MSc in Sustainable Mountain Agriculture (MSc SMA)

July 2026 Intake | College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan

Lead the Future of Climate-Resilient Farming. Transform Mountain Food Systems. Join Bhutan’s Premier Research-Driven Programme.

Admissions are now open for the Master of Science in Sustainable Mountain Agriculture (MSc SMA) at the College of Natural Resources (CNR). This two-year, full-time programme is designed for graduates and professionals who aspire to become leaders in sustainable production, agro-biodiversity conservation, high-value agri-business, and climate-smart agriculture in the mountain ecosystems.

About the Programme

The Master of Science in Sustainable Mountain Agriculture (MSc SMA) is a two-year, full-time research-based programme offered at the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Lobesa, Punakha. The programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills to transform mountain agri-food systems into climate-resilient, high-value, and sustainable systems.

By blending traditional agricultural knowledge with modern scientific techniques, students will develop solutions for sustainable production, agro-biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain development, aligned with Bhutan’s national sustainability goals and international climate commitments.

Why Choose MSc SMA?

• Lead sustainable mountain agriculture initiatives.
• Learn climate-smart, tech-enabled farming.
• Support Bhutan’s carbon-negative and organic vision.
• Build a career in research, policy, and agri-business.
• Solve real-world mountain agricultural challenges.
• Strategic location: Based in Lobesa, Punakha, study in the heart of diverse mountain ecosystems with direct access to traditional farming communities and modern laboratories.

Curriculum Excellence (240 Credits)

Our curriculum blends traditional agricultural wisdom with modern scientific techniques to ensure graduates are both field-ready and research-capable.

Year 1: Core Foundations

• Focus on Research Methods, Applied Statistics, Mountain Farming Systems, and Agroclimatology.
• Specialised modules in Climate-Smart Agriculture, Frontier Technologies, and Farm Economics.

Year 2: Research Mastery

The entire final year is dedicated to your Field Research and Master’s Thesis, supported by a seminar series to sharpen your academic presentation and defence skills.

Admission Requirements

Who Can Apply?

Eligible degrees: BSc in Agriculture, Organic Agriculture, Animal Science, Forest Science, Life Sciences, Food Science and Technology, Sustainable Development or Environmental Science awarded by a recognised university.

Note: Related BSc degrees considered if  ≥ 50% coursework is related to the aforementioned fields.

Eligibility Criteria 

*Note: The eligibility criteria stipulated in Section 6.2.1 of the RDF (2021) or its latest iteration may also be considered.

How to Apply (Submission Guidelines)

To ensure your application is processed, please follow these instructions:

1. Prepare your documents:

• • Completed Application Form (Download PDF).
  • Updated CV (highlighting academic, employment, and publication history).
  • Preliminary Research Proposal (outlining your intended area of study).
  • At least one Academic or Professional Recommendation letter.

2. Format: Please save and combine all documents into one single PDF file.
3. Submission: Email the PDF directly to the Programme Leader, Ms. Sonam Gaki, at sgaki.cnr@rub.edu.bt.

Fee Structure

Please follow this link.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: On or before 8 May 2026.
• Document Verification: 11 May 2026.
• Result Declaration: 15 May 2026.
• Enrolment of Selected Candidates: 21 July 2026.
• Programme Start Date: 27 July 2026.

Contact Information

For academic inquiries and application submissions:

• Programme Leader: Ms. Sonam Gaki
• Email: sgaki.cnr@rub.edu.bt
• Phone: +975 77333184

OR,

• Dean of Research & Industrial Linkages: dril.cnr@rub.edu.bt