MA in Buddhist Art History and Conservation

Entry requirements

UK qualifications: Students will normally have achieved a good 2.1 in their Bachelor’s degree (typically in the Humanities or Social Sciences), considered to be an overall average 65% or above.

Overseas qualification: Equivalent to a good 2.1 in a UK first degree (e.g. US applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above).

Please note that applicants are invited to interview on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements: If your first language is not English, we require proof of English language proficiency –please see the English Language Requirements page.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MA, affiliated with Robert H. N. Ho Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at the Courtauld, provides a comprehensive grounding in Buddhist art history and theoretical aspects of conservation.

You will obtain widely transferrable research and practical skills, and sensitivity to world cultures and religions. The objective of the MA is to address the issue of the preservation — through appreciation, continuing use and conservation — of the vast heritage of Buddhist art worldwide, drawing on key sites where The Courtauld has been involved in conservation. The preservation of Buddhist art requires an appreciation of Buddhism as a religion, and the ways in which Buddhist belief, practice, patronage and social role have influenced artistic expression. You will receive essential grounding in conservation and art history reflecting diverse traditions of Buddhism, in objects of all kinds, in collections and in sites. Visits to collections and sites are central to the degree.

The degree is taught by leading specialists in Conservation and Buddhist Art. Teaching focuses on theoretical and ethical frameworks for the conservation of Buddhist art, and methods for assessing risk and implementing preventive measures that underpin sustainable conservation. Following formal teaching in semester 1 and 2, you will undertake an independent research project on an aspect of conservation or art history in the summer term. The 12-month MA is enriched through courses with graduate students majoring in Conservation and Art History.

The Courtauld MA provides you with outstanding tailored support and supervision to help you to realise your full academic potential and to go on to flourish in your career.

Information for international students

Fees and funding

Postgraduate Master’s Loan: Please visit the Student Finance England website for further information and to apply online.

Courtauld Institute of Art Scholarships: Every year the Courtauld provides over half a million pounds in MA scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of academic merit combined with financial need. The average postgraduate scholarship is £6,000. Applications are welcomed from Home, EU and Overseas applicants and students. Find out more about our scholarships. Find out more about our scholarships.

Alumni Loyalty Scheme: This scheme is open to any graduate of The Courtauld Institute of Art admitted to a taught postgraduate programme of study. Recipients will receive a 10% loyalty discount off their tuition fee for the duration of the course.

Further information about loans, grants, and bursaries to support you during your studies at The Courtauld can be found here.