Kathmandu University (KU) and Southasia Institute for History and Philosophy (SIHP) on Monday signed an agreement to launch a Master’s in History and Philosophy programme offered in the three streams of society, technology and environment.

The agreement was inked by the Acting Dean of the KU School of Arts, Associate Professor Ekku Maya Pun and Kanak Mani Dixit, chair of the SIHP, a statement issued after the signing said.

At the signing ceremony, KU Vice Chancellor Professor Bhola Thapa emphasised the importance of quality social science instruction to fill a gap in Nepal’s higher education, read the statement.

“Registrar at KU, professor Achyut Wagle, said it was important for higher education not only to produce well-trained professionals but also to graduate “committed citizens”, which is what the present collaboration sought to achieve,” the statement quoted Wagle as saying.

SIHP chair, Dixit expressed gratitude to Kathmandu University for understanding the need to fill a significant gap in higher education, relating to the arts, social sciences and humanities.

The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the KU and the SIHP on June 24. “The master’s programme is planned to launch in February 2025,” it said.