MSc in Natural Resource Management

The main purpose of the MSc in Natural Resources Management programme is to contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation by increasing the critical mass of qualified citizens and building knowledge-based society. The programme is intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of the mid-level professionals with specialized knowledge and competencies in a range of subject areas pertaining to rural development in general and agriculture, animal production and forestry in particular. These professionals are expected to play a critical leadership role in the management of agriculture, livestock development, and forestry in the country. The programme is targeted towards mid-career agriculturist, foresters, and livestock development workers.

The programme will provide opportunities for student to develop research capacity through the process of conducting research independently and develop research skills and critical thinking. Student can focus on a wide range of research topics under agriculture, domains like agronomy, horticulture, organic farming, crop pest and disease management, farm economics, soil fertility management, good agriculture practices, agroecology, food security, climate change impacts on agriculture, commodity chain analysis, gender and farming, agriculture co-operatives, rural urban migration, agriculture extension, rural development, genetics and plant breeding, seed science and technology, postharvest technology, food science and technology, sustainable agriculture and land use types, etc. Under animal science and animal health, areas and research topics such as animal nutrition, dairy, piggery, poultry, feed and fodder, meat science, farm fisheries, animal biology, and fertility will be focused. Student can do research in a range of forestry related topics but not limited to, such as forest management, conservation science, wildlife, climate change studies, social forestry, ecology, freshwater ecology, dendrology, geographical information systems and environmental management.

Specifically, the programme will enhance the knowledge and competencies of the student to:

- Reflect critically on the relationship between theory and practice in the discipline of agriculture, forestry, and animal science
- Contextualize and apply analytical frameworks and methodologies to better understand contesting claims over natural resources
- Conceptualize, design, and conduct independent scientific research to develop a deeper understanding of the key methodologies
- Gather, organise, report data, interpret and communicate the results effectively to the stakeholders
- Apply sound methodologies and work ethics to problems solving in sustainable natural resources management effectively
- Disseminate research outputs to local, regional, national and international forums including departmental seminars and publication in appropriate platforms including proceedings or conferences, whenever applicable
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge of previous and current literature in their field of expertise contributing to successful practice in their professions
- Formulate, plan, implement, and evaluate agriculture, forestry, and livestock development programmes and projects
- Analyse and understand the economic, social, political, cultural, and legal environment in the context of the research work
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the development needs of the country

Year 1

Semester I

ACS602(Scientific Writing and Communication): This module aims to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to write scientific papers such as writing journal article, policy brief, poster, conference papers and writing research and project proposal. The scientific writing and communication is necessary for the students to disseminate research findings through various forums such as conference and journal publication.
NRM606(Natural Resources Management): This module aims to expose students to biophysical and human dimensions of natural resources management. Also, this module allows students to exploring the GIS and remote sensing tools to assess and monitor the natural resources and eventually links to natural resource use in Bhutan.
RES605(Research Methods): This module equips student with necessary knowledge and skills in research methods needed in carrying out research in natural resources management. It includes topics on formulating research questions, planning research, research designs, some relevant models and methods, which will be useful in research proposal development and conducting dissertation.
STS602(Applied Statistics): This module provides knowledge and skills in using appropriate statistical tools in their research. Students are also provided input on how to interpret results and incorporate their findings in research report, especially their dissertation.
SEM601: Proposal Defence

Semester II

SEM601(Seminar I): This module aims to teach student how to present research papers in a seminar. Student will learn how to communicate science in different ways (written, oral or poster presentations). Student will learn to compose seminar topics and deliver presentations in a coherent, structured and scientific style. The module will also provide the student with different types of publication styles. The module will introduce the student to abide plagiarism rules and regulations. The student will learn to comment critique and accept feedbacks through peer view sessions.
DST601: Field Research

Year 2

Semester I

SEM601: Seminar II
DST601: Field Research

Semester II

SEM601: Seminar III

Admission to all programmes will be in the third week of July of each year.
The eligibility criteria for each of the postgraduate programmes are as follow:

Programme	Eligibility Criteria	Fee structure (Amount in Nu)
Programme	Eligibility Criteria	Bhutanese students	International Students
Master in Development Practice	Bachelor’s degree.	146,118	438,354
MSc in Natural Resource Management	BSc in agriculture, animal science, forestry, environment and life sciences. .	171,095	513,284
MSc in Conservation Biology	BSc in Forestry, Wildlife, Life Sciences, and Environment Science. However, candidates who have completed BSc in Agriculture, Animal Science can be admitted upon verification by the admission committee.	171,095	513,284
PhD in Climate Studies	Master’s program with research component or by research.	185,352	556,057

USD 1 = Nu 81

Note: Fee does not include visa fee for international students.

Students will also have to pay separately for accommodation and food.

For more information on admission and fee structure, contact Dr. Sonam Tashi or email: dril.cnr@rub.edu.bt or call + 975 17768276

It prepares student for a career as researchers, development specialists, project and programme managers, planners, and field workers. Graduates will be able to find employment in various government agencies, non-governmental agencies, international organisations, and the private sectors both within and outside Bhutan.

Admission will be open to candidates who have completed BSc programme awarded by a recognised University in agriculture, animal science, forestry, environment and life sciences. Students should have secured a minimum of 50% in aggregate.

In exceptional cases, as outlined in the Research Degree Framework (RDF), 2015 (clause 6.2.1.4), candidates who have Bachelor’s degree in other field of study whose qualifications in the opinion of the Research Degree Committee (RDC) are equivalent to those prescribed above requirements and who has demonstrated appropriate research ability and experience will also be eligible.

In any of the cases, candidates should write a preliminary research proposal (RDF clause 8.3.1.4) and will be selected through selection process which shall encompass written exam and viva voce. The candidates will be allowed for viva voce after securing minimum of 50 % in the written exam.

On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

Communicate effectively and conscientiously
Develop analytical skills for problem-solving and goal setting
Use ICT for work efficiency
Explain the fundamental concepts of forest and wildlife management
Exhibit leadership skills in both planning and practice settings and collaborate with coworkers and stakeholders
Develop entrepreneurship knowledge and skills in planning, designing, and managing forest nursery
Identify emerging forest issues and develop measures to address/mitigate the issues
Use various tools and techniques for effective natural resources management
Plan and protect natural resources including enforcement of relevant laws and policies
Assess fundamental principles of climate studies in developing mitigation and adaptation measures of climate change impacts on biodiversity
Assess and manage water resources, watershed and their ecosystem
Assist rural communities in identifying forest resource management issues and help them in conflict management
Assist rural communities in establishing, operating and managing rural enterprises
Apply conservation techniques and manage biological resources through resource assessment, management planning, and implementation
Identify resource management problems, develop concepts and conduct research in finding solutions to the problems