The University of Edinburgh has launched a Master of Science (MSc) 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 from various disciplines and schools within the institution.
Master of Buddhist Studies Program Director, Dr. Paul Fuller, said he was excited to lead this new initiative. “It’s incredibly exciting to be the first director of the Masters in Buddhist Studies program at the University of Edinburgh,” he told BDG. Dr. Fuller highlighted the unique diversity of the program, noting that it encompassed a wide range of geographic, linguistic and historical perspectives on Buddhism.
“We want this program to be engaging for students, to be innovative, to achieve exceptional levels of achievement, and to be academically strong,” added Dr. Fuller.
The new program is structured to provide both 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 write a 15-word thesis. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of elective 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 in various regions and historical periods.
Professor Naomi Appleton, a faculty member in the School of Divinity, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative nature of the programme: “We are very lucky in Edinburgh to have a range of colleagues across the university who have expertise in different aspects of Buddhist studies – in terms of discipline, region, era and thematic interests. » Professor Appleton was particularly excited about the new 'Buddhist Studies in Practice' course, which allowed students to engage in hands-on projects, such as exploring the National Museum of Scotland's Buddhist holdings or creating teaching resources . “This will be a lot of fun to organize!” “, she remarked.
Dr Yashaswini Chandra, from Edinburgh College of Art, highlighted the historical and cultural importance of Buddhism, particularly its impact on Indian art and culture. “Buddhism had a tremendous impact on the art, culture, history and politics of India, even after its disappearance in its country of origin,” noted Dr. Chandra. His research focuses on the spread of arts and cultures from the Indian subcontinent to other regions of Asia, with a particular interest in the role of the Himalayas as a cultural crossroads.
Dr Abigail MacBain, a researcher in Asian studies at the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the program. “The MSc in Buddhist Studies at the University of Edinburgh 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 in early Japan, with a particular interest in how Buddhism facilitated the exchange of texts, ideas and cultural expressions such as art, music and rituals throughout pre-modern East Asia.
The Master of Science in Buddhist Studies at the University of Edinburgh represents an important addition to the field of Buddhist studies, providing students with a strong and diverse program of study. As it prepares to welcome its first cohort, the program aims to become a leading center for the study of Buddhism, supported by a team of dedicated researchers with a wide range of expertise. Dr. Fuller, summarizing the program's goals, said: "Above all, we want students in the program to rethink how Buddhist ideas and practices have shaped Asian and modern culture. »
The program is now accepting applications, with further details available via the University of Edinburgh's postgraduate degree search engine.
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Buddhist Studies (University of Edinburgh)
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The article University of Edinburgh launches full MSc in Buddhist Studies appeared first on Buddhist News Global.
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