Kathmandu, October 29:

The Tribhuvan University (TU) is making preparations to launch a new Masters’ level course on ‘conflict management and peace-building’ from the next academic year. The course will include experiences of different countries in managing conflicts. The TU aims to attract foreign students.

According to Dr Mahendra Singh, the rector at the Tribhuvan University, regional issues have been included in the course so that “students from abroad can pursue their education in the field.” “The TU has been speeding up its efforts so that the programme can be launched from the next academic year.” A four-member committee formed under the coordination of Prof Dr Singh has been busy preparing the syllabus, which will comprise 10 papers each with the weightage of 100 marks.

“Preparation of the syllabus is under way,” Dr Singh said, adding: “The optional paper comprises conflict-specific paper focusing on certain countries so that students can major in some specific country.” “The Agriculture University of Oslo is willing to lend support to the programme,” said Dr Singh, adding: “The TU has also asked the SAARC countries to lend support and share their expertise on the matter.”

“We hope that all peace-loving countries will lend their support to the programme,” said Dr Singh. “Students who have earned bachelors degree can apply for the MA conflict management and peace-building course,” Dr Singh said, adding, however, that only limited number of students will be selected so as to maintain the quality of education.