A Master's degree course launched with classes in mountains, hills, Tarai

Kathmandu, May 9

Nepal Communiversity, in partnership with Kathmandu University (KU), has launched a Master’s in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MSIE) programme aimed at integrating community-based learning into higher education.

The programme was officially launched at a programme attended by educators, entrepreneurs, media representatives, students and corporate professionals in Lalitpur on Friday.

The MSIE programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with an intake of 30 students from interdisciplinary academic backgrounds.

According to the organisers, the course is based on 'community-as-curriculum' and experiential learning models, under which students will engage directly with communities across Nepal’s Himalayan, hilly and Tarai regions.

The curriculum has been divided into three trimesters to be conducted in Mustang, Chitlang and Janakpur, followed by a final capstone semester in Kathmandu. During each trimester, students will participate in community-based projects in coordination with local residents. The programme combines entrepreneurship, social sciences and technology with a focus on wellbeing and community engagement.

Speaking at the launch event, President of Nepal Communiversity Narottam Aryal said the programme aims to develop education that is locally grounded while remaining globally relevant. "The institution seeks to prepare individuals who understand their communities, develop practical skills and adopt entrepreneurial approaches," he said.

Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha, Founding Director of the Global Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (GIIS), said the programme places emphasis on communities, nature and villages at a time when societies are increasingly shaped by technology and urbanisation. He urged students to balance entrepreneurship with ethical responsibility.

Dean of the Kathmandu University School of Arts, Prof. Dr. Uddab Pyakurel, said the collaboration would help students identify opportunities within Nepal and address practical challenges through community-oriented solutions.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 10 May 2026.