About The Programme
Master Of Arts In Buddhist Studies (MABS, PGIPBS) is a ONE YEAR programme designed to introduce the student to the most up-to-date body of knowledge and research in the numerous fields of Buddhist studies in order to enable him or her to discover the new frontiers of the subject.
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 eleven course units, MABS 01 and MABS 72 are compulsory.
- MABS 01: Buddhist Doctrines of the Pali Nikāyas: Analysis and Interpretation
- MABS 72: Research Methodology and Extended Essay
- MABS 05: Buddhalogical Developments: A Study based on pre-Mahayana Buddhist Literature
- MABS 06: Origins of Mahayana and the Earliest Mahayana Sutras
- 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 62: The Doctrine of Sūnyatā (Emptiness) Prajnāpāramitā Scriptures and Early Mādhyamika
- MABS 63: Doctrines of Early Indian Yogācāra
- MABS 68: Readings in Buddhist Sanskrit Texts
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