Tibetology and Buddhist Studies (Master)

The master’s programme in Tibetology and Buddhist Studies investigates the cultural and social developments in Tibet and their pre-modern prerequisites in the area of history of philosophy and religion, history, history of literature, social and cultural anthropology and history of arts from a philological perspective. In addition, the master’s programme explores the diversity and historical development of the religious and philosophic traditions of Buddhism in the past and present, with a particular focus on the philosophical and religious schools and traditions. Furthermore, it focuses on the interdependencies between these traditions and other traditions with which Buddhism came in contact over the course of its development and spread, as well as on the role of Buddhism in cultural contexts, such as literature, science, (regional) history, politics, society and arts.

Study Programme

The master’s programme consists of modules on the following subjects:

Philology and methodology; text hermeneutics; alternative compulsory modules (introduction to another language of the Buddhist cultural region; advanced language acquisition); Tibetan studies and Buddhist studies; philosophical and religious traditions of Tibet and Buddhism; literature, history and culture of Tibet and Buddhism; master’s module on Tibetan studies and Buddhist studies; master’s thesis and master’s examination.