School of History, Religions and Philosophies, Centre for the Study of Japanese Religions, Centre of Buddhist Studies & Centre for Global and Comparative Philosophies

M
A
B
u
d
d
h
i
s
t
S
t
u
d
i
e
s
w
i
t
h
I
n
t
e
n
s
i
v
e
L
a
n
g
u
a
g
e

Apply now
View On-demand
Book an Open Day
Ask a question

K
e
y
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

Duration
Two calendar years (full-time), four years (part-time)
Start of programme
September
Attendance mode
Full-time or part-time
Location
On campus
Fees

Home: £12,220
International: £25,320

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

C
o
u
r
s
e
o
v
e
r
v
i
e
w

The MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language is an interdisciplinary programme that engages with Buddhism as a field of inquiry from a historical, philosophical, anthropological and material culture perspectives. 

It caters to students who wish to broaden either their knowledge of Buddhism as a whole or their knowledge of specific Buddhist traditions, as well as to students intending to embark on further research or fieldwork among Buddhist communities.

This programme at SOAS follows a non-confessional, contextual approach, which highlights the diversity of Buddhism in its historical and geographical developments. The programme, crucially, appreciates Buddhism as a living religion. Detailed attention is given to how scholarship, both in the West and through Asia, has shaped our understanding of Buddhism.

The MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language programme benefits from teaching on Buddhist languages and regional cultures across SOAS, and is supported by the SOAS Centre of Buddhist Studies. The Centre offers extraordinary opportunities for further engagement with the study of Buddhism. 

The Centre is a hub of internationally acclaimed and distinguished Buddhist scholarship that generates synergy among academics and research students, from SOAS and beyond, involved in the study of Buddhism in Asian societies. The Centre currently comprises 17 permanent members of staff and emeriti, as well as a pool of associate and graduate student members from SOAS and other UK and international institutions.

Why study MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Our department has been ranked 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in the Theology and Religious Studies research rankings in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
  • The research of the SOAS Centre of Buddhist Studies directly feeds into the curriculum pedagogy and delivery
  • Theology and Religious Studies scored above sector in the following categories: research culture, community, progression, research skills, and professional development (2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey)
  • All of our Theology & Religious Studies impact case-studies were world-leading/internationally excellent (REF 2021) 

Use our combined courses tool to see a breakdown of course structure

T
e
a
c
h
i
n
g
a
n
d
l
e
a
r
n
i
n
g

The MA Buddhist Studies programme's structure provides a unique study pathway, characterised both by its coherence and by its flexibility. The core module "Critical Concepts in Buddhist Studies" provides students with a broad and stimulating journey into key notions and methods in the study of Buddhism.

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.

Dissertation

Students will moreover have to submit a Dissertation in Buddhist Studies of 10,000 words, on a topic chosen from the module chosen as major. The remaining modules may be chosen in the large pool of modules on Buddhist topics and languages, thus allowing each student to build up a specialized knowledge of one or more areas of Buddhist Asia. Students are allowed to take modules taught outside the department of Religions and Philosophies up to one module, which may or may not include a language.

E
m
p
l
o
y
m
e
n
t

In addition to an understanding of global faiths, histories and cultures, graduates from the Department of Religions and Philosophies develop the skills to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational and comprehensive manner. These key proficiencies are valuable in many careers and are transferable to a wide range of sectors and roles.Recent Department of Religions and Philosophies graduates have been hired by:

  • Asia Society
  • British Council
  • Cabinet Office
  • Chatham House
  • Edelman
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • HELP USA
  • King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Princeton University
  • Royal Government of Cambodia
  • The Happiness Factory
  • The Inter Faith Network for the UK
  • The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
  • UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
  • United Nations Development Programme

Find out about our Careers Service.

K
e
y
s
t
a
f
f

Apply now
View On-demand
Book an Open Day
Ask a question

S
O
A
S
V
o
i
c
e
s

R
e
l
a
t
e
d
c
o
n
t
e
n
t

You are viewing: Key information