Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)

Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) at KUSOM

The Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) is a two-year graduate program at Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) under Kathmandu University (KU).

Introduced in July 2019, the program combines public policy, governance, management, economics, research, and quantitative analysis. 

It carries 66 credits and includes coursework, specialization study, professional exposure or internship, and a policy capstone. The stated intake capacity is 40 seats.

MPPM Quick Highlights

What Is the MPPM Program?

MPPM is structured around public policy, public affairs, governance, and management. Its academic focus includes the way public policies are developed, assessed, administered, and connected with institutions and wider social and economic conditions.

The program gives particular attention to Nepal's policy-making context while also using comparative and multidisciplinary perspectives. Students study policy together with economics, statistics, public finance, public institutions, human resource management, governance, procurement, research methods, and leadership.

The program is intended for young and mid-career professionals working in, or preparing for work connected with:

• Public service

• Private organizations

• Non-profit organizations

• Development institutions

• Policy research and think tanks

• Public policy and governance-related organizations

These are fields addressed by the program rather than guaranteed employment outcomes.

Duration and Credit Structure

Duration: 2 years

Total credits: 66 credits

The MPPM curriculum combines classroom study with seminars, workshops, case-based learning, professional exposure, specialization, and a capstone project.

Except for the internship/professional exposure and capstone project, the courses are generally worth three credits each. Classes are scheduled in morning and evening periods.

Foundation Courses

The 12-credit foundation component establishes the program's base in policy, economics, law, political economy, and quantitative analysis.

• PPM 501 Introduction to Public Policy

• PPM 502 Political Economy and Legal System of Public Policy

• MAS 561 Statistics for Public Policy

• ECO 561 Economics for Public Policy

These subjects prepare students for the more specialized policy analysis and public-management courses that follow.

Core Courses

The core component contains 12 courses carrying 36 credits.

• PPM 511 Policymaking in Comparative Perspective

• PPM 512 Ethics and Governance for Public Management

• PPM 513 Socio-cultural and Demographic Dimension of Public Policy

• ACC 561 Government and Public Accounting

• GEM 561 Management of Public Institutions

• HRM 561 Human Resources Management

• GEM 562 Public Leadership and Organization Behavior

• FIN 561 Public Finance and Budgeting

• PRJ 561 Public Procurement, Policy, and System

• MAS 562 Applied Statistics for Public Policy

• MAS 563 Research and Qualitative Methods for Public Policy

• PPM 514 Evidence based Policy and Planning

The core curriculum brings together policy analysis and institutional management rather than separating public policy from the administrative and financial systems through which policies operate.

Concentration and Specialization

Students complete four courses for a total of 12 credits within the concentration and specialization component.

Areas represented in the MPPM curriculum include:

Social Policy and Justice

Subjects include:

• Comparative Approaches to Social Justice

• Social Justice and Social Policy

• Rural and Urban Underclass and Social Transformation

• Social Movement for Emancipatory Development

• Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Social Policy

• Sociological Inquiry for Public and Social Policy Implication

• Education and Social Policy

Federalism and Local Governance

Subjects include:

• Regional Planning and Local Development

• Land-Use Planning (Rural and Urban)

• Dynamics of Rural and Urban and its transformation

• Rural-Urban Linkages and Governance

• Fiscal Federalism and Governance

• Political Economy of New Federal Governance

Development Policy

The curriculum includes subjects such as:

• Issues in Sustainable Development

• Comparative Development Policies and Practices

• Poverty Alleviation-Issues and Policies

• Economics of Development

• Urban Development Policy

• Rural Development Policy

• The Political Economy of the Welfare State

• Project Management

Energy and Hydro Power Policy

The curriculum also provides policy study in energy and hydropower, including Hydropower Development Policy and Planning, Energy and Hydro Power Economics and Policy, Energy Markets, Pricing and Regional Power Trade, and Energy Security Policies and Strategies.

Internship, Professional Exposure and Policy Capstone

Practical exposure is incorporated into the MPPM structure rather than being separated completely from the academic program.

PPM 721 Practicum or Internship on Public Policy is a non-credit component. It is positioned as professional exposure during the program.

The curriculum also includes:

• PPM 761 Policy-In-Action (Policy Capstone) – 6 credits

The capstone is intended to bring together knowledge and experience developed during the two-year program through applied policy work.

A professional-development component also forms part of the broader MPPM learning structure.

MPPM Eligibility

Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy one of the following academic and professional pathways:

1. Nepali or non-Nepali nationals with at least three years of work experience and a Bachelor's Degree of at least two-year duration in any discipline, with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks or CGPA 2.0 on a 4-point scale.

