Bristol University

Bristol University Centre for Buddhist Studies

11 Woodland Road
Clifton, Bristol BS8 1TB
ENGLAND
Email: Rupert.Gethin@bristol.ac.uk
Tel.: 44 (0)117 331 7932

Program

MA in Religion with concentration in Buddhist Studies

The MA in Religion provides advanced study of the religious traditions of both the West and Asia. The program offers two pathways:

  • Buddhist Studies;
  • Theology and Religious Studies.

These reflect the expertise in Bristol University’s Department of Religion and Theology and allow the individual to study various religious traditions with scholars who are world-renowned experts in those traditions.  The Buddhist Studies option is intended for those who either want to deepen their knowledge of Buddhism through academic study or are interested in undertaking research in Buddhist studies but have little or no formal academic training in Buddhist studies at undergraduate level.  In order to complete the MA, one must engage in supervised research on a topic of one’s choice and submit a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words as well as complete the following coursework:

Curriculum — Core

  • Buddhism: the Foundations
  • One of the following: Introductory Sanskrit 1, Classical Chinese, or Pali and Buddhist Sanskrit

Curriculum — Electives

  • Introductory Sanskrit 2
  • Buddhism: The Mahayana Tradition
  • The Practice of Theravada Buddhism in Asia
  • Aspects of Chinese Buddhism
  • Buddhist Psychology and Mental Health
  • The Origins and Development of Zen Buddhism
  • Yoga and Meditation
  • Supervised Individual Study
  • Other MA-level coursework in Bristol University’s Faculty of Arts

More information about the program may be found here.

Admissions

Entry requirements for applicants from the USA may be found here.

Additional information may be found here.