MSc in Environmental Science

MSc Environmental Science at College of Applied Sciences-Nepal, Koteshwor

MSc Environmental Science at College of Applied Sciences-Nepal (CAS-Nepal), Koteshwor, is a two-year, four-semester postgraduate program run in affiliation with the Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University (IOST-TU). The course carries 64 credit hours and 1,600 marks, with a balanced structure of core theory, laboratory work, field activities, and a dissertation.

The curriculum follows the national MSc Environmental Science syllabus prepared by the Environmental Science Subject Committee of IOST-TU (2023). It adopts an interdisciplinary approach that links physical, biological, social, economic, and regulatory aspects of the environment.

You study at an institution that has a long-standing focus on environmental education and research. CAS-Nepal has been active in policy-related work, externally funded research, and training programs in GIS, environmental modelling, environmental impact assessment, bio-engineering, and natural hazards, which directly support postgraduate learning.

MSc Environmental Science at CAS-Nepal is suitable for graduates who want to deepen their scientific understanding of environmental systems, develop research skills, and prepare for roles in analysis, planning, and management in government, non-government, and academic sectors.

Highlights

• Affiliation: Tribhuvan University, Institute of Science and Technology

• Duration: Two academic years, four semesters

• Total credits: 64 (39 credits theory, 15 credits practical and field, 10 credits research)

• Teaching hours: 1,755; full marks: 1,600

• Medium of instruction: English

• Components: Core theory, specialized electives, practical courses, case study, field work, community work or internship, and dissertation

• Evaluation: Internal assessment (40%) and final examinations by TU-IOST (60%), with a minimum of 50% required in theory, practical, research, field, and community work

Curriculum Details

The MSc Environmental Science curriculum is organized over four semesters with a progressive build-up from core concepts to specialization, research, and modelling.

Semester I: Core Foundations

The first semester includes four theory courses and three practical courses (18 credits):

• Ecology and Environmental Philosophy

• Environmental Earth Science

• Atmospheric Science and Environmental Chemistry

• Environmental Quality Management

• Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology (practical)

• Hydrology, Meteorology and Geology (practical)

• Environmental Pollution (practical)

You build a foundation in ecological thinking, Earth system processes, atmospheric and chemical processes, and approaches to maintaining environmental quality.

Semester II: Climate, Economics, Remote Sensing, and Specialization

The second semester combines core courses, one specialization, and intensive field-based work (17 credits).

Compulsory components include:

• Climate Change and Resilience

• Environmental Economics and Management

• Remote Sensing and Geo-information Science (theory and practical)

• Field Work (research)

• Case Study (research)

Students select one specialized course from:

• Mountains and Plains

• Freshwater Environment

• Biodiversity Conservation and Management

• Urban Environment

This semester connects climate science, economic tools, and geospatial analysis with focused thematic study.

Semester III: Energy, Methods, and Advanced Specialization

Semester III includes compulsory courses, two specialized courses, and community work or internship (17 credits):

Compulsory units:

• Energy and Environmental Interdisciplinary Studies

• Research Methodology and Biostatistics

• Statistical Applications (practical)

• Community Work or Internship and Field Work

Specialized courses are grouped into:

• Group A: Water Resource Management; Environmental Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

• Group B: Environmental Policies and Sustainability; Pollution Control Technology; Restoration Ecology

You begin to relate academic knowledge to community settings and sectoral practice.

Semester IV: Modelling and Dissertation

The final semester focuses on:

• Environment Modelling and Applications (theory and practical)

• Dissertation (8 credits)

You conduct independent research under supervision, from proposal and field or lab work to data analysis and report writing. The dissertation must be submitted within six months after completion of the third semester session, with provision for extension in special cases through the departmental research committee.

Objectives

The MSc Environmental Science curriculum has clearly stated objectives:

• Extend scientific understanding of nature and environmental processes.

• Encourage critical thinking and practical innovation in environmental problem solving.

• Prepare students for research work in environmental science and related fields.

• Build understanding of environmental policy formulation and its implications.

CAS-Nepal follows these objectives and links them with its own institutional goals of preparing motivated environmental professionals and researchers.

Scope

Graduates of MSc Environmental Science from CAS-Nepal work in a range of roles within and beyond Nepal. Career paths include:

• Government departments dealing with pollution control, drinking water, urban planning, and natural resources

• Environmental sections of municipalities and provincial agencies

• NGOs and INGOs engaged in climate change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, and community environmental projects

• Environmental consultancy firms preparing EIA, EMP, and environmental monitoring reports

• Research organizations and laboratories working on air quality, solid waste, water resources, and land use

• Colleges and universities as teachers or researchers in environmental science

Some graduates continue further study at PhD level in Nepal or abroad, building advanced research careers in environmental science and related disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of MSc Environmental Science at CAS-Nepal, students typically:

• Understand ecological, geological, atmospheric, and chemical processes that shape the environment at local to global scales.

• Analyze climate change impacts, resilience strategies, and socio-economic dimensions of environmental issues.

