Overview
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies is a two-year, full-time postgraduate program offered through the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University, operating under the aegis of Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) in Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
The program provides advanced study of Buddhist philosophy, textual traditions, history, culture, religious practices, research methods, and approaches to the academic study of religion. Its curriculum covers Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna Buddhism alongside advanced readings in Buddhist texts and research methodology. Language study and independent research are also important parts of the program. Students complete a final research project or thesis as part of their postgraduate study.
Course Highlights
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Course: Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies
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Level: Postgraduate
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Duration: Two years
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Study Mode: Full-time
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Institution: Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University
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Operating Institute: Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI)
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University: Kathmandu University
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Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Academic Focus: Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist texts, religious studies, Buddhist traditions, research methods, and language study
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Research Component: Final research project or thesis
Course Overview
The MA in Buddhist Studies focuses on advanced academic engagement with Buddhism through philosophy, textual study, religious studies, history, culture, research, and language learning.
Students examine Buddhist traditions through subjects dealing with Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna Buddhism. The program also includes advanced Buddhist philosophy and readings in Buddhist texts, allowing students to develop a more detailed understanding of Buddhist intellectual traditions.
Research methodology is another central component. Courses in research methods and theories and methods in the study of religion prepare students for independent academic work and the final research project or thesis.
The program forms part of the wider academic environment of the Centre for Buddhist Studies, where Buddhist Studies, Himalayan languages, textual interpretation, philology, and related disciplines are studied.
Who May Consider This Course?
The program may suit graduates interested in advanced study of Buddhism, religious traditions, philosophy, textual interpretation, Asian Studies, language, or related academic fields.
It may also be relevant to students preparing for research-oriented work or further postgraduate study in Buddhist Studies and related disciplines.
Because the program includes advanced textual study, language learning, research methodology, and independent research, students should be prepared for sustained reading, analysis, academic writing, and postgraduate-level research.
Course Objectives
The program aims to:
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Develop an advanced understanding of Buddhist philosophy, history, culture, and practices.
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Strengthen knowledge of different Buddhist traditions.
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Develop proficiency in a primary Buddhist language.
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Build methodological skills for the academic study of Buddhism and religion.
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Develop the ability to work with Buddhist texts at an advanced level.
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Support original and independent research in Buddhist Studies.
Course Duration
Duration: Two years
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies is offered as a full-time postgraduate program.
Its academic structure includes advanced Buddhist philosophy, textual study, theories and methods in religious studies, research methods, major Buddhist traditions, language study, and a final research project or thesis.
Course Outline
The curriculum includes:
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Advanced Buddhist Philosophy
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Advanced Readings in Buddhist Texts
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Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion
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Research Methods in Buddhist Studies
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Theravāda Buddhism
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Mahāyāna Buddhism
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Vajrayāna Buddhism
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Final research project or thesis
Advanced Buddhist Philosophy
Advanced Buddhist Philosophy forms part of the postgraduate curriculum.
This area allows students to continue their study of Buddhist philosophical thought at a level beyond introductory undergraduate treatment. It contributes to the wider examination of Buddhist traditions, texts, religious ideas, and intellectual history within the MA program.
Buddhist Textual Studies
Advanced Readings in Buddhist Texts is included in the course structure.
Textual study is connected with the Centre's wider academic emphasis on Buddhist Studies, Himalayan languages, textual interpretation, and philology. Students work toward developing the language and analytical abilities required for advanced engagement with Buddhist textual traditions.
Buddhist Traditions
The MA curriculum includes study of three major Buddhist traditions:
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Theravāda Buddhism
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Mahāyāna Buddhism
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Vajrayāna Buddhism
Studying these traditions within the same postgraduate program allows students to examine different philosophical, historical, and religious dimensions of Buddhism.
The program also considers Buddhism within its broader cultural and historical contexts rather than treating Buddhist thought separately from the traditions in which it developed.
Theories and Methods in Religious Studies
Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion introduces methodological approaches relevant to advanced academic work.
This area supports the study of Buddhism as a religious and intellectual tradition while giving students a framework for examining religious ideas, texts, practices, traditions, and historical contexts.
It also contributes to the comparative and methodological abilities required for postgraduate research.
Research Methods in Buddhist Studies
Research Methods in Buddhist Studies prepares students for independent academic investigation.
The research component is intended to develop abilities related to:
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Academic inquiry
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Critical analysis
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Research design
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Interpretation of Buddhist materials
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Academic writing
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Independent research
These skills are applied in the final research project or thesis.
Research Project or Thesis
Students complete a final research project or thesis as part of the MA program.
This component allows students to investigate a Buddhist Studies topic through independent academic research. It draws together knowledge and research abilities developed through philosophy, textual study, language work, religious studies methodology, and research methods.
Original research is one of the stated academic objectives of the program.
Eligibility
Applicants require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
The program requires a background in religious studies and language studies. Applicants with academic preparation in fields such as Religious Studies, Philosophy, or Asian Studies may have relevant prior study for postgraduate work in Buddhist Studies.
A high level of English proficiency is also required.
Non-native English speakers may demonstrate proficiency through standard English-language testing, including:
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TOEFL-iBT with a minimum score of 90
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IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
Language Study
Developing proficiency in a primary Buddhist language is one of the objectives of the MA program.
