Academic programmes

Buddhist Studies is an emerging interdisciplinary field of study in our contemporary world. It becomes an important subset of religious studies. To promote this important field of Buddhist studies, the Graduate Division of Religious Studies of the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies (CRS) and the Center for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism (CSHB) launches a new programme of “Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies”.

The programme promotes an understanding of the Mahāyāna Buddhism in its historical context and teachings and thoughts of its different schools. It also emphasizes a depth and breadth of understanding and a life-long learning of the Buddhist tradition. The programme aims at providing students a systematic and comprehensive training on Buddhist Studies at postgraduate level. In addition to a historical study of the tradition, the programme will also engage students in a discussion of contemporary social issues. The programme adopts a multi-disciplinary approach that studies the Buddhist tradition from textual, philosophical, historical and ethical perspectives. The programme also strives to promote Buddhist studies on Humanistic Buddhism and to nurture Buddhist talents.

Taught Master

Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies

The programme targets individuals pursuing a master’s degree in Buddhist Studies and prospective learners interested in the philosophy, ethics, and culture of Buddhism. It focuses on the Mahāyāna Buddhism which has flourished mainly in East Asia, especially in China. It is a bilingual program. Classroom instruction is primarily conducted in Putonghua, with some courses are taught in English or Cantonese. Each course will involve readings and student research papers in Chinese and English.

The programme aims to nurture scholars by providing professional and comprehensive training in Buddhist studies. It promotes an academic study of Buddhism in various forms within its Asian historical and cultural contexts. The training and studies are conducted through various approaches, including textual, philosophical, historical and ethical analyses of Buddhism. The programme is expected to provide and promote an Asian holistic Buddhist Studies and to nurture Buddhist talents.

Course Offering 2025-26

Enquiries

Phone	(852) 3943-1352
Email	ivywong@cuhk.edu.hk
Website	https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/crs/mabs
Address	Rm 301, Leung Kau Kui Building, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong

Requirements

．Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class or achieving an average grade of not lower than “B”; or

．Completed a course of study in a tertiary education institution and obtained professional or similar qualifications equivalent to an honours degree; and

．English Language Proficiency Requirement　(please refer to the link http://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/page/EntryRequirements for details)

．Applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement in Chinese.

．Non-local & non-Chinese speaking applicants should have majored or taken courses in Chinese Language, Chinese Literature or related fields.

．If deemed necessary, the programme may invite applicants to attend an interview.