Masters degrees in Buddhism involve advanced study of the Buddhist religious tradition, exploring its theory and practice in a variety of historical, socio-cultural and theological contexts. Some Masters in Buddhist Studies also give you the opportunity to learn a language that is central to Buddhism, such as Pali.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Religions of Asia & Africa, Theology & Religious Studies and (South) East Asian Studies.
Buddhism is one of the world’s oldest religious tradition, with history stretching back as far as the 5th century BCE. It’s also the fourth most followed religion, counting 520 million people among its followers. As such, Buddhist Studies is a rich and diverse area of scholarly attention, encompassing vastly different historical periods, regions and practices.
For example, you might study regional variations of Buddhism in places like Tibet, Japan, India and China. Or, you could focus on sacred Buddhist texts, perhaps studying them in their original language.
You’ll gain advanced knowledge of Buddhism during one of these courses, which will prove useful if you want to work in a Buddhist community. Your skills will also be applicable in sectors as varied as academia, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charity and education.
