MA in Buddhist Studies

Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Studies at Central Department of Buddhist Studies, Tribhuvan University

The Master of Arts (MA) in Buddhist Studies at the Central Department of Buddhist Studies, Tribhuvan University (TU), Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, is a 69-credit-hour postgraduate program completed over four semesters.

The program covers Buddhist history, religion, philosophy, literature, art, iconography, scripts, architecture, archaeology, the Buddhism of Nepal Mandala, Buddhist traditions in Asia, world religion and philosophy, the Buddhist heritage of Northern Nepal, research methods, information technology, Buddhist tourism, field study, thesis work, and Buddhist practices.

Students from any academic discipline may apply after completing a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university. Admission is merit-based through a written entrance examination.

Course Highlights

About the MA in Buddhist Studies

The MA in Buddhist Studies combines the study of Buddhist thought, history, texts, material heritage, cultural traditions, and research.

Its academic coverage extends from Buddhist religion and philosophy to literature, architecture, archaeology, iconography, scripts, regional traditions, and heritage. Students also study subjects connected with world religion and philosophy, Buddhist tourism, research methods, information technology, field study, and Buddhist practices.

The four-semester structure allows students to move from foundational and historical areas of study toward regional traditions, research methodology, field-based work, and thesis preparation.

Duration and Credit Structure

Duration: Four semesters

Total Credits: 69 credit hours

The MA in Buddhist Studies is organized as a four-semester postgraduate degree. Its courses are distributed across the semesters, with the final semester including research-oriented and applied components such as research methods, field study and report writing, and thesis work.

Objectives

The program is intended to develop academic understanding across different areas of Buddhist Studies.

Its objectives include:

• Developing knowledge of Buddhist history, teachings, and practices.

• Studying religious and philosophical dimensions of Buddhism.

• Examining Buddhist literature and scriptural traditions.

• Studying Buddhist art, iconography, architecture, and archaeology.

• Understanding cultural and ritual aspects of Buddhist traditions.

• Examining Buddhist traditions in Nepal and other parts of Asia.

• Studying archaeological chronologies, traditions, and cultures connected with Buddhist heritage and tourism.

• Examining different Buddhist schools and traditions alongside the study of world religions.

• Developing research skills for academic work in Buddhist Studies.

• Building basic knowledge of information technology relevant to academic study and research.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Applicants may come from any academic discipline but must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.

The program therefore allows graduates from different educational backgrounds to pursue postgraduate study in Buddhist Studies.

Admission Criteria

Admission is based on merit determined through a written entrance examination.

Entrance Examination Duration: Two hours

Total Marks: 100

The examination consists of:

• 50 marks for objective questions

• 50 marks for essay writing

Performance in the written test is used to determine merit for admission to the program.

Course Structure

The MA in Buddhist Studies is divided into four semesters. The curriculum moves through historical, philosophical, literary, artistic, regional, comparative, research, technological, practical, and heritage-related areas of study.

First Semester

The first semester introduces core areas of Buddhist history, religion, philosophy, literature, visual culture, scripts, and the Buddhism of Nepal Mandala.

Courses are:

• History of Buddhism I

• Buddhist Religion and Philosophy I

• Buddhist Literature I

• Buddhist Art, Iconography, and Scripts

• Buddhism of Nepal Mandala I

Second Semester

The second semester continues the study of history, philosophy, literature, and Nepal Mandala while adding Buddhist architecture and archaeology.

Courses are:

• History of Buddhism II

• Buddhist Religion and Philosophy II

• Buddhist Literature II

• Buddhist Architecture and Archaeology

• Buddhism of Nepal Mandala II

Third Semester

The third semester places greater attention on Buddhist traditions across Asia, comparative religious and philosophical study, and the Buddhist heritage of Northern Nepal.

Courses are:

• Buddhist Traditions in Asia I

• World Religion and Philosophy I

• Buddhist Traditions in Asia II

• Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal I

• World Religion and Philosophy II

Fourth Semester

The fourth semester includes research, heritage, tourism, information technology, field-based study, thesis work, and Buddhist practices.

Courses are:

• Methods of Research in Buddhist Studies

• Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal II

• Buddhist Tourism

• Basic Knowledge on Information Technology

• Field Study and Report Writing

• Thesis

• Buddhist Practices

Buddhist History, Religion, and Philosophy

History, religion, and philosophy form central parts of the program.

Students study History of Buddhism I and II alongside Buddhist Religion and Philosophy I and II. These courses provide an academic basis for examining the historical development of Buddhism and its philosophical and religious traditions.

The curriculum also includes World Religion and Philosophy I and II, placing Buddhist Studies within a wider comparative academic setting.

Buddhist Literature and Scriptural Study

Buddhist Literature I and II are included during the first two semesters.

The curriculum also includes the study of scripts through Buddhist Art, Iconography, and Scripts. Together, these areas allow students to engage with literary and scriptural dimensions of Buddhist traditions as part of their postgraduate study.

Art, Iconography, Architecture, and Archaeology

The curriculum includes dedicated study of Buddhist material and visual heritage.

Buddhist Art, Iconography, and Scripts appears in the first semester, followed by Buddhist Architecture and Archaeology in the second semester.

These subjects extend the program beyond textual and philosophical study by including artistic, architectural, archaeological, and iconographic dimensions of Buddhism.

Buddhism of Nepal Mandala

Buddhism of Nepal Mandala is studied over two semesters:

• Buddhism of Nepal Mandala I

• Buddhism of Nepal Mandala II

These courses provide a specific academic component focused on Buddhist traditions associated with Nepal Mandala.

