Postgraduate Diploma in Buddhist Studies 2023

Awarded by University of Kelaniya
Conducted by Buddhist Library Graduate School

○ Overview
○ Faculty
(NEW) Course Structure including Topics and detailed syllabus
○ Schedule
○ Course Fees
○ Eligibility
○ Application Process and Form
○ Further Enquiries

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma Course in Fundamental Buddhist Studies is an external programme with the University of Kelaniya Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Sri Lanka. It is conducted by the Buddhist Library Graduate School in Singapore.

This is a one-year programme targeted at graduate students with little or no academic background in Buddhist studies. Buddhism is approached as an academic discipline suitable for Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

The programme will enable candidates to pursue further graduate courses leading to MA and PhD in Buddhist Studies.

Faculty

Venerable Dr. Wiloye Wimalajothi
Resident Monk of Buddhist Library
Ph. D., MA, BA (Special); Former Assistant Lecturer of Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies,
University of Peradeniya

Venerable Dr. Akiriye Somananda
Resident Monk of Buddhist Library
PhD, MA, BA (Special)
University of Peradeniya

Course Structure including Topics

The course is of the duration of one academic year. The course consists of 5 units:

  • PDBS01 The Indian Religious Background and the Emergence of Buddhism
  • PDBS02 Basic Doctrines of Early Buddhism
  • PDBS03 Buddhist Social Philosophy
  • PDBS04 Buddhist Culture: An Outline Study
  • PDBS05 Dissertation
  • PDBS06 Buddhist Fundamentals of Buddhist Ethics

All candidates must complete all five units (PDBS01, 02, 03, 04, 06) and submit a dissertation of 3000 words (approx.) within an academic year before sitting for the examination.

All candidates are required to attend at least 75% of all Lectures and Tutorials in order to qualify for the Exams leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Fundamental Buddhist Studies.

A detailed syllabus can be obtained here. It explains the content to be covered for the six modules and detailed information such as expected assignments and recommended reference readings.

Schedule

OVERALL SCHEDULE
Registration Closing Date 1 Mar 2023 (Wed)
Commencement Date 4 Mar 2022 (Sat)
Duration 1 year
Academic Year 4 Mar 2023 to 14 Oct 2023
Weekly Classes Every Tue 7.30pm − 9.30pm
Every Thur 7.30pm – 9.30pm
(Term 2 only) Every Sat 2.00pm – 4.00pm

All classes may be taught by Skype, which is the modality we have used in recent runs

Examination