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.
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’ (皇家太学) educational model, which relies upon intensive textual study and reflection.
Students will study at the Academy of Sinology at UWTSD, 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.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
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.
An additional module, namely, Classical Chinese Texts in English (SICH7004), develops a high-level understanding of the history of, and theoretical and methodological approaches to, the translation of Classical Chinese texts into English.
Building on the taught part of the programme, the Dissertation (SICH7022) element allows the students to produce a substantial and high-level piece of scholarly work in Chinese Buddhist textual study.
(60 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree
- or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes
- Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree.
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.
Admissions Advice and Support
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.
English language requirementsIf English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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An MA degree in Chinese Buddhist Textual Studies involves a wide range of assessment methods. Assessment will be both English medium and in the medium of Ancient Chinese, dependent on the particular module being studied.
Assessment methods include essays, translation into modern Chinese or English, translation with annotation or critical commentary, oral presentation, teaching placement portfolio and, of course, the dissertation.
This variety of assessment helps develop skills in presenting material in a clear, professional and lucid manner, whether orally or in writing.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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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.