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MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language (Japanese)

UK

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What will I learn?

The MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language is an interdisciplinary programme that engages with Buddhism as a field of inquiry from a historical, philosophical, anthropological and material culture perspectives.

It caters to students who wish to broaden either their knowledge of Buddhism as a whole or their knowledge of specific Buddhist traditions, as well as to students intending to embark on further research or fieldwork among Buddhist communities.

This programme at SOAS follows a non-confessional, contextual approach, which highlights the diversity of Buddhism in its historical and geographical developments. The programme, crucially, appreciates Buddhism as a living religion. Detailed attention is given to how scholarship, both in the West and through Asia, has shaped our understanding of Buddhism.

The MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language programme benefits from teaching on Buddhist languages and regional cultures across SOAS, and is supported by the SOAS Centre of Buddhist Studies. The Centre offers extraordinary opportunities for further engagement with the study of Buddhism.

The Centre is a hub of internationally acclaimed and distinguished Buddhist scholarship that generates synergy among academics and research students, from SOAS and beyond, involved in the study of Buddhism in Asian societies. The Centre currently comprises 17 permanent members of staff and emeriti, as well as a pool of associate and graduate student members from SOAS and other UK and international institutions.

Why study MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 15th in the UK for Arts and Humanities (QS World University Rankings 2023)
  • Our department has been ranked 3rd for research outputs and 7th place overall in the Theology and Religious Studies research rankings in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
  • The research of the SOAS Centre of Buddhist Studies directly feeds into the curriculum pedagogy and delivery
  • Theology and Religious Studies scored above sector in the following categories: research culture, community, progression, research skills, and professional development (2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey)
  • All of our Theology & Religious Studies impact case-studies were world-leading/internationally excellent (REF 2021).

In addition to an understanding of global faiths, histories and cultures, graduates from the Department of Religions and Philosophies develop the skills to analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational and comprehensive manner. These key proficiencies are valuable in many careers and are transferable to a wide range of sectors and roles.

Which department am I in?

Department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies

Study options

Full Time (2 years)

Tuition fees
£25,320.00 (US$ 32,820) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2025

Venue

SOAS, University of London

Thornhaugh Street,

Russell Square,

Camden,

WC1H 0XG, England

Entry requirements

For international students

Applicants with bachelor’s degree equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10 from a good university will be considered for entry. Students need to have an IELTS academic score of 6.5 with 6.5 in all subscores; TOEFL IBT - 95 overall with 23 in writing, 20 in other subscores.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About SOAS University of London

SOAS graduates go on to pursue a range of careers which make a significant contribution to global society.

  • London offers one of the best student experiences globally
  • 56 percent of students at SOAS are international students
  • One of the best staff to student ratios in the UK
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships available

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