Overview and entry requirements
The MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language is designed to be an immersive experience that draws on the significant expertise of our diverse academic specialists in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The structure of SOAS Buddhist Studies provides a unique study pathway characterised by its coherence and flexibility.
The core module Critical Concepts in Buddhist Studies is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the major processes and dynamics at work in the growth and development of Buddhism as a world religion and with the key methodological tools required to approach this major cultural force in its fascinating diversity.
The Buddhist Studies postgraduate degree is attractive to students who:
- will pursue further research in Buddhist Studies doctoral degree and a career in higher education
- seek a career for which advanced knowledge of Buddhism as a global cultural force is essential
- study religions as a complement to their personal experience and commitments
- are from traditionally Buddhist countries, willing to broaden their knowledge of Buddhism as a global religion, and to be introduced to an academic approach that is characterised both by its critical distance and empathy
- will take advantage of our Intensive Language pathway options including Japanese, Korean and South East Asian
SOAS academic staff members are qualified to offer guidance and supervision in a wide range of research areas relating to Buddhist literature, doctrine, philosophy, history, ritual, iconography, and art in South Asia, Tibet, Central Asia, China and Japan.
SOAS Centre of Buddhist Studies is a hub of distinguished Buddhist scholarship that generates synergy among academics and research students, from SOAS and beyond, involved in the study of Buddhism in Asian societies. It is composed of 17 permanent members of staff and emeriti, as well as a pool of associate and graduate student members from SOAS and other UK institutions.
See Department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies
Why study MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language at SOAS
- we are World Top 50 for Arts & Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2021) - with a rate of 91.7% overall student satisfaction (NSS 2021)
- SOAS is ranked in the top 5 universities in the UK for producing a CEO or Managing Director, according to new research
- employability — our strong focus on enhancing your career prospects and practical skills are integrated across the programme
- our Centre of Buddhist Studies convenes The Buddhist Forum, a long-standing and well reputed lecture series offering a venue for international scholars to present their latest research to a wide and interested audience
- SOAS Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions also convenes regular lectures and seminars which frequently include Buddhist topics. The lectures and conferences organised by the Circle of Tibetan and Himalayan Studies predominantly deal with Buddhist art, literature and other aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. There are also lectures and seminars in other departments, which frequently include Buddhist topic
- we are specialists in the delivery of languages — your command of a language from SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities
Explore
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
Entry requirements
- We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.
- duration:
- Full time: 1 calendar year Part time: 2 or 3 calendar years. We recommend that part-time students have between two and a half and three days free in the week to pursue their course of study.
Convenors
Professor Lucia Dolce Convenor