Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Religious Studies: Asian Religions (MA)

Course Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for further research and/or a role in higher education, RE teaching, or a range of allied professions valuing a humanities postgraduate degree.

Special Features

• Draws on internationally-recognised expertise in Indic religions
• A flexible programme of study geared towards the individual student
• Small student-focused tutorials rather than formal lectures
• Provides a subject-specific introduction to postgraduate study skills

Course Description

Part 1 consists of a generic skills module (20 credits), a core RS (Asian Religions) skills module (20 credits), 40 credits of language study, and 40 further credits of guided study in the history of Asian religious thought and practice.

Current options include:

• Sanskrit Language and Literature
• Jainism
• Aspects of the Mahabharata
• Hinduism
• Pali Language and Literature
• South Asian Religion and Performance
• Buddhism
• Chinese Pilgrims’ Accounts of Indian Buddhism

Supporting languages also available: Chinese.

Assessment is via written assignments of approximately 4,000 words and language exams.

Part 2 consists of a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words on a topic of the student’s choice.

Course Structure

Students take a total of 180 credits of modules, consisting of:

• 40 credits of core skill modules
• 40 credits of language study
• 80 credits of option modules selected by the student
• 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)

Available Modules

Available modules include:

• Core RS (Asian) Skills module (20 credits): An individually tailored introduction to the methods and approaches required to conduct PG research in Asian Religions
• Languages for Research 1 (20 credits): An introduction to a classical language used in Indological or Asian research, e.g. Sanskrit
• Languages for Research 2 (20 credits): Further training in a classical language used in Indological or Asian research, e.g. Sanskrit
• Texts and Translation 1 (20 credits): The guided reading and translation of appropriate texts for those who have already undertaken at least one year’s study of a relevant language, e.g. Sanskrit
• Texts and Translation 2 (20 credits): Further guided reading and translation of appropriate texts for those who have already undertaken at least one year’s study of a relevant language, e.g. Sanskrit
• Asian Religions 1 (20 credits): Guided study and investigation of an agreed topic in the field of Indian or East Asian religions and cultures
• Asian Religions 2 (20 credits): Guided study and investigation of an agreed second topic in the field of Indian or East Asian religions and cultures

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates in Archaeology and History and other related and relevant disciplines in the humanities.

Applicants should normally have or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second class Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

How to Apply

Applications can be made for this course via our Online Application Service. Applicants should use the Personal Statement section of the form to outline their area of interest and, if possible, the topic that they hope to research for their dissertation.

Next intake: September each year

More information

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