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Study Buddhist Studies at Otago

    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)).

    Contact us

    Religion Programme
    School of Social Sciences
    Email religion@otago.ac.nz
    Web otago.ac.nz/religion


    Minor-only subject

    Please note: this subject can only be taken as a minor.

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.


    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    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

    PapersPoints

    RELS 111 Māori Spirituality and the World’s Religions

    Four of ANTH 105, ASIA 101, CHIN 131, CHIN 132, JAPA 131, JAPA 132, RELS 202 , RELS 209, RELS 216, RELS 226, RELS 227, RELS 232, RELS 309, RELS 316, RELS 326 , RELS 327, RELS 332

    Must include one 300-level paper and at least two other papers above 100-level.

    18

    72

    Total 90

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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