The University of Nepal (UNepal) has launched its first academic program, the Master of Public Policy (MPP), through its School of Public Policy. The introduction of the MPP marks a major milestone for the newly established university and reflects its commitment to contributing to evidence-based policymaking and governance reform in Nepal.
The newly introduced MPP program is designed to address the growing national demand for skilled policy analysts and public sector professionals capable of navigating complex policy challenges. As public policymaking increasingly involves multiple stakeholders beyond the state, including the private sector, civil society, academia, and development partners, the program aims to equip graduates with the analytical, interdisciplinary, and practical skills required for effective and transparent policymaking.
According to the University, the Master of Public Policy program emphasizes strong analytical and quantitative training, economic reasoning, and interdisciplinary perspectives to support data-driven policy design and evaluation. The curriculum offers both breadth and depth, enabling students to understand complex public issues and develop context-appropriate policy solutions relevant to Nepal’s evolving social, economic, and political landscape.
A key feature of the MPP at the University of Nepal is its student-centered and practice-oriented approach. The program combines conceptual foundations with rigorous analytical training through case studies, simulations, policy seminars, discussions, and team-based projects. Students will engage with real-world policy problems through experiential learning opportunities, internships, and interaction with external experts, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The objectives of the Master of Public Policy program include developing competencies in policy research and analysis, designing and applying data-driven solutions, understanding institutional and socio-economic dynamics, promoting ethical leadership and innovation, and strengthening written and oral communication skills for effective policy advocacy and policy brief writing. The program also aims to enhance employability by aligning policy education with labor market needs in government, development agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.
The MPP curriculum follows global standards in policy studies while maintaining a strong focus on local relevance. Students will engage with disciplines such as economics, governance, law, data science, and social policy, and participate in community-engaged learning through partnerships with government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and industry.
The program is supported by a mix of Nepali and international faculty, providing students exposure to both academic scholarship and practical policy experience.
The Master of Public Policy program is targeted at recent graduates seeking advanced training in governance and policy, as well as early and mid-career professionals working in government, NGOs, international organizations, and related sectors. Individuals motivated to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and prosperous Nepal through public policy are expected to benefit from the program.
