A student interested in creating positive change in rural communities, the MA in Rural Development at Urlabari Multiple Campus, Morang, offers a path grounded in real-world needs and long-term social development. This course, affiliated with Tribhuvan University, aims to help students understand rural societies and their development needs.
Affiliated with Tribhuvan University
Located in Urlabari, Morang
Two-year semester-based program
Designed for students from humanities, education, or development backgrounds
Focus on practical and academic understanding of rural development
The MA in Rural Development follows Tribhuvan University’s official semester-wise structure. It is a two-year (four-semester) postgraduate program that combines theory, fieldwork, and research. The curriculum encompasses courses in rural economy, governance, gender, sustainability, statistics, research methods, and other related subjects.
Here’s a quick overview:
First Semester:
Principles and Practices of Rural Development
Rural Economy of Nepal
Rural Sociology
Statistical Methods in Rural Development
Development Theories
Second Semester:
Gender and Development
Rural Development Planning
Natural Resource Management
Rural Institutions and Leadership
Project Planning and Management
Third Semester:
Governance and Development
Sustainable Agriculture
Rural Infrastructure Development
Research Methodology
Elective I (student choice)
Fourth Semester:
Thesis or Internship Report
Elective II
Seminar on Rural Development Issues
Develop a critical understanding of rural development concepts and practices.
Prepare students for research, planning, and leadership roles in a rural setting.s
Equip students with interdisciplinary tools to assess and address rural issues.
The program prepares students for roles in government development offices, NGOs, INGOs, cooperatives, and rural enterprises. Graduates also pursue careers in teaching, research, policy-making, and local governance. With further study, opportunities in international development and academic institutions may become available.
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
Analyze rural problems using social, economic, and environmental frameworks
Conduct independent research on rural development issues
Design and evaluate rural development programs and policies
Contribute to community planning and participatory development
Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Project Planning and Evaluation
Leadership and Community Mobilization
Field-based Learning and Case Studies
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, group discussions, field visits, presentations, and practical assignments. Students work closely with faculty and communities to link academic learning with ground realities. Final-year students choose between writing a thesis and preparing a report based on a field internship.
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline recognized by Tribhuvan University (preferably in humanities, education, or development studies)
Fulfillment of application and entrance procedures as per TU and Urlabari Multiple Campus guidelines
Rural Development Officer
Project Coordinator in NGOs and INGOs
Policy Analyst
Researcher in social and development studies
Teaching roles in academic institutions
Local governance and community leadership positions
Urlabari Multiple Campus participates in various government and community scholarship programs for Dalit, Janajati, minority, and disadvantaged students. Partial tuition waivers are also available, based on both merit and financial need. Students can inquire directly with the administration for current scholarship options.
Students from rural or semi-urban areas often seek meaningful careers close to their communities. This course provides them with a structured path to study real-world problems and develop solutions. The field-focused approach, local faculty support, and practical modules make it especially suitable for students who want to make a positive impact in rural Nepal.
The MA in Rural Development at Urlabari Multiple Campus is more than a degree—it is a pathway to understanding rural societies and contributing to their progress. With academic depth and community connection, the course is relevant, accessible, and timely for students who want to serve their country through informed action.
