MA Buddhist Studies
08 Jan 2020 - 31 Aug 2027
| Course Leader | Nick Swann |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Jane Finucane |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 08 Jan 2020 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2027 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
1.To engage students in specialist study at postgraduate level within an area of Religious Studies.
2. To engage students with critical debates in Buddhist thought, history and practice, past and present.
3. To enable students to contextualise and build upon their existing knowledge of Buddhism acquired through prior formal or informal study.
4. To enable students around the world to meet online and learn from each other by encountering diverse perspectives on contemporary Buddhist issues.
5. To enable students to develop the necessary research skills to produce a sustained piece of independent research.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Review the main Buddhist traditions with regards to historical development and interaction, similarities and differences. |
| A2 | Distinguish the key principles of Buddhist ethics, philosophy and/or mind-training and the ways in which these inform approaches to the practical lives of Buddhists. |
| A3 | Identify the limits of studying Buddhist texts in translation. |
| B1 | Summarise the content and nature of debates and divergent perceptions across a number of Buddhist traditions. |
| B2 | Critically appraise the content and nature of debates and divergent perceptions within Buddhist ethics, philosophy and/or mind-training. |
| B3 | Demonstrate the ability to design and deliver a research project based on independent investigation and synthesis of appropriate materials. |
| C1 | Develop a secure methodological foundation for further Buddhist Studies by research. |
| C2 | Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a cross-section of Buddhist traditions appropriate for professional positions such as Buddhist chaplaincy. |
| C3 | Demonstrate the ability to learn and reflect through interaction with other scholars. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS4D01 | MOD011522 | Buddhist Traditions | Running | 40 | specified |
| RS4H01 | MOD011528 | Independent Study | Running | 10 | optional |
| RS4S02 | MOD011523 | Buddhist Ethics | Running | 20 | optional |
| RS4S03 | MOD011525 | Buddhist Meditation and Psychology | Running | 20 | optional |
| RS4S04 | MOD011524 | Buddhist Philosophy | Running | 20 | optional |
| RS4S05 | MOD011526 | Pali Language | Running | 20 | optional |
| RS4S06 | MOD011527 | Advanced Buddhist Studies | Closed | 20 | specified |
| RS4T01 | MOD010274 | Dissertation - Buddhist Studies | Running | 60 | core |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Students generally pursue this course either out of personal interest or with particular career development goals in line. Given the range of locations and perspectives, the course seeks to help students to establish networks and to those with particular careers goals as to which modules provide appropriate subject knowledge.
To benefit from the global reach of the degree programme, we propose to establish a formal Alumni network with help from the Alumni Office, clustered around particular international nodes (e.g. Perth, Australia).
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
Induction - Online, via blackboard
Personal tutor - The course leader supplies this role for all students
Office hours - Module leaders have an online ‘open door’ policy, and students are advised on ways to communicate with them and to signal particular points for their attention in discussion
Tutorials - E-mail support for one-to-one engagement (See office hours)
Seminars - Small groups are designed to reflect the diversity of the cohort
Formative Assessment - Online discussion and reports on student-led (seminar) discussions are a weekly feature of each taught module
Progress meetings - As well as ad-hoc tutorials at students’ request, tutors schedule progress meetings with students each module.
Research Supervision - Research supervision is provided remotely through e-mail and Skype
Online Resources - Online resources are copious and fully accessible
Advice Centres - Students are referred to the advice zone online via induction and course handbook: see handbook attached
DDS Service - Students are referred to the DDS service online via induction and course handbook: see handbook attached
IT/Library - Students are referred to IT/Library services online via induction and course handbook: see handbook attached
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
A good Honours degree at class 2:1 or above.Skype interview required.The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
However, because students may come from diverse backgrounds, alternative evidence of aptitude for academic study may be taken into consideration.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A