriya College
Affiliation: Tribhuvan University (TU)
Level: Master’s degree
Duration: Two years
Academic Structure: Four semesters
Location: Bardagoriya Rural Municipality–1, Bauniya, Kailali
Evaluation: 40 percent internal and 60 percent external
Minimum Attendance: 80 percent
Research Component: Compulsory thesis

Course Overview

Rural development is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the conditions that shape life and change in rural areas. The MA program studies development in relation to poverty, inequality, unemployment, migration, local institutions, livelihoods, public policy, economic activity, culture, and the environment.

Students examine how development plans and policies are prepared and applied in different social and economic settings. The course also gives attention to research methods and field-based study, helping students connect academic concepts with rural conditions and development practices.

Who May Find This Course Suitable?

The program may suit graduates interested in rural communities, local governance, development planning, public policy, social research, cooperatives, agriculture, natural resources, or community-based programs.

It involves academic reading, written assignments, presentations, statistical and research work, practical study, and thesis preparation. Students should therefore be prepared for both classroom learning and independent research.

Eligibility and Admission

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from Tribhuvan University or another recognized university.

Admission is connected with an entrance system. Candidates who secure a position through the merit-based entrance process become eligible for admission.

Semester-wise Curriculum

First Semester

The first semester establishes the theoretical, economic, social, governance, and research foundations of rural development.

• RDS 501: Rural Development—Theory and Discourse

• RDS 502: Economic Dimensions of Rural Development

• RDS 503: Socio-cultural Dimensions of Rural Development

• RDS 504: Local Governance in Nepal

• RDS 505: Research Methodology in Rural Development

Second Semester

The second semester places greater emphasis on Nepal’s rural context, planning, finance, cooperatives, and the practical use of research methods.

• RDS 511: Rural Development in Nepal

• RDS 512: Planning, Policies, and Strategies for Rural Development

• RDS 513: Rural-Urban Linkage

• RDS 514: Rural Finance and Cooperative Development

• RDS 515: Application of Research Methodology

Third Semester

Third-semester study moves towards project management, technology, tourism, entrepreneurship, and practical rural development work.

• RDS 521: Energy and Rural Technology

• RDS 522: Rural Project Management

• RDS 523: Tourism for Rural Development

• RDS 524: Rural Marketing and Entrepreneurship Development

• RDS 525: Rural Development Practice

Fourth Semester

The final semester covers natural resources, climate change, livelihoods, optional study areas, and thesis research.

• RDS 531: Natural Resource Management

• RDS 532: Climate Change and Livelihood Strategies

• RDS 533: Human Resource Development — Optional

• RDS 534: Nepalese Agriculture and Development — Optional

• RDS 535: Gender and Development — Optional

• RDS 536: Thesis — Compulsory

The semester curriculum combines core academic study with practical work and independent research.

Evaluation and Attendance

Student evaluation is divided between internal assessment and the semester-end written examination.

Internal Evaluation: 40 percent
External Examination: 60 percent

Internal assessment includes assignments, an individual term paper, presentations, a midterm examination, attendance, punctuality, and participation in classroom discussions.

Students must attend at least 80 percent of classes to appear in the end-term examination. They must also sit for the midterm examination to qualify for the external semester examination.

Research and Practical Learning

Research is included throughout the program, beginning with research methodology and continuing through its practical application. Students also complete Rural Development Practice in the third semester and a compulsory thesis in the fourth semester.

These components allow students to work with research questions, collect and assess information, study rural conditions, prepare academic reports, and present findings in a structured form.

Learning Environment at Bardagoriya College

Bardagoriya College provides a library for academic reading, assignment work, and research preparation. Classes are taught by skilled and experienced professors, and regular internal examinations are conducted to assess student progress.

The college maintains a clean and peaceful academic environment. Scholarships are also available in various fields for eligible students.

Academic and Career Direction

Graduates may explore work related to rural development, community programs, local governance, development projects, cooperatives, social research, rural entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, and natural resource management.

The course is also relevant to development-related roles in government and non-government organizations. Individual opportunities depend on academic performance, research ability, practical experience, organizational requirements, and the nature of available positions.

Contact Details

College Principal: 9858484731/9
Accountant: 9765590411
Email: bardagoriyacollege500@gmail.com
Address: Bardagoriya Rural Municipality–1, Bauniya, Kailali, Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal