For the first time in the country, Tribhuvan University (TU) has launched a specific course on international relations and diplomacy.

The state-run university has started the four-semester Master’s programme in International Relations and Diplomacy at the university’s central campus in Kirtipur from this year.

The programme is run by the Central Department of International Relations and Diplomacy (CDIRD) under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

According to the department chief, Dr Khadga KC, admission process is under way and classes are due to start in a few days for the first academic semester.

The programme focuses on current international relations of Nepal, necessary steps to strengthen its foreign policy and diplomacy and analytical discourse on reasons for the failure of Nepal’s foreign policy.

“At a geo-political situation we are located, the course is necessary to save, promote and bargain for our national interests,” he said, highlighting the objectives of the programme. The intake will be in every six months and 50 seats are available for the programme. Students with a Bachelor’s degree with at least second division or 2.0 CGPA in any discipline recognised by TU can join the programme after written exams and an interview.

According to the department, students will also be provided with opportunities of internships in different international organisations in Nepal and in diplomatic missions. The department is also consulting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for job opportunities for its graduates and with the Public Service commission for the recruitment of its graduates in the foreign service.

The total cost for the course is Rs. 151,000 which is much higher than usual programmes run by the university. “The fee is necessary to provide quality education,” KC said.

source: the kathmandu post,20 Dec 2013