Chinese Buddhist Textual Studies (MA)

The Programme focuses on the study and research of the ancient religions, languages and great texts of China. Students will study the ‘ancient wisdom’ of China, which is of great cultural significance and is increasingly seen as relevant to contemporary concerns, such as personal and societal well-being and sustainability.

Course Overview

This Programme will focus on advanced-level engagement with both traditional Chinese language and Chinese Buddhist texts and the spiritual, cultural and political values and practices that they embody.

Research Methodology for the Study of Sinology (SICH7023) will focus on enhancing the study of Sinology and the understanding of Classical Chinese language and methodologies such as textual criticism, commentary, and textual analysis.

Chinese Buddhist Scriptural Studies 1: “Infinite Life Sutra” (SICH7024) will reflect critically on the philosophical and religious ideas contained within the (Chinese) Infinite Life Sutra and their reception in both ancient and modern contexts.

Chinese Buddhist Scriptural Studies 2: “Diamond Sutra” (SICH7025) will exhibit high-level knowledge and understanding of a range of critical commentaries and other reflections upon the Diamond Sutra.

Interpretation of the Four Books (SICH7028) will exhibit knowledge and understanding of key texts from the Four Books from different historical, cultural, and philosophical/ethical perspectives.

Readings from the Governing Principles of Ancient China (SICH7029) will reflect critically on the moral, social and political philosophies expounded in selected texts from the Governing Principles of Ancient China, and their reception in both ancient and modern contexts.

Key Features

The MA in Chinese Buddhist Textual Studies will have a special appeal to those students who wish to study ancient Chinese texts, to develop a rich and deep knowledge of traditional Chinese Classical texts; and to apply this knowledge to their own lives and those of others.

Students will have the opportunity to learn from the best in the subject and to study using the unique pedagogic approach derived from the 'Royal Great Learning’ educational model, which relies upon intensive textual study and reflection.

Students will study at the Academy of Sinology at UWTSD, a newly established Academy in Lampeter which focuses upon training for Sage teachers, who through example will have a real impact on society via their own daily moral practices and teaching activities.

Career Opportunities

Possible employment roles for graduates from this programme include:

• teachers and educators in a range of settings in both China and the UK;
• academic researchers in traditional texts and ancient Chinese texts;
• translation work
• educational administration and policy
• ethical business and commercial ventures
• community work and initiatives
• voluntary and travel industries
• heritage conservation; archive and museum work
• corporate and personal coaches/trainers in ancient Chinese ‘wisdom’ and life skills.

The expected employability skills gained by graduates from these programmes are advanced information handling and communication skills; high levels of self and project management; the practical application of high-level skills in textual analysis and interpretation.

Each application will be considered on its own merit and will be based upon an interview with relevant teaching staff within the University and the Academy of Sinology. The bilingual nature of the programme requires a degree of competency in both Chinese and English.