Language ability supports advanced readings in Buddhist texts and contributes to the program's emphasis on textual interpretation and academic research.
The Centre for Buddhist Studies also has a wider academic focus on Himalayan languages, including Tibetan and Sanskrit, alongside Buddhist Studies and textual scholarship.
Learning Outcomes
The program is intended to help students develop:
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Advanced understanding of Buddhist philosophy and traditions
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Knowledge of Buddhist history, culture, and religious practices
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Understanding of Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna Buddhism
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Ability to engage with Buddhist texts at an advanced academic level
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Proficiency in at least one primary Buddhist language
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Knowledge of theories and methods used in religious studies
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Research methodology skills
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Ability to undertake independent research in Buddhist Studies
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Academic writing and analytical skills
Individual academic development depends on coursework, language study, research activity, participation, and overall academic performance.
Further Study
Graduates may consider further research and postgraduate study in Buddhist Studies or related academic fields.
A completed MA, together with postgraduate research experience and a final research project or thesis, may provide an academic foundation for students interested in doctoral-level study.
The Centre for Buddhist Studies also offers PhD-level study. Admission to its PhD program requires a Master's degree in a related discipline with a CGPA of 3.00 or above, strong English-language skills, and a relevant research proposal.
Career Areas
Graduates may explore roles connected with their academic preparation, research abilities, language knowledge, and understanding of religion and culture.
Possible areas include:
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Academic teaching and research
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Religious and philosophical counselling
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Non-profit organizations
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Cultural institutions
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Publishing
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Journalism
Opportunities depend on additional qualifications, professional requirements, language ability, research experience, individual skills, and the requirements of specific positions or organizations.
Academia and Research
The program's focus on advanced philosophy, textual study, research methodology, and independent research may be relevant to graduates interested in academic work.
Students considering teaching or research careers may also need further qualifications depending on the requirements of the institution or position.
The MA can also serve as preparation for doctoral research in Buddhist Studies or a related academic field.
Cultural and Non-Profit Work
Knowledge of Buddhist traditions, philosophy, culture, religion, texts, and research may also be applicable in cultural institutions and non-profit organizations.
The relevance of the degree to a specific position depends on the organization's work, role requirements, the graduate's experience, and any additional professional qualifications required.
Publishing and Journalism
Graduates with strong research, writing, cultural, and subject knowledge may consider work connected with publishing or journalism.
The academic abilities developed through textual analysis, research methodology, and postgraduate writing may be relevant to roles requiring research and informed engagement with religious, philosophical, or cultural subjects.
Fees
Detailed fee information is available from the administrative office of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University.
Students considering admission can contact the Centre for the applicable fee structure and related administrative details.
Scholarships
Kathmandu University offers scholarships to eligible students.
Information about scholarship availability and applicable eligibility requirements can be obtained from the university's administrative office.
Academic Setting
The Centre for Buddhist Studies operates through Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Boudhanath, Kathmandu.
RYI was founded by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and has collaborated with Kathmandu University since 2001 in offering Buddhist Studies and related academic programs.
Its wider academic activities include undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral study along with certificate programs, non-credit study, translator training, summer programs, visiting study, research affiliation, and online learning.
The MA in Buddhist Studies forms part of this broader academic setting for Buddhist philosophy, Himalayan languages, textual interpretation, philology, and related scholarship.
Contact Details
Institution: Rangjung Yeshe Institute
Postal Address: P.O.Box No: # 21277
Street Address: 1 Seto Gompa Marg
Location: Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 (1) 4915975
FAQ
What is the Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies?
The MA in Buddhist Studies is a two-year, full-time postgraduate program offered through the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Kathmandu University. It covers Buddhist philosophy, texts, religious studies methodology, research methods, Buddhist traditions, language study, and independent research.
How long does the MA in Buddhist Studies take?
The program has a duration of two years and is offered on a full-time basis.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0, a background in religious studies and language studies, and a high level of English proficiency.
What English-language scores are accepted?
Non-native English speakers may demonstrate proficiency with a TOEFL-iBT score of at least 90 or an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
What subjects are included in the MA program?
The curriculum includes Advanced Buddhist Philosophy, Advanced Readings in Buddhist Texts, Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion, Research Methods in Buddhist Studies, Theravāda Buddhism, Mahāyāna Buddhism, and Vajrayāna Buddhism.
Does the program include a thesis?
Yes. Students complete a final research project or thesis as part of the MA program.
Does the MA include language study?
Yes. Developing proficiency in at least one primary Buddhist language is one of the stated objectives and learning areas of the program.
What Buddhist traditions are studied?
The curriculum includes Theravāda Buddhism, Mahāyāna Buddhism, and Vajrayāna Buddhism.
Can graduates continue to PhD study?
Graduates may consider doctoral study in Buddhist Studies or a related discipline. The Centre's PhD program requires a Master's degree in a related discipline with a CGPA of 3.00 or above, strong English-language skills, and a relevant research proposal.
What career areas may graduates consider?
Possible areas include academic teaching and research, religious and philosophical counselling, non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, publishing, and journalism. Individual opportunities depend on qualifications, experience, skills, and role requirements.
