Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD)
The Central Department of International Relations and Diplomacy (CDRID), under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tribhuvan University, offers a specialized postgraduate program titled Master in International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD).

This two-year program, structured over four semesters, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations and diplomacy—both in theory and in practice. The program encourages active student engagement through classroom discussions, seminars, and workshops, making the learning process interactive and participatory.

Program Overview
MIRD is a multidisciplinary academic course that develops analytical and practical competencies. It enables students to critically examine, assess, and address complex issues in international relations, foreign policy, and diplomacy. The curriculum integrates both historical and contemporary themes, regional developments, global issues, and theoretical frameworks.

The course is conducted entirely in English. Evaluation is based on a Grade Point Average (GPA) system and considers class participation, attendance, presentations, term papers, and a final written examination at the end of each semester.

Vision, Mission, and Objectives
The program aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities essential for professional roles in the field of international relations and diplomacy. Graduates will be equipped to work in academia, policy analysis, national and international organizations, and government institutions.

As a pioneering academic initiative in Nepal focused on international affairs, the MIRD program aspires to serve as both a center for academic excellence and a think tank for foreign policy, particularly regarding South Asian issues.

Graduates will develop the ability to understand and navigate evolving diplomatic norms and practices. They will also be trained to keep up with global knowledge trends and apply scientific research in real-world situations.

Program Objectives

• To prepare students for practical roles in international relations and diplomacy using strong theoretical foundations

• To enable students to independently identify, assess, and resolve issues in diplomatic and international contexts

• To develop the capacity for conducting theoretical research on key issues in global affairs

• To foster high-level academic thinking and critical reasoning skills

• To support lifelong learning and the application of knowledge in real-world global contexts

Salient Features

• A multidisciplinary and practice-oriented approach

• Emphasis on classroom discussion, fieldwork, seminars, and internships

• Evaluation based on continuous assessment and final exams

• Fully English-medium instruction and academic materials

• Equips graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical communication and negotiation skills

Eligibility Criteria

Admission is highly competitive and based on both academic merit and personal qualifications. Up to 50 students are admitted annually.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from Tribhuvan University or a recognized university with a minimum second division (CGPA 2.0)

• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English

• Pass a written entrance examination assessing language skills and analytical thinking

• Undergo a personal interview as part of the selection process

Preference is given to applicants with relevant work experience, research background, or published work in the field of international relations or diplomacy.

Curricular Structure

First Semester

• Introduction to International Relations

• World Political Affairs

• Theories of Diplomacy

• Foreign Policy Analysis

• Government and Policies of South Asia

Second Semester

• Theories of International Relations

• International Political Economy

• Public Policy for International Relations and Diplomacy

• International Law

• Research Methodology

Third Semester

• International and Regional Organizations

• International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

• Foreign Policy and Diplomacy of Nepal

• Diplomatic Practices

• Elective (Choose One):

  • State Building and Failure in the Developing World

  • Politics of Climate Change and Security

  • Strategic Studies

Fourth Semester

• Foreign Policy of Major and Emerging Powers

• Small States in International Relations

• Professional and Diplomatic Communication

• Elective (Choose One):

  • Development Economics

  • Globalization and Regional Integration

  • International Conflict and Cooperation

  • Politics of International Migration

  • Comparative Politics

• Thesis

Note:
Students must select one elective paper in each of the third and fourth semesters from the listed options.