☸️M.A. Buddhist Studies at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
Fees, Eligibility, ODL Mode, Syllabus & Course Details
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Buddhist Studies is a postgraduate programme focused on the history, philosophy, literature, ethics, culture and development of Buddhism. Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut offers the programme through its Centre for Distance & Online Education in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
The programme provides learners with an opportunity to study important Buddhist texts, the development of Buddhism in India and Asia, Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist ethics, art and archaeology, human rights, interfaith harmony and the revival of Buddhism in modern India.
This article explains the Subharti University M.A. Buddhist Studies programme in a simple and reader-friendly manner, covering its fees, eligibility, ODL mode, semester-wise syllabus, major study areas, dissertation component and potential academic and career pathways.
🏛️Swami Vivekanand Subharti University at a Glance
🔎 M.A. Buddhist Studies at a glance
M.A. Buddhist Studies
Open & Distance Learning
₹15,000 Per Year
Graduation or Equivalent
NAAC A Accredited
4 Semesters
🏛️ University & Course Details
💰 M.A. Buddhist Studies Course Fees
☸️ About M.A. Buddhist Studies
The M.A. Buddhist Studies programme provides a systematic academic study of Buddhism and its intellectual, historical and cultural development. Students are introduced to Buddhist languages and literature along with the historical development of Buddhist traditions.
The curriculum moves from the foundations of Pali language, Buddhist Sanskrit, Buddhist history and philosophy to specialised areas such as Buddhist ethics, art and archaeology, Buddhist literature, the spread of Buddhism in Asia and contemporary Buddhist thought.
The final stage includes subjects related to human rights, interfaith harmony, Vipassana meditation, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Navayana Buddhism, followed by a dissertation that provides an opportunity for deeper academic research.
⏳ Programme Structure
🎯 M.A. Buddhist Studies Eligibility
As per the provided information, candidates with a graduation degree or equivalent qualification can apply.
🌐 ODL Mode – Learning Approach
Distance learning format for postgraduate Buddhist Studies
Distance Learning
The programme is presented in Open and Distance Learning mode.
Text & Literature
Students study Buddhist languages, texts, literature and historical sources.
Research
The programme concludes with dissertation-oriented academic work.
🧠 Major Concepts Covered in the Programme
📜 Pali Language & Literature
Introduces the Pali language and literary traditions that are important for understanding early Buddhist textual heritage.
🪷 Buddhist Sanskrit
Explores the foundations of Buddhist Sanskrit language and literature and its relevance to Buddhist textual traditions.
☸️ Buddhist Philosophy
Focuses on the basic philosophical ideas and intellectual foundations associated with Buddhist thought.
🏺 Buddhist History
Studies the historical development of Buddhism in India and the wider Asian region.
🎨 Art & Archaeology
Explores Buddhist art, archaeological remains and their importance for understanding Buddhist cultural history.
🤝 Buddhist Ethics
Examines ethical ideas in Buddhism and their relevance to individual and social life.
🌏 Buddhism in Asia
Studies the spread and development of Buddhism across different parts of Asia.
🕊️ Human Rights & Harmony
Connects Buddhist thought with human rights, interfaith harmony and contemporary social concerns.
📘 Semester I – M.A. Buddhist Studies Syllabus
| S.No. | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Pali Language and Literature |
| 2 | Introduction to Buddhist Sanskrit Language and Literature |
| 3 | History of Buddhism till Third Council |
| 4 | Basic Features of Buddhist Philosophy |
📗 Semester II – M.A. Buddhist Studies Syllabus
| S.No. | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chinese Buddhism: A Historical Studies |
| 2 | History of Indian Buddhism from the Mauryas to Harsa |
| 3 | Introduction to Applied Buddhism & Buddhist Ethics |
| 4 | Pre-Buddhist Indian History, Buddhist Art and Archaeology |
📕 Semester III – M.A. Buddhist Studies Syllabus
| S.No. | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vinay Pitaka |
| 2 | Sutta Pitaka |
| 3 | Abhidhamma Pitaka |
| 4 | Anupitka Attaakatha and Vamsa Literature |
☸️ The Three Pitakas
Semester III introduces students to major parts of the Buddhist canonical tradition.
Discipline & Monastic Rules
Discourses & Teachings
Systematic Buddhist Thought
📙 Semester IV – M.A. Buddhist Studies Syllabus
| S.No. | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spread of Buddhism in Asia |
| 2 | Buddhism, Human Rights and Interfaith Harmony and Vipassana Meditation |
| 3 | Dr. Ambedkar and Navayana Buddhism |
| 4 | Decline and Revival of Buddhism in India |
| 5 | Dissertation |
🔬 Dissertation – Research Component
The final semester includes a Dissertation, allowing students to undertake focused academic work related to Buddhist Studies. A dissertation can help learners develop skills in research, source analysis, academic writing and presentation.
🛣️ M.A. Buddhist Studies Academic Journey
I
II
III
IV
💼 Career & Further Study Opportunities
Academic and knowledge-oriented pathways after M.A. Buddhist Studies
An M.A. in Buddhist Studies can provide an academic foundation for learners interested in Buddhist history, philosophy, literature, culture and research. Career outcomes depend on individual skills, experience, further qualifications and specific recruitment requirements.
Teaching & Academics
Research
Heritage & Culture
Art & Archaeology
Asian Studies
Further Research
👨🎓 Who Can Consider M.A. Buddhist Studies?
- Graduates interested in Buddhist history and philosophy.
- Learners interested in Buddhist literature and languages.
- Students interested in Asian religious and cultural studies.
- Learners interested in Buddhist art and archaeology.
- Students planning academic research in Buddhist Studies and related fields.
📝 Admission Process
Check Eligibility
Review the graduation/equivalent eligibility requirement.
Apply
Complete the applicable university admission process.
Submit Details
Provide the required academic and personal information.
Complete Fee
Pay the applicable programme and prescribed charges.
What is M.A. Buddhist Studies at Subharti University?
It is a postgraduate programme focused on Buddhist history, philosophy, languages, literature, ethics, art, archaeology and related areas.
What is the mode of the programme?
As per the provided information, the programme is offered in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
What is the M.A. Buddhist Studies course fee?
The provided course fee is ₹15,000 per year. The registration fee is ₹1,500 and the annual examination fee is ₹2,000.
What is the eligibility for M.A. Buddhist Studies?
As per the supplied information, candidates with Graduation or an equivalent qualification can apply.
How many semesters are there?
The supplied syllabus is divided into four semesters.
Does the programme include dissertation work?
Yes. The fourth semester includes a Dissertation.
What major areas are covered in the programme?
🔗 References & University Information
The programme details, fee information and syllabus used in this article are based on the course information provided for the Centre for Distance & Online Education, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut (U.P.).
For the latest admission rules, programme availability, fee structure, study material, examination schedule and other official information, students should refer to the university's official website and applicable programme notifications.