Buddhist Traditions in Asia

The third semester includes:

• Buddhist Traditions in Asia I

• Buddhist Traditions in Asia II

These courses extend the geographical scope of the program beyond Nepal and allow students to study Buddhist traditions within a broader Asian context.

Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal

The curriculum includes a two-part study of the Buddhist heritage of Northern Nepal.

• Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal I is taught in the third semester.

• Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal II is included in the fourth semester.

This sequence gives the program a specific heritage-related component focused on Northern Nepal.

Research and Thesis

Research becomes a major part of the final stage of the MA program.

The fourth semester includes Methods of Research in Buddhist Studies, Field Study and Report Writing, and Thesis.

Through these components, students work with research methods, field-based study, academic reporting, and independent research. Thesis work allows students to apply their academic preparation to a defined area of Buddhist Studies.

Field Study and Report Writing

Field Study and Report Writing provides a practical research component within the fourth semester.

Students engage with field-based academic work and prepare a report connected with their study. This component links research methods with practical investigation and academic writing.

Information Technology

The fourth semester includes Basic Knowledge on Information Technology.

This subject introduces IT knowledge as part of the program's academic structure and supports the use of technological tools in study and research.

Buddhist Tourism

Buddhist Tourism is included in the fourth semester.

The subject connects the academic study of Buddhism with Buddhist heritage and tourism. It forms part of the program's broader coverage of archaeological traditions, cultural heritage, and Buddhist sites and traditions in Nepal, Asia, and other contexts.

Buddhist Practices

Buddhist Practices is also included in the fourth semester.

Its inclusion gives the curriculum a practical dimension alongside historical, philosophical, literary, heritage, and research-based study.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the MA in Buddhist Studies, students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of Buddhist history, religion, and philosophy.

• Understand major areas of Buddhist literature and cultural traditions.

• Examine Buddhist art, iconography, architecture, archaeology, and scripts.

• Analyze Buddhist texts, artifacts, traditions, and related academic materials.

• Understand Buddhist traditions in Nepal and other parts of Asia.

• Apply research methods in Buddhist Studies.

• Conduct independent academic research.

• Prepare academic reports and thesis-based research.

• Present research findings through academic writing.

• Use basic information technology tools in study and research.

• Understand Buddhist heritage and tourism as areas of academic study.

Who May Consider This Program?

The MA in Buddhist Studies may be relevant to graduates from different academic backgrounds who want postgraduate study centered on Buddhism.

The course may particularly suit students interested in:

• Buddhist history

• Buddhist religion and philosophy

• Buddhist literature

• Art and iconography

• Architecture and archaeology

• Buddhist heritage

• Asian Buddhist traditions

• Comparative religion and philosophy

• Academic research

• Buddhist tourism

• Field-based study

Because applicants may come from any discipline, the program provides an entry point into formal postgraduate Buddhist Studies for graduates with varied undergraduate backgrounds.

Career and Academic Pathways

Graduates may consider academic and professional areas connected with their postgraduate study, subject to the requirements of individual employers and institutions.

Possible areas include:

• Universities and educational institutions

• Academic and research work

• Cultural preservation and heritage organizations

• Museums

• Art galleries

• Cultural centers

• Religious and spiritual organizations

• Tourism and travel-related organizations

• Publishing

• Media

• Non-governmental organizations working in cultural and religious fields

Employment depends on factors such as individual qualifications, research experience, additional skills, institutional requirements, and available positions. Completion of the degree does not guarantee employment in any particular field.

Further Research

The MA program includes research methods, field study, report writing, and thesis work, providing academic preparation for students interested in continuing with advanced research.

The Central Department of Buddhist Studies also offers a PhD in Buddhist Studies, providing a doctoral-level pathway for students seeking further specialization and original research in the field.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees and Scholarships: Students can contact the administrative office of the Central Department of Buddhist Studies for current information concerning fees and scholarship-related matters for the MA in Buddhist Studies.

The administrative office can also provide course-related information concerning facilities, counseling, eligibility, and other admission matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MA in Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University?

It is a 69-credit-hour master's degree offered by the Central Department of Buddhist Studies at Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.

How long is the MA in Buddhist Studies?

The program is completed over four semesters.

Who is eligible for the MA in Buddhist Studies?

Applicants from any academic discipline may apply after completing a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university.

How is admission determined?

Admission is based on merit determined through a written entrance examination.

What is the format of the entrance examination?

The entrance examination is a two-hour, 100-mark written test consisting of 50 marks of objective questions and 50 marks of essay writing.

How many credits are required for the MA in Buddhist Studies?

The program carries a total of 69 credit hours.

Does the curriculum include research?

Yes. The fourth semester includes Methods of Research in Buddhist Studies, Field Study and Report Writing, and Thesis.

Does the course cover Buddhist art and archaeology?

Yes. The curriculum includes Buddhist Art, Iconography, and Scripts as well as Buddhist Architecture and Archaeology.

Does the program study Buddhism outside Nepal?

Yes. The third semester includes Buddhist Traditions in Asia I and II, while the curriculum also includes World Religion and Philosophy I and II.

Is Buddhist tourism part of the curriculum?

Yes. Buddhist Tourism is included in the fourth semester.

Does the program include information technology?

Yes. Basic Knowledge on Information Technology is included in the fourth semester.

What programs can students pursue after the MA?

The Central Department of Buddhist Studies also offers a PhD in Buddhist Studies for students interested in advanced doctoral research.