Introduction

The syllabus of Strategic Studies has been designed to prepare human resources equipped with specialized knowledge on strategically important security issues. With growing advancement of technology, security issues have been extremely complicated at national and international level. Therefore, individuals who are capable of handling serious issues independently and creatively by reflecting upon them critically and those who possess in depth understanding of strategic matters can then comprehend the contemporary world's growing problems.

Master in Strategic Studies (MSS) is a two years, 4(four) semesters program of Tribhuvan University (TU). The course is implemented by the Department of Strategic Studies under the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in TU. Master in Strategic Studies program is designed to produce competent graduates in the related field. The course can be ideal for those seeking to make a career as professional strategists along with other sectors such as military and law, media management, journalism and political science.

The weight age of course is 60 credit hours. The course curriculum is prepared accordingly by the Army Command and Staff College in coordination with the Office of Dean, faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, TU. One credit hour equals to 16 class hours. Time allocated for internal examinations is counted in credit hours. Students have to maintain minimum of 80 percent attendance. Students failing to maintain 80 percent attendance are not allowed to appear in the semester examinations and duly regarded as not qualified. However, in case of serious illness, students with 70 percent attendance will be given chance to appear in the semester exam. In this case, students have to submit authorized medical certificate.

The two year/four semesters MSS program aims at producing students with advanced understanding in this area. The major objectives of the program are as follows:

Objectives

-To impart knowledge on ancient and modern strategic thoughts, combat theories and various security issues at the national, regional and international level.

-To develop independent and critical thinking among students on strategic matters that relate to contemporary issues, strategic balance and technological advancements.

-To disseminate knowledge in specific areas of Nepal's national security, international relations, regional organizations and the United Nations.

-To give insights on the methods of conflict management and resolution.

-To develop strategic leadership and enhance awareness on resource management in order to promote peace, development and security.

-To engage students in undertaking research in the areas of security and strategic studies.

Admission Criteria

-Students with Bachelor's Degree in any subject from TU or any University recognized by TU are eligible to apply for admission.

-Students who fail in the first semester final examination will not be eligible to continue in the second semester.

Time Line of MSS in Army Command and Staff College
For International Student Officers and Inter Agency Students

The International and Interagency student officers who have the Bachelor’s Degree from TU or any recognized university by TU would be deemed eligible to undergo the MSS program of the college. For these students, the first semester exam will then be conducted after their enrollment in the college. These students will then undertake rest of the three semesters along with the national students of the college.

Examination Modalities

Semester exams will be held within a gap of three to four months. Semester exam contains 60 percent weightage. Students have to secure at least 50 percent marks in each subject to pass the semester exam. Semester exam will be conducted in coordination between the College Faculty and the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Result of the semester exam will be published as earliest as possible from the final day of exam. The last semester result will be published within one month from the final day of exam.

-The first and the fourth semester exams will be conducted by the College in coordination with the Office of Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

-The second and third semester exams will be conducted by the College and results provided to the Office of Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Evaluation and Grading

Different methods of evaluation will be adopted to assess student's performance. The in- semester (internal) evaluation will have a total weight of 40 percent in each semester. Students have to obtain 50 percent to pass in the internal evaluation exam. If a student fails to clear internal evaluation exam, he or she will not be qualified to appear in semester exam. Total weightage of internal exam will be divided into internal assessment, project work, class attendance upon the recommendation of Subject Committee and approval by the Faculty Board. In case a student remains, absent in internal examination due to serious illness one-time opportunity will be given to appear in the exam provided he/she is able to produce an authorized and valid medical certificate. In case, the percentage of marks obtained in internal exam exceeds the semester examination by more than 20 percent, the marks obtained in the internal exam will be reduced to 80 percent.

Apart from this, continuous assessment of each and every individual student throughout the course duration will be conducted by each of the college faculty members. This will be reflected in the semester result of all four semesters.

Grading System

Total marks obtained in internal and end semester exams will be graded on absolute grading system. The performance of a student will be made on a four points scale ranging from 0 to 4 grades. A student must secure a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 Grade, B minus (B-) in each course.

Absolute Grading Scale

Grade	CGPA	Percentage	Performance
A	4.0	90 and Above	Distinction
A-	3.7	80 - 89.9	Very Good
B+	3.3	70 - 79.9	First Division
B	3.0	60 - 69.9	Second Division
B-	2.7	50 - 59.9	Pass
F	0	below 50	Fail

The students shall receive their semester grades and academic transcript grades only in letter grades and GPA scores. Students securing only 2.7 in grade point are considered as "pass in individual subject". In order to pass the semester examination the student must secure a minimum of Grade "B" or Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0. A student who secures CGPA less than 3 may request for the opportunity to improve the grade in two subjects. The office of the Dean in this case may provide one opportunity to reappear in semester exam.

Course Structure

The course is designed along the following lines:

1^st Semester

S.No.	Course Code	Course Title	Cr
1.	Stra-551	Military History & Strategic Thought	3
2.	Stra -552	Contemporary Security Affairs	3
3.	Stra -553	Military Operations and Administrative Management	3
4.	Stra -554	Armed Conflict, Military Appreciation and Plans	3
5.	Stra -555	Research Methodology – I	3
Total			15

2^nd Semester

S. No.	Course Code	Course Title	Cr
1.	Stra -556	Military Staff Duties	3
2.	Stra -557	Military Decision Making Process	3
3.	Stra -558	Information Warfare	3
4.	Stra -559	Combat Component: Planning and Management	3
5.	Stra -560	Management of Military Trainings	3
Total			15

3^rd Semester

S. No.	Course Code	Course Title	Cr
1.	Stra -561	Conventional Warfare	3
2.	Stra -562	Unconventional Warfare	3
3.	Stra -563	Military Campaigns: Planning and Management	3
4.	Stra -564	Research Methodology II: Strategy and Policy Paper	3
5.	Stra -565	War Games and Military Exercises	3
Total			15

4^th Semester

S. No.	Course Code	Course Title	Cr
1.	Stra -566	Command, Leadership and Resource Management	3
2.	Stra -567	Military Strategies and Combat Theories	3
3.	Stra -568	National Security and State Craft	3
4.	Stra -569	International Relations	3
5	Stra -570	Thesis	3
Total			15