Buddhist Studies MPhil

The MPhil in Buddhist Studies is designed for students who wish to study Buddhism through a strong foundation in primary sources and their original languages. The first year establishes this basis through intensive language training and a broad introduction to Buddhism. The second year continues advanced language study and moves to the consideration of the different methods used for the study of Buddhism, while allowing students to deepen their research into the historical and lived manifestations of the tradition.

Buddhism is an exceptionally rich religious tradition with a long history and a vast geographic spread. The programme offers a firm grounding in early Buddhist teachings and traditions (primarily from the Pāli canon and its parallels in Prakrits, Sanskrit, and Chinese translations). It then progresses to Mainstream and Mahāyāna schools before extending into major non-Indic traditions: Southeast Asian (Pali commentarial and vernacular traditions), East Asian (utilizing the extensive Chinese canon), and Tibetan-Himalayan Buddhism. Finally, the course examines Buddhism on a global scale.

Students are expected to ground themselves in classical texts and their doctrinal content as they explore the diverse manifestations that have evolved over more than two millennia, including living practice. Through advanced coursework and the preparation of a final thesis, students will become familiar with broader scholarship in the field while developing specialist skills for original research. They will also explore the global history of Buddhism and its impact on the development of modern Buddhist studies.

Students with specific research interests or those requiring additional languages (including vernaculars) should consult with the course director. Please note that while examinations are based on the core curriculum, students are welcome to audit a wider diversity of relevant classes and lectures with the permission of the respective tutor or lecturer.

You will be requested to select a primary Buddhist canonical language. The options currently available are:

• Pali;
• Sanskrit (Sanskrit is a difficult language to learn and evidence of prior experience of language learning is preferred);
• Classical Tibetan; and
• Classical Chinese.

The first year focuses on intensive training in all aspects of your chosen language, without presuming previous knowledge of it, and takes advantage of the linguistic expertise available at Oxford. 

Study of the chosen language is complemented by training in various aspects relevant to the study of Buddhism, including historical, literary, philosophical and ethnographic. Teaching happens through lectures, seminars and tutorials, utilising the small group practice characteristic of Oxford. Your training is also supported by a rich provision of visiting lectures, research seminars and workshops.

This solid base of training is built on in the second year with the in-depth study of important Buddhist texts in the original language in which you are specialising and an analytical approach to Buddhist studies as an academic discipline.

You are also required to choose one optional paper. Possible options are a second primary Buddhist language or a paper chosen from a list published annually such as, for example, Buddhist philosophy or Anthropology of Buddhism. These optional courses are subject to availability of teaching each year.

Assessment

The first year is assessed by a qualifying exam in Trinity term, ensuring that you have fully comprehended the first year’s teaching activities. 

The examination will consist of two papers:

• a written examination in your chosen primary Buddhist Language 
• a set of four take-home essays completed within a specific timeframe on aspects of Buddhist thought and history

The final examination at the end of the second year, consists of the following four components:

• a thesis on a subject approved by the Faculty Board;
• an advanced language paper consisting of a translation from seen and unseen texts in the chosen primary Buddhist language, and relevant short questions, to be assessed by a timed-examination;
• a paper on approaches to the study of Buddhism, to be assessed by a set of three take-home essays completed within a specific timeframe; and

EITHER:

• a language paper in a second primary Buddhist language, to be assessed by a timed examination. The second primary Buddhist language can be studied either at a basic or at an advanced level. The former will be assessed by a timed examination in the chosen second primary Buddhist language; the latter by a translation from seen and unseen texts, with relevant short questions, in the chosen second primary Buddhist language, to be assessed by a timed examination. If you intend to study a second primary Buddhist language at an advanced level you must satisfy the Faculty Board that you possess an adequate knowledge of your chosen language;

OR:

• a paper chosen from a list published annually, assessed as specified by the course instructor. This paper will be chosen at the beginning of Michaelmas term preceding the examination.