In the Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions master’s programme you will gain in-depth knowledge in the field of Buddhism and both past and present contemplative traditions. You will receive extensive training in one of the Buddhist source languages Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese or Mongolian.
At a glance
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Field of study
History, Art and Area Studies -
Degree type
postgraduate -
Degree
Master of Arts -
Language of instruction
English -
Full/part-time
full-time, part-time -
Course start
winter semester, summer semester -
Admission restriction
without admission restriction -
Standard period of study
four semesters
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ECTS credits
120
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from the field of religious, regional or cultural studies, ethnology or a subject with special reference to Buddhism
- Proof of academic achievements/modules of at least 30 credits with reference to Buddhism or equivalent knowledge
- Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
The faculty will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that the candidate meets the relevant admission requirements.
Contents
The Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions master’s programme is a consecutive master’s programme taught in English.
The programme includes basic education in one of the Buddhist source languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian), combined with an in-depth analysis of Buddhist culture, history and literature. Studying Buddhism will provide you with numerous approaches for contributing to contemporary social discourses and contributes to a deeper understanding of global cultural transfer and the transcultural interactions that go along with this.
In particular, you will be qualified to decipher and academically analyse sources in the aforementioned languages, conduct independent research, and contribute to academic and cultural communication. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to acquire or deepen your skills in religious studies as part of the degree programme. It is an interdisciplinary course that offers modules in cooperation with Chinese Studies, Religious Studies, and other subjects.
In the first year, you will study two introductory or in-depth modules in a Buddhist source language. In the second year, you will complete a research laboratory course, take a colloquium, and complete your master’s thesis. The laboratory course may include a language course, independent work on texts or objects, the application of philological or literary methods, or writing a study on a subject-specific topic.
You will be encouraged and supported to spend part of your studies abroad.
- Strong philological education in Buddhist source languages
- Degree programme can begin without prior knowledge of languages
- Interdisciplinary focus, relevant to the present day
- Self-selected research laboratory course at an institute with a connection to Buddhism
- Personalised mentoring for students
A master’s degree in Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions will give you the opportunity to take on academic work at universities – also in combination with preparing for doctoral studies.
However, the degree can also prepare you for other professional activities, e.g. at museums, libraries, adult education, in the media (publishing houses, radio and television, journalism) or in tourism, as well professions for which strong intercultural skills are required.
- Laboratory course module in the compulsory elective area
- A stay abroad is recommended
Application
Course start: winter semester and summer semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Please make sure you note our further information on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.
International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the “International” page.
Options in the winter semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)
Further information can be found on our page “Applying for a higher semester of study”.
International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the “International” page.