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M.Sc. in Hydropower Engineering

Program Introduction:

School of Engineering, a constituent college of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Pokhara University, introduced a new program, the Master of Science in Hydropower Engineering, in March 2019. It consists of 60 credit hours of study, including coursework, project work/Internship, and Thesis/dissertation work. The curriculum offers students both theoretical knowledge and real-world experience through core courses, elective courses, project work, and an internship. This industry-focused, forward-thinking curriculum aims to produce highly qualified individuals who can plan, design, and oversee hydropower projects. The curriculum gives students the advanced technical knowledge, solid theoretical underpinnings, and useful engineering skills they need to handle the changing challenges of hydropower development. The curriculum incorporates contemporary hydropower development techniques with practical applications, such as sustainability, environmental concerns, and climate resilience, in line with local and national energy demands.

M.Sc. Hydropower Engineering program combines fundamental hydropower and civil engineering courses with a focus on practical experience, interdisciplinary learning, and industry-relevant skills. Students will gain a thorough understanding of important topics over two years, including hydraulic structures, hydrology, hydropower planning and development, sediment management, environmental and socio-economic analysis, Legal and Institutional aspects of hydropower, etc.

CURRICULAR STRUCTURE AND COURSE CYCLE

Semester I
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
HYD 511 Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis 4
HDP 511 Geological and Geotechnical Engineering 4
HDP 512 River and Sedimentation Engineering 4
HDP 513 Hydropower Planning and Development 3
Total 15

Semester II
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
HDP 551 Hydraulic Structure I 4
SED 551 Rock and Tunnel Engineering 4
RMT 551 Legal and Institutional Aspects of Hydropower Development 3
ENV 551 Environmental and Socioeconomic Analysis 2
Elective 1 3
Total 16

Semester III
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
HDP 611 Hydraulic Structures II 4
ENV 611 Project Construction and Management 3
RCH 611 Project Work / Internship 4
Elective 2 3
Total 14

Semester IV
Course Code Course Description Credit Hours
CMP 691 Thesis 15

The elective courses provide students with the flexibility to tailor their knowledge to meet their career interests and goals. These courses focus on specific sectors and practical applications. As a result, a wide range of elective options may be offered by a college or school. Institutions can also develop and offer such sector-focused elective courses with prior approval from the Subject Committee and the University. The availability of elective courses will depend on the availability of qualified instructors. The list of elective subjects includes:

Elective 1:

  • HDP 561 Physical Modeling
  • HIF 561 Hydroinformatics
  • HDP 562 Reservoir Engineering
  • GIS 561 Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing
  • HDP 563 Tunnel Engineering
  • HDP 5564 System Analysis

Elective 2:

  • HYD 561 Hydrological Modeling
  • ECM 622 Construction Safety Engineering
  • ECM 628 Contract Management
  • ENV 626 Environmental Flow Assessment
  • HDP 622 Disaster Risk Management
  • HDP 623 Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment
  • HDP 624 Climate Change and Hydropower
  1. Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or an equivalent degree/program from a recognized university/institution.
  2. A minimum CGPA of 2.0 at the bachelor’s level from Pokhara University, or a minimum of second division or equivalent grade at the bachelor’s level from another recognized university/institution.

In order to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers in hydropower development, renewable energy industries, consulting firms, utilities, and research and policy institutions, the curriculum is designed to adapt to the changing needs of the hydropower industry. Career opportunities will be as a

  • Hydropower Project Developer
  • Design Engineer (Hydraulic / Civil)
  • Construction and Project Manager
  • Operations and Maintenance Engineer
  • Consultant / Technical Advisor
  • Researcher / Policy Analyst
  • Entrepreneur in Renewable Energy