The Master of Arts program in Buddhist Studies takes an academic approach to Buddhist traditions, Buddhist ethics, and Buddhist philosophical perspectives. This independent program is unique in Germany and has an excellent international reputation. Universität Hamburg's Buddhist Studies program focuses on the intellectual history of Buddhism and manuscript cultures in the Buddhist tradition.
It also provides an opportunity to specialize in one of five regions: India, Tibet, China, Japan, or Thailand. The language of instruction depends upon the region of focus, with courses on India, Tibet, and Thailand taught in English and courses on China and Japan in English and German.
Requirements
Qualification Requirements
Previous Degree
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
Further requirements for each specialization are:
India: bachelor's degree in "Languages and Cultures of the Indian subcontinent and Tibet" from the Universität Hamburg or a comparable degree. Alternatively, you will need a degree from a German or international academic institution with a minimum of 45 credit points (ECTS) related to Buddhist studies, religious studies or Indology which include a minimum of 30 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in Sanskrit or Pali or equivalent language training.
Tibet: bachelor's degree in "Languages and Cultures of the Indian subcontinent and Tibet" from the Universität Hamburg or a comparable degree. It can be a bachelor with a specialization in Buddhist or religious studies as long as a minimum of 30 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in classical Tibetan have been acquired. Alternatively, you will need a degree from a German or international academic institution with a minimum of 45 credit points (ECTS) related to Buddhist studies, religious studies or Tibetology which include a minimum of 30 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in classical Tibetan or equivalent language training. Candidates whose mother tongue is Tibetan will need to document at least 20 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in classical Tibetan.
China: bachelor's degree in "East Asia" or a comparable degree. You will need a minimum of 50 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in Chinese (not necessary for applicants whose mother tongue is Chinese). Required is also evidence of substantial experience in reading classical Chinese.
Japan: bachelor's degree in "East Asia" or a comparable degree. Prove of competence in the Japanese language, in which you will need:
a minimum of 50 credit points (ECTS) for language courses in Japanese, or
44 semester hours per week (SWS) of Japanese language courses, or
you must have passed the (old) level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
The attained degree for language competence must not be older than two years. In case none of the above-mentioned three documentations can be provided within the application period, the candidate will have the possibility to undergo a Japanese language placement test conducted by the Universität Hamburg which has to be passed.
The need to prove competence in the Japanese language is not necessary for applicants whose mother tongue is Japanese. Applicants who do not hold a qualifying high school degree from a German-speaking institution are requested to demonstrate their competence in the German language according to the regulations of the Universität Hamburg.
Thailand: bachelor's degree in "Language and culture of Southeast Asia" or a comparable degree.
Language skills: a minimum of 25 credit points (ECTS) in Thai.
The need to prove competence in the Thai language is not necessary for applicants whose mother tongue is Thai.
Language Requirements
The following certificates are recognised as proof of your language proficience.
English
CEFR English
min B2
Does the university recognize "other equivalent language certificates"? yes
Additional information:
English native speakers don't need evidence of B2. Depending on the regional specialization you choose there are different requirements: Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, or Thai. Courses in the study track India, China, Tibet, and Thailand are held in English. In the
Japan study track, German language proficiency is required as well. See the previous degree field for more information.
Application & Admission
Application Deadlines
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Winter semester: There are two application periods for the Winter semester: February 15th to March 31st and June 1st to July 15th.
Application Procedure & Selection
Mode of Admission:
without admission restriction
Admission Test/Interview:
None
Application:
directly at the University
Application Fee:
none
Application Documents
Printout of your online application.
Degree certificate or provisional transcript of records: if you are still studying when you apply and cannot yet provide a final certificate containing your grades, please submit your current transcript of records confirming your provisional grade point average. You will then need to submit your degree certificate by the end of the first semester of your master’s program.
If the relevance for Buddhist Studies of the area (or sub-area) in which you completed your first university degree is not evident from the certificate, please enclose further certification (e.g. transcript of records).
Curriculum vitae.
A brief statement of motivation. Please mention the specialization you apply for.
Proof of English language skills (see language requirements).
Applicants with a focus on Japan and China must provide evidence for proficiency in German (paper copy).
Location
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Universität Hamburg
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