MA Buddhist Studies
University
Tribhuwan University
Duration
2 years
Fee
Rs.
Summary
Two-year, four-semester master’s program under Tribhuvan University designed to provide advanced study of Buddhist history, philosophy, literature, art, architecture, iconography, archaeology, Asian traditions, world religions, Buddhist tourism, and research methodologies.
Program integrates historical, philosophical, textual, artistic, and cultural dimensions of Buddhism across Nepal, Asia, and the world. Curriculum blends doctrinal study with archaeological and architectural traditions, scriptural analysis, iconographic interpretation, Asian Buddhist schools, comparative religion, IT applications, and Buddhist tourism. Emphasis is placed on research skills, field study, interdisciplinary understanding, and the ability to interpret Buddhist traditions within their socio-cultural, ritual, and philosophical contexts. Graduates gain the foundations required for advanced academic work (MPhil/PhD) or professional engagement in heritage, education, culture, and tourism.
Description
Curricular structure (semester-wise)
First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBS 501 | History of Buddhism I | 3 | Early Buddhist history, life of Buddha, chronology |
| MBS 502 | Buddhist Religion and Philosophy I | 3 | Doctrines, schools, early philosophical foundations |
| MBS 503 | Buddhist Literature I | 3 | Canonical texts, early literary traditions |
| MBS 504 | Buddhist Art, Iconography & Scripts | 3 | Visual culture, symbolism, script traditions |
| MBS 505 | Buddhism of Nepal Mandala I | 3 | Nepalese Buddhist culture, practices, mandala traditions |
Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBS 506 | History of Buddhism II | 3 | Later developments, sectarian evolution |
| MBS 507 | Buddhist Religion and Philosophy II | 3 | Mahayana, Vajrayana, later philosophical systems |
| MBS 508 | Buddhist Literature II | 3 | Commentarial and post-canonical texts |
| MBS 509 | Buddhist Architecture & Archaeology | 3 | Monasteries, stupas, archaeological traditions |
| MBS 510 | Buddhism of Nepal Mandala II | 3 | Nepalese sects, rituals, regional Buddhist heritage |
Third Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBS 511 | Buddhist Traditions in Asia I | 3 | South, East, and Southeast Asian Buddhist cultures |
| MBS 512 | World Religion & Philosophy I | 3 | Comparative religion, global philosophical systems |
| MBS 513 | Buddhist Traditions in Asia II | 3 | Asian Buddhist schools, regional iconography |
| MBS 514 | Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal I | 3 | Himalayan Buddhist heritage, monasteries, texts |
| MBS 515 | World Religion & Philosophy II | 3 | Further comparative engagement with world religions |
Fourth Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBS 516 | Methods of Research in Buddhist Studies | 3 | Research tools, methodology, academic writing |
| MBS 517 | Buddhist Heritage of Northern Nepal II | 3 | Advanced Himalayan Buddhist studies |
| MBS 518 | Buddhist Tourism | 3 | Pilgrimage sites, heritage tourism, cultural routes |
| MBS 519 | Basic Knowledge on Information Technology | 3 | Digital tools for research, documentation |
| MBS 520 | Field Study & Report Writing | 3 | Fieldwork, site study, analytical reporting |
| MBS 521 | Thesis | 6 | Research investigation and dissertation |
| MBS 522 | Buddhist Practices | 3 | Ritual practices, meditation, lived traditions |
Features
Features
- 69-credit structured curriculum
- Strong integration of textual study, art, archaeology, philosophy, and cultural history
- Focus on Nepal Mandala and Northern Himalayan Buddhist heritage
- Field study and Buddhist tourism components
- Research-oriented training suitable for further academic specialization
- Blend of theoretical, practical, and IT-supported research approaches
Admission Process
Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Minimum required division/grade as per TU norms
Admission criteria
- Competitive written entrance examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Full marks: 100 (50 objective + 50 essay)
- Selection strictly on merit ranking
Job Prospects
Job prospects
- Researcher in Buddhist studies, culture, or history
- Instructor or academic lecturer
- Heritage, museum, and archaeological sector roles
- Cultural tourism specialist
- Translator or interpreter of Buddhist texts
- Work in NGOs/INGOs related to culture, religion, or heritage preservation
- Content developer for Buddhist literature, education, and tourism
- Advisor or guide for Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage programs
No entrance requirements available
No curriculum information available
Contact the university for detailed curriculum information