The University of Edinburgh has launched a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Buddhist Studies, offering a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Buddhism. This new program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist philosophy, ethics, art, material culture, texts, and modern interpretations of Buddhism. The program reflects the university’s commitment to Buddhist studies, drawing on the expertise of scholars across various disciplines and schools within the institution.
The program director for the MSc in Buddhist Studies, Dr. Paul Fuller, expressed excitement about leading this new initiative. “It’s incredibly exciting to be the first program director of the MSc in Buddhist Studies at the University of Edinburgh,” he shared with BDG. Dr. Fuller highlighted the unique diversity of the program, noting that it encompassed a wide range of geographical, linguistic, and historical perspectives on Buddhism.
“We want this program to be challenging to students, to be innovative, to achieve outstanding levels of scholarship, and to be academically robust.” Dr. Fuller added.
The new program is structured to offer both a broad overview and specialized study options. Core courses include “Envisioning Buddhist Studies: Methods and Themes” and “Approaches to Research in Divinity and Religious Studies,” while students are also required to complete a 15,000-word dissertation. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of optional courses, such as “Buddhist Studies in Practice,” “Theravada Buddhism from Benares to Bangkok,” “Buddhist Ethics,” and “Art and Belief in the Himalayas.” This range of courses reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the program, allowing students to explore different aspects of Buddhism across various regions and historical periods.
Prof. Naomi Appleton, a faculty member in the School of Divinity, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative nature of the program: “We are so lucky at Edinburgh to have a range of colleagues across the university with expertise in different aspects of Buddhist Studies—in terms of discipline, region, era, and thematic interests.” Prof. Appleton was particularly excited about the new “Buddhist Studies in Practice” course, which allowed students to engage in practical projects, such as exploring Buddhist holdings in the National Museum of Scotland or creating educational resources. “It is going to be a lot of fun to run!” she remarked.
Dr. Yashaswini Chandra from Edinburgh College of Art highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Buddhism, particularly its impact on Indian art and culture. “Buddhism has had an outsized impact on Indian art, culture, history, and politics even after it died out in its homeland,” Dr. Chandra noted. Her research focuses on the spread of arts and cultures from the Indian subcontinent to other parts of Asia, with a particular interest in the role of the Himalayas as a cultural crossroads.
Dr. Abigail MacBain, a scholar in Asian Studies at the School of Literatures, Languages, and Cultures, emphasized the interdisciplinary foundation of the program. “The University of Edinburgh Buddhist Studies MSc is built around the fundamental principle that the study of religion is inherently interdisciplinary,” she said. Dr. MacBain’s research focuses on the transmission of Buddhism to early Japan, with particular interest in how Buddhism facilitated the exchange of texts, ideas, and cultural expressions such as art, music, and ritual throughout pre-modern East Asia.
The Master of Science in Buddhist Studies at the University of Edinburgh represents a significant addition to the field of Buddhist studies, offering students a robust and diverse curriculum. As it prepares to welcome its first cohort, the program is aimed at becoming a leading center for the study of Buddhism, supported by a team of dedicated scholars with a wide range of expertise. Dr. Fuller, summarizing the program’s goals, stated: “Above all, we want students on the program to rethink how Buddhist ideas and practices have shaped both Asian and modern culture.”
The program is now accepting applications, with further details available through the University of Edinburgh’s Postgraduate Degree Finder.
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Buddhist Studies (The University of Edinburgh)
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