Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies 2027

Awarded by University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Conducted by Buddhist Library Graduate School

University of Kelaniya (UOK) & PGIPBS

• Established in 1959 (with roots dating to 1875), the University of Kelaniya is one of Sri Lanka’s premier national universities, offering renowned programs across the humanities, sciences, medicine, and management.
• Its affiliated Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies (PGIPBS) — founded in 1975 — is a globally recognized center offering Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD programs. PGIPBS bridges ancient Theravada wisdom with modern academic research in Pali language, Buddhist philosophy, culture, and counseling.

Course Period: Jan – Dec 2027

Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies is an external programme with the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies (PGIPBS), University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. It is conducted by the Buddhist Library Graduate School in Singapore.

This programme is an avenue for interested participants to deepen their understanding of Buddhism, and also it enables candidates to pursue further graduate courses leading to a PhD in Buddhist Studies. The course is targeted at graduate students with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field. Having completed any prior courses in Buddhist Studies is an advantage for applicants.

Course Structure and Modules 

The course’s duration is one year, split Into three terms of approximately 10 weeks.

Seven modules (2 subjects: examination-based and 5 subjects: assignment-based) to be covered:

• MABS 01: Buddhist Doctrines of the Pali Nikayas: Analysis and Interpretation
• MABS 40: Buddhist Philosophy of Education and Communication
• MABS 63: Doctrines of Early Indian Yogacara
• MABS 70: Buddhist Doctrine: Modern Philosophical Perspectives
• MABS 72: Research Methodology and Extended Essay
• MABS 74: Chinese Buddhism: A Doctrinal Study
• MABS 76: Fundamental Principles of Buddhist Psychology in Pali Tradition

All students are required to attend 70% of classes. As a further grace toward students, non-attendance due to medical reasons and urgent working arrangements will not count toward absences.

Schedule

For more details, please download/view this document. Please note that dates are subject to change.

In summary, 2 classes in Term 1 and Term 2, and 3 classes in Term 3. The schedule document also includes class dates, times, venue, and dates for submission of dissertation and examinations.

Pre-requisites 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in any field.

Registrations  

• Registration Fee: S$100.00 (non-refundable) | Tuition Fee S$3,600.00 (non-refundable)
• Kindly fill in the registration form and email it along with your Passport photo, Passport copy, Degree certificate and academic transcript, Payment proof of registration fee $100.00 to info@buddhlib.org.sg.
• Note: The course fee of S$3,600.00 will only be collected after we review your documents and confirm your eligibility for the course. We will review your documents and contact you soon.

Resource Scholars