MA Population Studies

MA in Population Studies at Central Department of Population Studies, Tribhuvan University

Course Overview:

The MA in Population Studies program offered by the Central Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of population dynamics, demographic analysis, and population policies. The curriculum covers various aspects of population studies, including theories, statistical methods, research techniques, and the interrelationships between population and development, health, poverty, and gender. The program offers both yearly and semester systems, allowing flexibility for students.

Course Outlines:

The MA program consists of compulsory and optional courses, providing a balanced mix of foundational knowledge and specialized areas of study. The course outlines are as follows:

• Yearly System: The program includes compulsory courses such as Principles of Demography, Demographic Methods for Population Analysis, Population Policies, Population Dynamics of Nepal, and Advanced Demographic Techniques. Students can choose optional courses based on their interests, including Migration, Urbanization and Development, Population, Environment and Development, Population and Human Development, and Demographics of Ageing. The program culminates with a thesis.

• Semester System: The program follows a credit system and comprises four semesters. Compulsory courses cover subjects such as Principles of Demography, Applied Statistics for Population Studies, Demographic Methods for Population Analysis, Population, Health and Development, and Population, Resource and Development. Optional courses include Principles of Demography – II, Population Dynamics and Nepalese Society, Demographic Methods for Population Analysis - II, Research Methods for Population Analysis, and Population Poverty and Human Development. The final semester involves courses like Computer Application in Population Studies, Migration and Development, Demographic Methods for Population Analysis - III, Population, Gender and Development, and various elective options. Students also complete a thesis.

Duration:

The MA in Population Studies program is typically completed within two academic years, regardless of whether the yearly system or the semester system is followed.

Objectives:

The objectives of the MA program in Population Studies are as follows:

• To provide students with a broad knowledge of population studies, including concepts, theories, and emerging concepts in demography.
• To familiarize students with statistical methods and techniques used in population studies.
• To equip students with demographic techniques for population analysis and develop their skills in demographic analysis.
• To enable students to demonstrate advanced knowledge of approaches to the study of population and identify causes of population change.
• To equip students with critical insights to assess and apply population knowledge in health planning, programming, and development.

Eligibility:

Prospective students of the MA in Population Studies program must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline recognized by Tribhuvan University.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the MA program in Population Studies, students can expect the following learning outcomes:

• Proficiency in analyzing population dynamics and understanding the interplay between population and various socio-economic factors.
• Ability to apply statistical methods and demographic techniques for population analysis.
• Capacity to critically assess population policies and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
• Skills in conducting research, analyzing data, and presenting findings.
• Knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of population studies and its connections to health, development, poverty, gender, and other societal issues.

Scope:

The MA in Population Studies opens up diverse opportunities for graduates. Some of the potential career paths and areas of work include:

• Research institutions and think tanks focusing on population, development, and public health.
• Government departments and agencies involved in population policy formulation and implementation.
• International organizations and NGOs engaged in population and development programs.
• Academic institutions as faculty members or researchers.
• Health and social service organizations addressing population-related issues.
• Consulting firms providing expertise in population analysis and policy evaluation.

Fees Structure:

For detailed information about the fees structure for the MA in Population Studies program, it is recommended to contact the administration office of the Central Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University.

Career Prospects:

The MA program in Population Studies equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for a range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue various roles, including:

• Demographer
• Population Analyst
• Researcher in Population Studies
• Policy Analyst/Planner
• Program Manager in Population and Development
• Health Planner
• Data Analyst
• Academician/Professor
• Consultant in Population-related Issues

Career Options:

The MA in Population Studies program prepares students for a wide range of career options, including positions in:

• Government agencies and ministries related to population and development.
• International organizations, such as the United Nations and World Health Organization.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on population and development issues.
• Research institutions and think tanks focused on population studies.
• Academic institutions as educators and researchers.
• Public health organizations and programs.
• Consulting firms providing expertise in population analysis and policy formulation.

Why Choose this Course:

There are several reasons to choose the MA in Population Studies program at the Central Department of Population Studies, Tribhuvan University:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of population studies, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, exploring the connections between population and other societal issues such as health, poverty, and gender.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Students develop strong research and analytical skills through coursework and the completion of a thesis, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and policy analysis.
• Career Opportunities: The program opens up diverse career opportunities in government, international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and academia, allowing students to make a meaningful impact in the field of population studies.
• Contribution to Society: Studying population studies equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to contribute to evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation, and program implementation, ultimately making a positive impact on society.

Scholarship:

For information about available scholarships for the MA in Population Studies program, interested individuals can inquire at the administration office of the Central Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University.