Master Degree in Natural Resources Development (NRD)

Program Overview

The Master of Natural Resources Development (NRD) at Nepal Open University is a two-year distance learning program designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and develop natural resources sustainably. This program addresses the growing need for qualified human resources in the natural resources and development sectors. It provides students with interdisciplinary education and practical skills to tackle environmental and developmental challenges.

Focus Areas

The NRD program covers various aspects of natural resources management and development, including:

• Theories, concepts, and practices of natural resources management.
• Development planning and implementation.
• Socio-economic and environmental linkages.
• Legal frameworks and policies related to natural resources.
• Practical skills in project work, research, and professional development.

Program Aims and Objectives

Overall Aim:

• Enable students to assess and learn a multidisciplinary approach to natural resources, environment, and development practices, and understand their interlinkages in achieving prosperous development outcomes.

Specific Objectives:

• Equip students with technical knowledge and practical skills through interdisciplinary learning, observation, and quasi-experiments.
• Provide learning opportunities in contemporary fields of natural resources and development by utilizing knowledge of science, technology, and practices.
• Produce knowledgeable, skillful, and capable human resources ready to take on challenges in the natural resources and development sectors.
• Develop professionals capable of improving conventional practices and exploring new opportunities for relevant development interventions.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural science, engineering, or any science-related discipline from a recognized university.
• Bachelor’s degree in humanities, management, development studies, or other related fields, with completion of a one-year diploma in NRD, or evidence of more than five years of working experience in the natural resources and development field.

Admission Criteria:

• Applicants must submit applications via the student panel on the official website www.nou.edu.np.
• Required documents include transcripts and degree certificates of SEE/SLC, +2, and Bachelor’s level.
• Applicants must pass an entrance examination conducted by the University.

Curricular Structure

The NRD program is divided into four semesters across two academic years, with a total of 63 credits (36 credits for theory and 27 credits for skill development, including research).

Semester I (Compulsory):

• NRD 501: Environment and Natural Resources (3 Credits)
• NRD 502: Development Theories and Development Practices (3 Credits)
• NRD 503: Society, Culture, and Social Development (3 Credits)
• NRD 504: Legal Frameworks and Good Practices in Natural Resources Management (3 Credits)
• NRD 505: NRD Skill-I (Seminar, Workshop, Case Study) (3 Credits)

Semester II (Compulsory):

• NRD 551: Natural Resource Economics (3 Credits)
• NRD 552: National Development Policies and Strategies (3 Credits)
• NRD 553: Global Environmental Change (3 Credits)
• NRD 554: Statistics and Research Methodology (3 Credits)
• NRD 555: NRD Skill-II (Workshop, Term Paper, Case Study) (3 Credits)

Semester III (Specialized/Optional):

• NRD 601: Natural Resources Management and Resources Conservation (3 Credits)
• NRD 602: Local Development Planning and Management (3 Credits)
• NRD 603: Forests Management and Biodiversity Conservation OR Landscape Planning and Landscape Engineering OR Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management (3 Credits)
• NRD 604: Watershed Management OR Wildlife Conflict and Conflict Management OR Natural Resource Governance (3 Credits)
• NRD 605: NRD Skill-III (Review Writing, Proposal Writing) (2 Credits)

Semester IV (Compulsory):

• NRD 651: Project Work (2 Credits)
• NRD 652: Research Paper Writing (2 Credits)
• NRD 699: Dissertation (12 Credits)

Course Delivery

• Online courses with virtual interactions between instructors and students.
• Use of e-learning approaches integrated into teaching and learning strategies.
• Blended mode of delivery, including online and face-to-face interactions at service centers.
• Participation in seminars, workshops, discussions, critiques of academic papers, and case study scenarios.

Evaluation

• 40% of the marks are allocated for internal assessments, including participation in workshops, seminars, class attendance, reviewing reading materials and case studies, term papers, and project work assignments.
• 60% of the marks are allocated for evaluating the student's understanding and knowledge of the subject matter through semester-end examinations.

Job Prospects

Graduates with a Master in Natural Resources Development can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Natural resources management
• Environmental consulting
• Development planning and implementation
• Resource conservation
• Policy-making and governance
• Research and academia

Potential Employers:

• Governmental organizations
• Private companies
• Universities
• Research institutes
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Conclusion

The Master of Natural Resources Development at Nepal Open University prepares students for professional roles in managing and developing natural resources sustainably. With a comprehensive curriculum and a focus on practical skills, graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the field of natural resources and development. For more details, visit the Nepal Open University website or contact the administration.