MA in Sociology

The Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology at J.S. Murarka Multiple Campus, Lahan, is a two-year postgraduate program affiliated with Tribhuvan University (TU). It is conducted under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences through the semester system.

The program studies society through sociological theory, research methods, social structure, inequality, development, gender, migration, health, family, political processes, and other social issues. Research training is a substantial part of the course, leading to a compulsory thesis in the fourth semester.

Program Focus

MA in Sociology develops advanced understanding of sociological theories and methods while giving students training in fieldwork and secondary data analysis.

The curriculum deals with social institutions, social structure, social conflict, human behaviour, development, inequality, and changing social relations. It also gives importance to human rights and social justice and develops professional skills in sociological theory and research.

The full course includes 18 papers and a compulsory thesis. Fourteen papers are compulsory, while students also select optional courses within the curriculum.

Major Areas of Study

The first semester establishes the theoretical and research foundation of the program. Courses include:

• Introduction to Sociology;

• Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology;

• Structural-functional Approach;

• Caste and Class; and

• Theories of Social Change and Development.

Later semesters introduce quantitative research, Marxist and world-system perspectives, statistics, social change, politics and society, health, household and family, gender, migration, inequality, ageing, disability, urban sociology, and disaster studies.

Fourth-semester study includes Agency/Micro versus Structure/Macro Perspectives and Survey Research and Computer Data Analysis. Optional areas listed for the final semester include Gender, Power and Sexuality, Changing Livelihoods, Market and Society, Sociology of Education, Sociology of Tourism, and Research Design and Writing.

Research and Thesis

Research training runs throughout the program rather than appearing only at the end.

Students study both qualitative and quantitative research methods, followed by Basic Statistics in Sociological Research and Survey Research and Computer Data Analysis. These courses support the development of skills needed for sociological investigation and data interpretation.

The fourth semester includes a compulsory thesis carrying six credit hours.

Eligibility

Applicants holding a bachelor's degree recognized by Tribhuvan University can apply when their previous study falls within the stated eligible areas.

Eligible backgrounds include:

• Sociology;

• Anthropology;

• Social Work;

• Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology;

• Psychology;

• History;

• Home Science;

• Geography;

• Economics;

• Political Science;

• disciplines under Education, Management, and Law; and

• disciplines from Medicine, Engineering, Forestry, Agriculture, and Animal Science.

This makes MA Sociology accessible to graduates from several academic backgrounds specified by TU.

Admission and Entrance Examination

Applicants must appear in an entrance examination conducted by the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University.

The entrance examination lasts one hour. Applicants who do not appear in the examination or fail to obtain the minimum qualifying score are not eligible for admission.

Admission is based on the merit list and the enrollment capacity of the concerned department or campus.

Evaluation and Attendance

Student evaluation is divided between internal and external assessment.

Internal evaluation covers class attendance, class participation and presentation, term-paper writing, and a written class test. The external component is based on the final examination conducted through the Dean's Office. Practical courses may include practical external assessment in the computer laboratory.

Students must maintain at least 80 percent class attendance. A university examination is held at the end of each semester.

Study at J.S. Murarka Multiple Campus

J.S. Murarka Multiple Campus offers MA in Sociology as part of its postgraduate Humanities and Social Sciences provision. The campus is a community institution located at Lahan Municipality–10, near Gramin Chowk, Siraha.

Facilities and academic support available at the campus include:

• library and e-library;

• computer laboratory;

• internet;

• seminar hall;

• research-related activities;

• presentations and group work;

• counseling services; and

• laptops and projectors used for teaching.

The campus library contains approximately 21,993 books together with journals, newspapers, magazines, and other periodical materials.

Career Direction

The sociology course identifies sociologist as a professional direction and also notes related work in social services, education, and public policy. Research and statistical skills are particularly relevant to applied sociological work.

Graduates may also pursue further academic or research study where they meet the admission requirements of the chosen program.

FAQ

How long is the MA in Sociology program at J.S. Murarka Multiple Campus?

The program runs for two years and is divided into four semesters.

Is a thesis compulsory in MA Sociology?

Yes. Students complete a compulsory six-credit thesis in the fourth semester.

Is an entrance examination required?

Yes. Applicants must appear in the one-hour entrance examination conducted by the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University.

What attendance is required in MA Sociology?

Students are required to maintain at least 80 percent class attendance.

How are students evaluated?

Evaluation consists of 40 percent internal assessment and 60 percent external examination.