Master of Population, Gender and Development (MPGD)

Master in Population, Gender and Development (MPGD) at Butwal Model College

The Master in Population, Gender and Development (MPGD) at Butwal Model College is a master’s-level program affiliated with Pokhara University. Butwal Model College has offered MPGD since 2009 through its development studies academic area.

The course brings population studies, gender studies, development, research methods, planning, program management, and social research into one academic structure. Its curriculum is organized across four semesters, with specialization courses, a field-based planning workshop, and a dissertation in the later stages of study.

MPGD at a glance

MPGD is included among Pokhara University’s graduate programs in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Academic focus

The course connects three closely related areas: population, gender, and development. Students encounter demographic study, gender issues, development planning, research methods, program management, social research, policy, governance, and development-related analysis.

The first part of the curriculum establishes the academic base through population and gender studies alongside development studies, statistics, research methods, and information technology for social research. Later semesters move toward program management, specialization, field-based planning, monitoring and evaluation, and dissertation work.

Semester-wise curriculum

The curriculum places research and applied academic work throughout the program rather than reserving them only for the final semester. Research Methods for Development Studies appears in the second semester, followed by the field-based Planning Workshop in the third semester and the Dissertation in the fourth.

Specialization areas

MPGD includes specialization choices grouped into three subject areas.

Population and Development

Students can study topics related to:

• Demographic tools and techniques

• Population policy and development

• Migration and development

• Urbanization and development

Gender and Development

This area addresses:

• Gender, poverty, and development

• Gender and human resources

• Gender, environment, and development

• Gender, human rights, and development

Development Studies

The development studies group covers:

• Development policies and programs

• Decentralization and local governance

• International relations, foreign aid, and development

• Resources and sustainable development

These specialization groups allow the later part of the program to concentrate on selected issues within population, gender, and broader development studies.

Eligibility for MPGD

For master’s programs under Pokhara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institution with:

• Minimum CGPA of 2.0, or

• Minimum 50 percent marks

For development studies programs, including MPGD, an interdisciplinary bachelor’s background is preferred, with areas such as social sciences, environmental studies, or development studies identified as relevant backgrounds.

Field-based study and dissertation

The third semester includes a Planning Workshop identified as field based. This introduces an applied component before students move into the final semester.

The fourth semester includes a dissertation alongside Development Program Monitoring and Evaluation and two specialized courses. This places independent academic work within the concluding stage of the curriculum.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are determined through consolidated performance in internal and final examinations. The grading approach connects a student’s result in each subject with performance across these assessment components.

Study environment at Butwal Model College

For MPGD students, the college setting includes an e-library, computer lab, multimedia-equipped air-conditioned classrooms, transportation, and support for research-based study. The e-library and research-oriented academic setting are particularly relevant to coursework involving research methods, social research, field-based study, and dissertation preparation.

Students comparing other academic options at the college can also review the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM), and MBA Finance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MPGD at Butwal Model College?

MPGD stands for Master in Population, Gender and Development. It is a master’s-level program covering population studies, gender studies, development, research, planning, and related academic areas.

Which university is MPGD at Butwal Model College affiliated with?

The program is affiliated with Pokhara University.

When did Butwal Model College begin offering MPGD?

Butwal Model College has offered the MPGD program since 2009.

Who is eligible for MPGD?

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 50 percent marks under the stated Humanities and Social Sciences graduate criteria. An interdisciplinary bachelor’s background is preferred for development studies programs such as MPGD.

How is the MPGD curriculum organized?

The curriculum is organized across four semesters. It progresses from core population, gender, development, statistics, and research subjects to specialization courses, field-based planning, monitoring and evaluation, and dissertation work.

What specialization areas are available in MPGD?

The curriculum includes specialization options in Population and Development, Gender and Development, and Development Studies.

Does MPGD include field-based academic work?

Yes. The third semester includes a Planning Workshop identified as field based, while the fourth semester includes a dissertation.