Overview
MPhil in Political Science at Nepal Open University
Program Overview
The Nepal Open University offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Political Science, a research-based postgraduate degree designed to prepare graduates for advanced study leading to a PhD. This program aims to involve graduates in high-quality research, expand their theoretical understanding, and prepare them for careers in governmental and non-governmental agencies and higher education institutions.
Target Groups
This program is targeted primarily at aspiring working individuals who cannot join traditional universities' conventional face-to-face education system but wish to pursue advanced-level courses in social sciences disciplines, including Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.
Purpose
The main purpose of the MPhil program in Political Science is to prepare human resources equipped with up-to-date and relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to address the demands of the current job market in both governmental and non-governmental organizations related to educational studies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Exhibit a deeper understanding of the discipline's theoretical, factual, conceptual, and philosophical mapping.
- Utilize and apply research tools (with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed approaches) in sociological research/inquiry.
- Adapt theories and tools flexibly and apply them to new fields of research.
- Prepare write-ups for peer-reviewed international research journals.
- Carry out research and solve complex problems independently.
- Push the disciplinary boundary forward by making new and significant contributions to the existing state of the art.
Salient Features
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Education provides scholarships to deserving candidates, as per the rules and regulations of the Government of Nepal and Nepal Open University.
Eligibility
Candidates must have a Master's degree in related subjects (Economics, Political Science, or Sociology) with a second division or a CGPA of 2.7.
Admission Criteria
Entrance Examination Syllabus and Question Pattern:
- Full Marks: 50
- Time: 90 Minutes
- Syllabus: Research Methodology in Master’s or equivalent degree
Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions: 20 Marks
- Short Answer Questions: 10 Marks
- Long-Answer Questions: 20 Marks
- Medium: English
Job Prospects
Completing the course will prepare candidates for positions in academic and administrative organizations and for conducting research in educational sectors. The research skills acquired from this program apply to development agencies, private organizations, non-governmental and governmental organizations, and higher education institutes.
Curricular Structure
Semester I (Core Courses): 12 Credits
| S.N. | Title of the Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Theories of Social Sciences | 3 |
| 2. | Research Methods in Social Sciences I | 3 |
| 3. | Research Methods in Social Sciences II | 3 |
| 4. | ICT and e-Research | 3 |
Semester II (Specialization/Concentration Courses): 15 Credits
| S.N. | Title of the Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Seminar and Academic Writing | 3 | |
| Conference and Publication | 3 |
Semester III (Thesis Writing): 3 Credits
| S.N. | Title of the Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Writing | 3 |
The MPhil in Political Science at Nepal Open University is designed to produce high-level professional manpower capable of significantly contributing to education, research, and various public and private sectors.