• Apply remote sensing and GIS methods to map land use, hazards, and environmental change.

• Use statistical tools, research methods, and biostatistics for designing studies and interpreting environmental data.

• Conduct field work, case studies, community work, or internships in real project settings.

• Develop, execute, and present an original research dissertation grounded in current environmental questions.

Skill Development Modules

Research and Dissertation Skills

Students learn to prepare proposals, review literature, set objectives, and select appropriate methods. The dissertation requirement builds experience in independent research, analysis, and scientific writing.

Field Work, Case Study, and Community Work

Field work in the second and third semesters exposes students to diverse environments such as rivers, forests, urban areas, agricultural landscapes, and hazard-prone sites. CAS-Nepal also organizes field trips to locations such as Kathmandu Valley, Malekhu, Hetauda, Chitwan, Pokhara, Rasuwa, and Annapurna Conservation Area for applied learning.

Case studies and community work or internship help students understand institutional practices, community perspectives, and policy implementation on the ground.

Laboratory and Technical Skills

Practical courses across all four semesters build laboratory skills in ecology, hydrology, meteorology, geology, and environmental pollution analysis.

Students also gain exposure to:

• GIS and remote sensing software

• Environmental modelling tools

• Survey instruments used in research and monitoring

These technical skills are reinforced through CAS-Nepal training programs and collaborative research projects.

Teaching Methodology

The MSc curriculum adopts student-oriented methods, including lectures, laboratory work, assignments, seminar presentations, project work, and research activities.

IOST-TU defines one theory credit as 15 lecture hours and one practical credit as 45 lab or research hours. CAS-Nepal follows these standards, using 90 working days per semester and the prescribed contact hours for each course.

Seminars, workshops, and invited lectures from external professionals are common at CAS-Nepal and help students connect classroom content with ongoing environmental work in Nepal.

Admission Requirements

For admission to MSc Environmental Science:

• Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Environmental Science, Forestry, or Environmental Management from PU/KU or equivalent, with at least second division or equivalent grade recognized by Tribhuvan University.

• Graduates from other science disciplines may apply subject to the decision of the Faculty Board of IOST-TU.

• All applicants must appear in and pass the MSc entrance examination conducted by the Central Department of Environmental Science under IOST-TU. Admission is strictly merit-based.

CAS-Nepal admits students according to the official merit list published from the entrance examination, following TU and departmental guidelines.

Career Opportunities

MSc Environmental Science graduates from CAS-Nepal work in:

• Government offices dealing with environment, water supply, urban development, forestry, and agriculture

• Environmental sections of municipalities and provincial governments

• NGOs and INGOs in fields such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, WASH, and community development

• Environmental consultancy firms preparing EIAs, environmental audits, monitoring reports, and compliance studies

• Academic institutions as lecturers, instructors, or researchers

• Media and communication roles focused on environmental journalism and awareness

Your postgraduate training also supports applications for scholarships and further study abroad in environmental science and related disciplines.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

CAS-Nepal mentions scholarships for academically strong and economically disadvantaged students. Support can be linked to performance in entrance examinations, annual results, and internal assessments.

This policy helps students from different regions and socio-economic backgrounds to study MSc Environmental Science, reducing financial barriers for capable candidates.

Why Choose MSc Environmental Science at CAS-Nepal?

• The program follows the latest TU MSc Environmental Science syllabus (2023) and maintains consistency with national academic standards.

• CAS-Nepal has strong engagement in environmental research, policy work, and training, which creates opportunities for thesis topics and technical exposure.

• Field work, community work, and internships link your learning directly with the environmental issues and institutions of Nepal.

• The course structure maintains a clear pathway from core foundations to specialization, technical tools, and independent research.

If you are planning a career in environmental research, planning, or management, this program offers a structured route rooted in the official TU framework and supported by an environment-focused campus.

FAQ

1. How long is the MSc Environmental Science program at CAS-Nepal?

The program runs for two academic years and is divided into four semesters with a total of 64 credits and 1,600 marks.

2. What background do I need for admission?

You need a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Environmental Management, or an equivalent science degree recognized by TU with at least second division or equivalent grade, and you must pass the TU entrance examination for MSc Environmental Science.

3. What are the main subject areas covered in the course?

Key subject areas include ecology, Earth science, atmospheric and environmental chemistry, environmental quality management, climate change and resilience, environmental economics, remote sensing and GIS, energy and environment, environmental policies, hazards and disaster risk reduction, and environmental modelling.

4. Is research compulsory in this program?

Yes. Field work, case study, community work or internship, and a dissertation are compulsory components. The dissertation carries 8 credits and is essential for degree completion.

5. How are students evaluated?

Students have internal assessments worth 40% in each semester and final examinations conducted by TU-IOST worth 60%. A minimum of 50% is required separately in theory, practical, research, field, and community work to qualify for the degree.

6. What types of careers do graduates pursue?

Graduates work in government departments, environmental consultancies, NGOs, INGOs, research organizations, and academic institutions. Some continue to PhD programs in environmental science or related fields in Nepal and abroad.