Master in Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions MA

The MA in Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions at Leipzig University is a consecutive, English-language Master's programme combining language training in one Buddhist source language with in-depth study of Buddhist culture, history, and literature. Students choose from Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, or Mongolian as their source language and are trained to access and evaluate texts in that language through philological and literary methods. The four-semester programme starts in both winter and summer semesters. The first year focuses on two modules in a Buddhist source language, at either introductory or advanced level. The second year includes a research practicum, a colloquium, and the Master's thesis. The practicum may take the form of a language course, independent work on texts or objects, the application of philological methods, or a study on a subject-specific topic. Students are encouraged to spend part of their studies abroad. The programme is interdisciplinary, with modules offered in cooperation with Chinese Studies, Religious Studies, and other subjects. The programme engages with contemporary social discourses, cross-cultural interactions, and global cultural transfer, and allows students to develop or deepen competencies in religious studies. The programme is offered at Leipzig University in Leipzig, Germany.