About The Programme
Master Of Arts In Buddhist Studies (in collaboration with PGIPBS (Postgraduate Institute of Pali & Buddhist Studies), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka) course is intended to introduce the student to the most up-to-date body of knowledge and research in the multiple branches of Buddhist studies so as to enable him/her to discover the new frontiers of the subject.
The Master of Arts Degree offered by the Institute is regarded as a preparation for in-depth studies and research in Buddhism or Comparative Religion or for relevant careers or simply as an extension of a liberal education.
Programme Structure
A student is required to take seven course units selected from those announced for the academic year by the Institute. Out of these seven course units, MABS 01 and MABS 72 are compulsory.
Six Course Unit and One Extended Essay
Compulsory (Two course units):
- MABS 01: Buddhist Doctrines of the Pali Nikāyas: Analysis and Interpretation
- MABS 72: Research Methodology and Extended Essay
Electives:
Five course units would be offered – to be announced on commencement of course.
- MABS 02: Theravada Abhidhamma: Origins and Development
- MABS 05: Buddhalogical Developments: A Study based on pre-Mahayana Buddhist Literature
- MABS 07: Nāgārjuna’s Philosophy as Reflected in His Mūlamadhyamaka-kārikā
- MABS 09: Buddhist Vinaya and the Monastic Organization
- MABS 16: The Chinese Buddhist Tripiṭaka: A Historical and Analytical Study
- MABS 26: Buddhist Psychotherapy
- MABS 54: Mahayana Buddhism: A Doctrinal Survey
- MABS 60: Sarvastivāda Abhidharma: Doctrines and Controversies
- MABS 64: History of Chinese Buddhism
The course is of one year duration and consists of three terms of ten weeks each. Each course unit except MABS 72 Research Methodology and Extended Essay will have a minimum of one hour a week in the form of a lecture followed by tutorial guidance and seminar discussions.
Method of Evaluation
Taught Course Units
- Two assignments for each course unit: 15 marks per each assignment
- In-class participation: 10 marks
- A three-hour final year examination for each course unit: 60 marks per course unit
Research Methodology and Extended Essay: 100 marks
- Participation of workshops, preparation of essay proposal and completion of essay will be taken into consideration. Please see the syllabus for the further information.
Entry Requirements
- A Degree from a recognized university; or
- A postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies/ Pali from a recognized University / Institute; or
- A pass at the Final Examination of the Oriental Studies Society (Sri Lanka); or
- A pass in Master of Arts in Buddhist Āyurvedic Councilling from a recognized university/ institute; or
- Any other qualification deemed by the Faculty Board of the Institute
Who Should Join This Programme
- Sunday school teachers
- Dhamma speakers
- Managers, organisers, leaders, coordinators and volunteers of Buddhist Institutions and organisations
- Social workers & counselors
- Anyone interested to acquire insightful knowledge and understanding of Buddhism
Awarded by PGIPBS, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
- Upon successful completion in the final examination set by PGIPBS, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
- Graduate students with PGIPBS Master in Buddhist Studies qualify for admission to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Buddhist Studies program with any university
