Central Department of Buddhist Studies, Tribhuvan University

The Central Department of Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University (CDBS TU) is located at the university's Central Campus in Kirtipur. Established in 2002 AD, the department is dedicated to the academic study of Buddhism in Nepal.

Its academic work includes master's and doctoral-level study in Buddhist Studies. The Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Studies follows a semester system and covers Buddhist philosophy, history, literature, and related areas. The department also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Buddhist Studies for advanced academic research.

Alongside teaching, the department supports research in Buddhist Studies and academic interaction with national and international institutions.

Quick Highlights

About the Central Department of Buddhist Studies

The Central Department of Buddhist Studies operates under Tribhuvan University from its Central Campus in Kirtipur. Since its establishment in 2002 AD, its academic focus has been the study of Buddhism and related areas of scholarship.

The department provides a setting for students interested in examining Buddhist thought through formal university education. Its academic scope includes Buddhist philosophy, history, literature, and related disciplines.

The department's work extends beyond classroom teaching. Research forms part of its academic activity, giving students opportunities to undertake independent study and contribute to scholarly discussion in Buddhist Studies.

Location in Kirtipur

The department is situated at Tribhuvan University's Central Campus in Kirtipur.

The campus setting provides a dedicated university environment for coursework, academic discussion, reading, and research. Students enrolled in the department study within the wider academic setting of Tribhuvan University while focusing specifically on Buddhist Studies.

Academic Programs

The department offers postgraduate and doctoral study in Buddhist Studies.

Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Studies

The MA in Buddhist Studies is a semester-based academic program designed for advanced study of Buddhism.

Its academic coverage includes:

• Buddhist philosophy

• Buddhist history

• Buddhist literature

• Related areas of Buddhist Studies

The program has a capacity of 30 seats. Its limited intake creates a relatively small academic group for postgraduate study.

Students in the MA program engage with Buddhist ideas, historical developments, texts, and related academic subjects through structured university-level study.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Buddhist Studies

The department also offers a PhD in Buddhist Studies for advanced research.

The doctoral program allows researchers to concentrate on a specific area within Buddhist Studies and conduct original academic research under faculty guidance.

At this level, the emphasis is on sustained scholarly inquiry and contribution to research in the field.

Academic Focus

Buddhist Studies is approached as an academic discipline covering several interconnected areas. The MA program specifically includes the study of Buddhist philosophy, history, literature, and related subjects.

This structure allows students to examine Buddhism from philosophical, historical, literary, and research perspectives rather than limiting study to a single dimension.

The academic setting is relevant to students seeking postgraduate study centered on Buddhism and to researchers interested in undertaking more specialized work through the PhD program.

Research in Buddhist Studies

Research is part of the department's academic activities.

Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects related to Buddhism. Such work allows them to examine particular questions, texts, traditions, historical themes, or areas of Buddhist thought in greater depth.

Research activity also supports the department's wider role as a university center for academic work in Buddhist Studies.

For doctoral researchers, original research is a central part of advanced study. The PhD program provides an academic route for sustained investigation within a selected area of the discipline.

Faculty and Academic Guidance

The department has faculty members engaged in Buddhist Studies who support teaching and research.

Their role includes academic instruction and guidance for students studying at master's and doctoral levels. Faculty involvement is particularly important for research work, where students require academic supervision while developing and completing independent studies.

The presence of both MA and PhD programs gives the department a teaching and research role within Tribhuvan University's academic structure.

Academic Collaboration and Exchange

The department maintains academic connections with national and international institutions.

These collaborations support academic exchange and scholarly dialogue related to Buddhist Studies. They also provide opportunities for interaction across different academic and cultural approaches to the study of Buddhism.

Such engagement complements the department's teaching and research activities by connecting its academic work with wider discussions in the field.

Studying Buddhist Studies at the Department

Students joining the department encounter Buddhism through structured academic study rather than through a single subject area.

The MA program combines several branches of Buddhist Studies, including philosophy, history, and literature. Students interested in continuing into advanced research can pursue doctoral study through the PhD program.

The department is therefore relevant to learners whose academic interests center on Buddhist thought, texts, historical development, and research.

Research-Oriented Learning

Independent inquiry is an important part of the department's academic environment.

Research projects allow students to work with specific areas of Buddhist Studies in greater detail. Through this process, students can develop experience in academic reading, analysis, research, and scholarly writing.

At the doctoral level, research becomes more specialized, with students concentrating on an identified area of study under academic guidance.

Role of Buddhist Studies in Nepal

The department was established with the objective of promoting and advancing the study of Buddhism in Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Its academic programs provide a university-based route for studying Buddhist philosophy, history, literature, and related disciplines. Research activities further support scholarly engagement with Buddhist thought and its historical and cultural dimensions.

Through postgraduate teaching and doctoral research, the department contributes to the academic study of Buddhism within Tribhuvan University.

Academic Environment

The department combines postgraduate teaching, doctoral research, faculty guidance, and academic collaboration within one specialized field.

Its MA intake of 30 seats keeps the postgraduate program relatively focused in size. Students study through the semester system while engaging with different areas of Buddhist scholarship.

Research opportunities and institutional exchanges add another academic dimension for students whose interests extend beyond regular coursework.

Who May Find the Department Relevant?

The department may be relevant to students and researchers interested in:

• Buddhist philosophy

• Buddhist history

• Buddhist literature

• Academic study of Buddhism

• Independent research in Buddhist Studies

• Advanced doctoral research in Buddhist Studies

The MA provides postgraduate academic study, while the PhD offers a route for more specialized research.

Admission and Administrative Information

Students seeking admission-related information can contact the administrative office of the Central Department of Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University.

The administration office can provide current institutional information concerning areas such as:

• Course and admission matters

• Eligibility

• Fees

• Scholarships

• Facilities

• Counseling

• Location-related guidance