MA in Theravada Buddhism

Two-year master’s program focused on Theravāda Buddhist history, doctrine, texts, language, and meditative practice.

Description
MA in Theravāda Buddhism is a four-semester graduate program designed for systematic academic and practical engagement with the Theravāda tradition. The program emphasizes canonical study of the Pāli Tipiṭaka, Theravāda philosophy, meditation theory and practice, monastic discipline, and historical development of Buddhism from the Buddha’s lifetime through its expansion in Asia. It integrates textual analysis, language training, ethics, meditation, and research methodology to produce graduates capable of scholarly analysis and community leadership grounded in Theravāda principles.

Curricular Structure Overview

Semester 1

• History of Theravāda Buddhism
• Pāli Language and Literature I
• Theravāda Buddhist Practice
• Buddhist Philosophy I
• Sutta Piṭaka Analysis I
• Electives: Buddhist Economics, Iconography, Leadership

Semester 2

• Buddhist Meditation Theory
• Buddhist Ethics
• Pāli Language and Literature II
• Buddhist Philosophy II
• Sutta Piṭaka Analysis II
• Electives: Buddhist Art, Governance, Psychology

Semester 3

• Research Methodology
• Meditation Practice
• Sutta Piṭaka Analysis III
• Vinaya Piṭaka (selected)
• Abhidhamma Piṭaka I
• Electives: Architecture, Gender, Management

Semester 4

• Buddhism of Nepal
• Seminar
• Master’s Thesis
• Abhidhamma Piṭaka (advanced)
• Electives: Buddhism and Science, Society, South Asia, Scripts

Features

• Strong emphasis on Pāli language and canonical texts
• Balanced integration of theory and meditation practice
• Advanced study of all three Piṭakas
• Broad elective options linking Buddhism with society, science, and governance
• Mandatory thesis and seminar components

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university
• Open to students from any academic discipline

Admission Criteria

• Written entrance examination
• Oral interview
• Merit-based annual intake

Job Prospects

• Academic and research roles in Buddhist studies
• Monastic and lay religious education
• Meditation instruction and retreat facilitation
• NGO and community development work
• Cultural and religious heritage institutions
• Further studies at MPhil and PhD level