2. A Master's Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks or CGPA 2.0 on a 4-point scale from a university recognized by Kathmandu University.

3. At least six years of work experience and a Bachelor's Degree of at least two-year duration in any discipline, with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks or CGPA 2.0 on a 4-point scale.

These eligibility routes allow the program to accommodate applicants with different combinations of academic preparation and professional experience.

Admission and KUMAT

Applications for MPPM are submitted through the KUSOM Admission Portal.

MPPM falls within the graduate management admission context in which the KUSOM Management Admission Test, or KUMAT, has been used. KUMAT should therefore not be treated as an MBA-only admission test.

Admission, entrance, selection, enrollment, and academic administration operate according to the applicable rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The MPPM curriculum uses several forms of academic engagement, including:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Workshops

• Policy-related case studies

• Research and analytical work

• Internship or professional exposure

• Capstone work

This structure connects theoretical study with analysis of public policy and governance issues.

The program develops competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, identification and evaluation of policy alternatives, communication of policy findings, leadership, and decision-making in public-sector settings.

Assessment and Examination

Student performance is evaluated through continuous in-term assessment and end-term examination.

In-term assessment can include:

• Written tests

• Quizzes and oral tests

• Workshop practices

• Assignments

• Term papers

• Project work

• Case studies, analysis, and discussion

• Open-book tests

• Class participation

The concerned faculty determines the evaluation components and their weightage before the course begins. The end-term examination is normally conducted as a paper-and-pen examination.

Grading System

MPPM uses a four-point grading scale.

Other academic grades include W for Withdrawn, IN for Incomplete, and NC for Noncredit Course.

Students are required to maintain a CGPA of 2.5 or above at the end of each semester. Academic probation applies when the CGPA falls below this level, subject to the applicable academic progression rules. A student cannot graduate with an F grade in a course.

Maximum Completion Period

The maximum period allowed for completion of the master's program is four years from the date of admission.

Academic registration, examinations, progression, results, and degree completion remain governed by Kathmandu University's regulations.

Policy Lab and Policy Engagement

KUSOM's public-policy academic environment includes the KU SOM Policy Lab. The Policy Lab works around public policy problems in Nepal and provides a setting where students, researchers, specialists, and practitioners can engage with policy analysis, policy design, and public-policy discussion.

Its activities involve interaction with public-sector organizations, civil society, research institutions, and other policy stakeholders.

The MPPM Scholars Network also operates as a student-led public-policy discussion platform. Its Tomorrow's Policy Leaders for Public Dialogue initiative has included lectures, round-table discussions, and theme-based panel discussions involving people working in public policy and related areas.

Skills and Academic Competencies

Through its curriculum and practical components, MPPM addresses competencies in:

• Public policy and governance concepts

• Nepal's policy process and institutions

• Qualitative research

• Quantitative analysis

• Policy analysis

• Identification and evaluation of policy options

• Communication of policy findings

• Public-sector management

• Strategic leadership and decision-making

These competencies arise directly from the program's stated academic objectives and course structure.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

KUSOM provides scholarship or financial aid based on merit and need.

Kathmandu University's wider scholarship framework also includes School of Management-specific and University-level scholarship categories. Availability is governed by the applicable scholarship and financial-aid arrangements.

Degree Award

The Master of Public Policy and Management degree is awarded within the Kathmandu University academic system after students complete the requirements prescribed for the program.

Curriculum, assessment, examinations, academic progression, results, and degree award follow the applicable rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of MPPM?

MPPM stands for Master of Public Policy and Management.

How long is the MPPM at KUSOM?

The MPPM is a two-year master's program.

How many credits are required for MPPM?

The program carries a total of 66 credits.

How many seats are available for MPPM at KUSOM?

The stated intake capacity is 40 seats.

Who can apply for MPPM?

The program has three eligibility pathways based on combinations of bachelor's or master's qualifications, minimum marks or CGPA, and professional experience.

Is work experience required for MPPM?

Two of the eligibility pathways require professional experience: one requires at least three years and another requires at least six years. Applicants holding a qualifying master's degree have a separate eligibility pathway.

Does MPPM use KUMAT?

KUMAT has been used in the MPPM graduate admission context at KUSOM.

Does MPPM include an internship?

Yes. PPM 721 Practicum or Internship on Public Policy is included as a non-credit professional-exposure component.

Does MPPM have a capstone project?

Yes. PPM 761 Policy-In-Action (Policy Capstone) carries six credits.

What subjects are studied in MPPM?

The curriculum includes public policy, political economy, economics, statistics, governance, public accounting, public institutions, human resource management, public finance, procurement, research methods, policy planning, specialization subjects, and capstone work.