Buddhism is the dominant religion in many Asian countries and has played an important role in the history and culture of Asia.
The minor in Buddhist Studies provides an introduction to Buddhism through its Indian origins (RELS 102) and then allows you to focus on the development of Buddhism in other regions of Asia.
You may also choose to combine your study of Buddhism with the study of one or more of the languages of the Buddhist scriptures (Sanskrit, Chinese, or Japanese).
Buddhist Studies is available not only as a minor, but also as an option for the Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)).
Ready to enrol?
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), Dunedin, 2025
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)), Dunedin, 2025
Note: Endorsement may require enrolment in papers totalling more than 120 points, depending on the extent of prior study in relevant subjects and whether the student wishes to be eligible for postgraduate study in the subject of endorsement.
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework) in Buddhist Studies
Four of: HUMS 501 Writing and Revision for Graduate Research HUMS 502 Research Methods in the Humanities HUMS 503 Key Debates in the Humanities RELS 521 Readings in Buddhist Texts RELS 522 Buddhist Visual Culture in Southeast Asia RELS 523 Key Debates in Buddhist 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.
Buddhist Studies as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Papers
Points
RELS 111 Māori Spirituality and the World’s Religions