About Department of Gender Studies, Tribhuvan University

College Overview

The Department of Gender Studies (DGS) at Tribhuvan University, located within the historic University Campus in Kirtipur, stands as a pioneering academic pillar in Nepal. Established to address the growing need for academic discourse on social justice and gender equality, the department serves as the first institution in the country to offer specialized postgraduate degrees in gender studies. The curriculum is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between theoretical feminist discourse and the practical realities of socio-political dynamics in South Asia.

The mission of the Department of Gender Studies is to produce a generation of scholars and practitioners who can critically analyze the intersections of gender, race, class, and ethnicity. By fostering an environment of rigorous research and advocacy, the department aims to influence national policy and promote inclusive development across all sectors of society.

Our Vision

To lead the intellectual movement for gender justice and social transformation in Nepal and the wider Himalayan region through transformative education and research.

Our Mission

To equip students with interdisciplinary tools for analyzing gender-based issues and to empower them to lead inclusive change in public and private institutions.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Tribhuvan University (TU)

Central Department

The Department of Gender Studies operates as a central department under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FOHSS).

  • Affiliation Type: Constituent Central Department
  • Accreditation: University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal
  • Recognition: Government of Nepal, Ministry of Education
  • Programs: MA, M.Phil, PhD in Gender Studies

Programs Offered by University

Level: Postgraduate | Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

The MA program provides a comprehensive understanding of gender theories, development policies, and research methodologies.

  • Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum second division.
  • Career Opportunities: Program Officers in INGOs, Social Activists, Policy Analysts, Human Rights Defenders, and Academic Researchers.

Level: Research Degree | Duration: 1.5 Years (3 Semesters)

Focused on advanced research and critical analysis of gender-based policies and cultural constructs.

  • Eligibility: Master's degree in Gender Studies or related Social Science fields with a high academic standing.
  • Career Opportunities: Lead Researchers, Policy Consultants for Government Bodies, and Higher Education Faculty.

Level: Doctorate | Duration: 3-5 Years

The PhD program is designed for scholars aiming to produce original research that contributes to the global body of knowledge in gender studies.

  • Eligibility: M.Phil in Gender Studies or Master's degree with significant research experience and entrance clearance.
  • Career Opportunities: International Consultants, Policy Advisors, Authors, and Senior Academic Positions.

Fee Structure

ProgramUniversityDurationTotal Fee (Approx)Admission Fee
MA in Gender StudiesTribhuvan University2 YearsNPR 60,000 - 80,000NPR 5,000
M.Phil in Gender StudiesTribhuvan University1.5 YearsNPR 120,000 - 150,000NPR 10,000
PhD in Gender StudiesTribhuvan University3-5 YearsNPR 200,000+NPR 15,000
Note: Fee structures are subject to change as per the decisions of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Central Library

Access to the TU Central Library, the largest in Nepal, featuring extensive journals on gender and feminism.

Seminar Hall

State-of-the-art halls for hosting national and international workshops on social issues.

Research Lab

Dedicated spaces for students to engage in qualitative and quantitative social research.

Smart Classrooms

Classrooms equipped with multimedia tools to facilitate interactive learning and presentations.

Hostel Facilities

Accommodation available for students coming from outside the Kathmandu valley.

Wi-Fi Campus

High-speed internet access across the department for research and academic connectivity.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

The Department of Gender Studies Tribhuvan University boasts a multidisciplinary faculty consisting of renowned sociologists, feminist activists, and developmental experts. The teaching methodology goes beyond traditional lectures, incorporating:

  • Interactive Seminars: Encouraging critical dialogue and debate on contemporary gender issues.
  • Field Research: Engaging students with local communities to understand grassroots social dynamics.
  • Guest Lectures: Inviting practitioners from international organizations like UN Women and UNDP.
  • Critical Pedagogy: Using feminist teaching styles that value student experience and reflexivity.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Life at the Department of Gender Studies is vibrant and socially conscious. Students are encouraged to participate in:

  • Gender Awareness Campaigns: Organizing rallies and seminars for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
  • Discussion Forums: Monthly 'Gender Talks' where students present reviews on feminist literature.
  • Leadership Development: Student-led committees that manage department events and community outreach.
  • Cultural Exchange: Engaging with diverse ethnic groups to study the intersection of culture and gender roles.

Career Support & Placement Assistance

The department maintains strong ties with the development sector in Nepal. The Career Support initiative includes:

Internship Opportunities

Students are placed in NGOs, INGOs, and Government ministries for practical exposure during their final semesters.

Alumni Networking

A robust network of graduates working in high-level positions in the social sector provides mentorship to current students.

Admission Process

How to Join the Department of Gender Studies
  1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you have a Bachelor's degree in any faculty.
  2. Entrance Exam: Pass the entrance examination conducted by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FOHSS).
  3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview to discuss their research interests.
  4. Documentation: Submit transcripts, citizenship certificate, and photographs during the admission window.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

Available Scholarships
TU Central Merit Scholarship
UGC Research Grants for M.Phil and PhD
Jehendar Scholarship for top performers

The Department of Gender Studies supports students from marginalized communities and those with exceptional academic records. Financial aid is also available through various memorial trusts associated with Tribhuvan University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates can work in human rights, social development, policy making, NGOs, and international agencies like the UN.

Yes, the program is interdisciplinary and accepts students with a Bachelor's degree in any faculty.

Fees are approximately NPR 60,000 to 80,000 for the two-year MA program, making it highly affordable.

Yes, candidates must pass the entrance exam conducted by TU's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Yes, the department offers both M.Phil and PhD programs for advanced research in gender studies.

Yes, university-managed hostels are available on the Kirtipur campus for eligible students.

It is located in the University Campus, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

It is a constituent central department of Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest and largest university.

Internships or field-based research are integral components of the curriculum to ensure practical learning.

Yes, a degree from Tribhuvan University is globally recognized for further studies and employment.

Themes include Intersectionality, Gender and Development, Masculinity, and Social Exclusion in Nepal.

Currently, programs are primarily physical/in-person, though some hybrid seminar models may exist.

You can contact them at +977-1-4331976 or via email at genderstudies@tu.edu.np.

While students use the Central Library, the department also maintains a collection of specialized feminist literature and reports.

The primary medium of instruction and examination is English.

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