E-Learning Center

1. About the Program

IBC E-Learning MA program for Buddhist Studies is based on IBC MA Program (36-credits). It is course-based (8 courses, 3 credits per course) with a thesis (about 25,000 words, 12 credits). http://ibc.ac.th/en/graduate. The MA program’s duration is three years. Individual e-tutorials will be available to all students.

The core module consists of eight subjects, an individually supervised thesis of 25,000 words, and one Comprehensive exam at the end of the course.

Prospective students should note that if they join the MA program but are unable to complete the full MA three years' program for any reason, they would only earn:

* The Postgraduate Certificate after completing the first year (12 credits); and/or
* The Postgraduate Advanced Certificate after completing the second year (total of 24 credits).

Familiarity with Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism and acquaintance with Buddhist texts or knowledge of the Pali language would be useful.

2. Entrance Requirements

Applicants should be at least 21 years and have a good first degree or a degree of equivalent standard from a University elsewhere. Applicants must have attained a level of proficiency in English language acceptable by the International Buddhist College for admission.

3. Course Fees

Admission fee of USD200 is payable upon registration of each student.
Fees are paid USD300 for each credit or USD900 for a 3-credit subject, USD3,600 for 12 credit thesis.

4. Assessment

The MA examination and the assignments of each subject can be conducted on-line at http://ibc.ac.th/exam

For the Comprehensive examination at the end of the three year course, students will have to take the examination at an authorized venue, such as the IBC, a chosen Buddhist Centre, or the Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates in any country. Malaysian students can choose either Than Hsiang Temple in Penang, or Tham Wah Wan Temple in KL.

5. Study Program Plan

The study program is based on a three year period with two semesters per year. Each semester is required to complete two subjects. The semester arrangement will help MA students graduate within three years after enrolment.

5.1. First Year (12 Credits)

A. December - April (First semester)
BT6101 Theravāda Buddhism (3 Credits)- Core course
BC6208 Buddhism and Society (3 Credits)- Elective course

B. July - November (Second semester)
BT6102 Mahāyāna Buddhism (3 Credits) - Core course
BH6103 History of Indian Buddhism (3 Credits)- Core course

5.2. Second Year (12 Credits)

Elective courses

A. December - April (First semester)
TB6217 Lam Rin Chen Mo: The Path to Enlightenment in the Tibetan Tradition
BSTC6012 Buddhism In Japan

B. July - November (Second semester)
ME6220 Theravāda Abhidharma
ME6215 Chinese Buddhist Thought: A Historical Perspective 3

5.3. Third Year

Option 1
ME6206 Bodhisattva Ideal
ME6210 Buddhist Psychotherapy
ME6205 Survey of the Doctrines of the Abhidharma Schools
Independent Study Report (5,000 words) and viva
Comprehensive examination
Option 2
BT6322 Thesis (12 Credits)
Thesis of about 25,000 words to be approved and supervised (eligible only to those who obtained a GPA of 3.5)
Comprehensive examination