Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy (BIRD)

Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy (BIRD) at National College

Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy (BIRD) is a four-year, 120-credit undergraduate program offered by National College in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, under Kathmandu University.

The interdisciplinary curriculum brings together international relations theory, diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, economics, security studies, research methods, and contemporary global issues. Nepal and South Asia remain important parts of the academic focus. Students also study a foreign language, complete quantitative and qualitative research methodology courses, undertake an internship, receive diplomatic skills training, and complete final-year project work.

Quick Highlights

Course Overview

BIRD is structured around the study of how states, institutions, political systems, economic relations, law, diplomacy, security concerns, and transnational issues interact. Students begin with foundational subjects in international relations, history, political institutions, geography, economics, public policy, Nepal's political history, and international law before moving into more specialised areas.

The program places particular attention on Nepal and South Asia. Subjects such as South Asia: Politics, State and Society, Nepal's Foreign Relations and Diplomatic History, Buddhist Philosophy, Soft Power and World Peace, and Nepal-focused electives bring regional and national questions into the study of international affairs.

Contemporary issues are also integrated into the curriculum through courses covering security studies, international political economy, climate change, migration and refugees, digital diplomacy, cyber security, human rights, humanitarian law, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Who May Consider BIRD?

BIRD may suit students whose academic interests include international politics, diplomacy, foreign policy, geopolitics, international law, economics, security, regional affairs, public policy, or policy-oriented research.

The course also requires substantial reading, analytical writing, discussion, research, and communication. Students interested in examining global issues while maintaining a strong academic connection with Nepal and South Asia may find the program aligned with those interests.

Eligibility

Applicants may enter from Higher Secondary (+2) or an equivalent qualification in any discipline with a minimum 40% aggregate score or equivalent. For Advanced Level qualifications, the BIRD admission criteria specify at least a D Grade in three subjects.

Eligibility, admission, entrance procedures, academic evaluation, examinations, results, and the award of the degree are governed by the applicable rules and regulations of Kathmandu University.

Admission Process and Entrance

Admission follows the Kathmandu University process applicable to BIRD. Applicants are evaluated through the Kathmandu University School of Arts Admission Test (KUSAAT), followed by merit-based selection. A merit list is prepared for final admission.

The admission framework can be summarized as:

• Meet the prescribed academic eligibility.

• Appear for KUSAAT.

• Complete the selection process prescribed under the KU admission system.

• Final admission is determined through merit-based selection.

Admission requirements remain subject to the applicable Kathmandu University rules for the program.

Course Duration and Credit Structure

The program runs for four years across eight semesters and carries 120 credits.

The credit distribution is:

The fourth year combines advanced academic study with internship, diplomatic skills training, proposal development, electives, comparative foreign policy, and project work. The internship carries 3 credits, while final Project Work carries 6 credits.

BIRD Curriculum

First Year

The first year builds the academic foundation needed for later study in diplomacy and international affairs.

Elective I consists of Nepali for Professional Communication or Basic Nepali.

Second Year

The second year moves from basic international relations into diplomacy, foreign policy, regional politics, research, and language study.

Foreign-language study accounts for 6 credits across the second year.

Third Year

Third-year study addresses specialised political, economic, legal, security, environmental, and transnational issues.

The combination of quantitative research in the second year and qualitative research in the third gives students formal preparation for later research and project work.

Fourth Year

The final year gives greater weight to applied learning, research preparation, internship experience, specialised electives, and independent project work.

Elective II offers a choice between Himalayas, Heritage and Habitat and Public Diplomacy and Sports.

Elective III offers a choice between Nepal's Strategy on Water and Natural Resources and Globalization and Nepal.

Research, Internship and Practical Learning

Research is built into several stages of BIRD. Quantitative Research Methodology is studied in the fourth semester, while Qualitative Research Methodology appears in the sixth semester. Students later take Projects, Seminars and Proposal Writing before completing the six-credit final project.

The seventh-semester internship provides practical exposure connected with international relations and policy-oriented work. Internship settings identified for the program include public institutions, think tanks, NGOs, policy spaces, and diplomatic missions.

Diplomatic Skills and Training Practicum adds a separate applied component, while debates, simulations, guest interactions, writing activities, and research work support the communication and analytical side of the degree.

Learning Outcomes and Skills

Through the curriculum, students are expected to develop an understanding of the major concepts and theories used in international relations and apply them when examining regional and global questions.

The program is designed to develop abilities related to:

• Analysis of international and regional issues

• Foreign policy and policy analysis

• Academic and policy-oriented writing

• Quantitative and qualitative research

• Public speaking and communication

• Negotiation and argumentative reasoning

• Cross-cultural understanding

• Geopolitical analysis

• Foreign-language study

• Preparation of policy briefs, summaries, research papers, and working documents

The learning outcomes also emphasize understanding Nepal's geopolitical position, regional diplomacy, Himalayan concerns, transboundary issues, and soft-power dimensions within foreign-policy study.

Academic Evaluation, Examinations and Degree Award

The curriculum, academic evaluation, examinations, results, and degree requirements operate under Kathmandu University rules and regulations. National College provides the teaching and academic environment for the program, while the university governs the formal academic framework and degree award.

Scholarships

BIRD includes scholarship support through a Kathmandu University merit-based scholarship for top students and need-based support through National College. Scholarship selection and continuation depend on the applicable academic and institutional conditions.

Career Areas

The degree provides an academic foundation relevant to several fields connected with international affairs, government, policy, research, and communication.

Graduates may consider opportunities in areas such as:

• Nepal Foreign Service

• Nepal Administrative Service

• Diplomatic missions

• International organizations

• Think tanks and policy institutions

• Research organizations

• Private organizations working with international or policy issues

• Media

• Independent research

• Interpretation and translation

• Defense and security-related public institutions

Entry into government services, security bodies, diplomatic roles, or other regulated recruitment systems depends on the respective selection procedures, qualifications, examinations, experience, and institutional requirements. The degree itself does not assure appointment to any particular service or organization.

Further Study Options

After BIRD, students may pursue further academic study in International Relations and Diplomacy. Other identified areas for advanced study include:

• History

• Public Policy

• Strategic Studies

• International Law

• Area Studies

Admission to postgraduate study depends on the requirements of the university and program concerned.

FAQ

What is the full form of BIRD?

BIRD stands for Bachelor in International Relations and Diplomacy. It is a four-year, eight-semester undergraduate program affiliated with Kathmandu University.

How many credits are required for BIRD?

The program consists of 120 credits across eight semesters.

Does BIRD include foreign-language study?

Yes. Foreign Language I and Foreign Language II are included in the second year, carrying a combined 6 credits.

Is research methodology included in BIRD?

Yes. Students study Quantitative Research Methodology and Qualitative Research Methodology and later complete proposal-related coursework and a six-credit final project.

Does BIRD include an internship?

Yes. Internship is a 3-credit course in the seventh semester.

What entrance examination is required for admission?

Applicants are evaluated through KUSAAT under the Kathmandu University admission process.

What is the minimum academic eligibility for BIRD?

Applicants need Higher Secondary (+2) or an equivalent qualification in any discipline with at least 40% aggregate or equivalent. Advanced Level applicants require at least a D Grade in three subjects.

What subjects are prominent in the BIRD curriculum?

The curriculum covers international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, economics, security studies, public policy, South Asian politics, Nepal's foreign relations, international political economy, climate politics, migration, cyber security, negotiation, research methods, and foreign-language study.

Who awards the BIRD degree?

The degree is awarded under Kathmandu University according to its academic rules and regulations.