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    Buddhism is the dominant religion in many Asian countries and has played an important role in the history and culture of Asia.

    Buddhist Studies is available as an option for the Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)).

    Contact us

    Religion Programme
    School of Social Sciences
    Email religion@otago.ac.nz
    Web otago.ac.nz/religion

    Are you just starting uni?

    Learn about studying Buddhist Studies as an undergraduate at Otago.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Postgraduate qualifications

    Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.

    Ready to apply?

    Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    Dissertation/Studio Project
    • RELS 590 Research Dissertation

    • Four of:
      HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research
      HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities
      HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities
      HUMS 504 Visual Culture: Theory, Analysis and Interpretations
      HUMS 588 Special Topic: Foundations of Identity and Belonging
      RELS 521 Readings in Buddhist Texts
      RELS 522 Buddhist Visual Culture in Southeast Asia
      RELS 523 Key Debates in Religious Studies
      RELS 531 Pali for Postgraduates
      RELS 532 Sanskrit for Postgraduates

    With approval from the Head of the Religion Programme, a 500-level paper from a relevant subject may be substituted for one of HUMS 501-503, RELS 521-523, 531 or 532.

    Papers-Only Requirements
    • RELS 590 Research Dissertation

    • Four of:
      HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research
      HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities
      HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities
      HUMS 504 Visual Culture: Theory, Analysis and Interpretations
      HUMS 588 Special Topic: Foundations of Identity and Belonging
      RELS 521 Readings in Buddhist Texts
      RELS 523 Key Debates in Religious Studies
      RELS 531 Pali for Postgraduates
      RELS 532 Sanskrit for Postgraduates

    With approval from the Head of the Religion Programme, a 500-level paper from a relevant subject may be substituted for one of HUMS 501-503, RELS 521-523, 531 or 532.

    This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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