World
Buddhist University (WBU) Established
through a Charter approved by the General Conference of the World Fellowship of
Buddhist in Australia in 1998, and duly incorporated in Thailand on 28 November
2543 (2000), the World Buddhist University began operations on December 9, 2000.
Founded on the lines of the United Nations University as a consortium of Associated
Institutions, the University Centre is located in Bangkok, Thailand. Its governing
body, the WBU Council, consists of twenty-five internationally reputed, eminent
Buddhist scholars from all continents of the world. The Mission of the World
Buddhist University stresses Buddhist scholarship and research promoting Buddhism,
especially meditation and other spiritual practices, coordination among the three
Buddhist traditions, networking with Associated Institutions and applying Buddhist
teachings to major issues and problems. The WBU preserves and promotes understanding
of the past through Buddhist scriptures, emphasizes practice and full engagement
in the present and welcomes the future through applications of Buddhism to current
and future problems and issues. The major aim is to prepare many more people worldwide
to use Buddhist teachings in their life and share these teachings with others.
Institution of External Degree Program
In pursuance of the World Buddhist University's (WBU) council resolution of the
fifth meeting at Khaoshiung, Taiwan in March 2004, the Statute on External Degree
Programs was approved by the Council later in 2004. Accordingly, the University
has instituted a program of education and external examinations to grant certificates,
diplomas and degrees in Buddhist Studies to candidates who are either internal
students of Associated Institutions or private students pursuing self-study.
This publication presents rules and regulations, the program design, courses of
study and syllabi pertaining to a short-course certificate program, a postsecondary
diploma in Buddhist Studies and two graduate degrees, a Master of Arts in Buddhist
Studies (M.A.) requiring in-depth course study and a Master of Philosophy
in Buddhist Studies (M..Phil.), based on intensive research. The certificate
and diploma programs are class oriented and can be done at the WBU Centre or at
other Associated Institutions who choose to offer these programs. The Master Degree
programs are distance learning programs using the Internet and email and can be
done through the WBU Centre, through an Associated Institution or as a private
student anywhere in the world. Overview
of Programs
(1) A Certificate
in Buddhist Studies is given to a student who participates in a short course
of 15 to 20 hours. It is an introductory course open to anyone who wants to learn
the basics of Buddhism and is usually given over a week or two week time period
through direct classes. There is no requirement of previous Buddhist study or
knowledge. It will be offered by the WBU starting in 2006. The WBU version or
other versions may be available at Associated Institutions. (2)
A Diploma in Buddhist Studies is offered in cooperation with the WBU Associated
Institution of Singapore, the Buddhist Research Society/Library, as a postsecondary
Buddhist Studies Program, based on the syllabi of the Diploma Program of the Pali
and Buddhist University of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This course is offered through
direct classes and consists of three modules offered over a one year time period.
This model is not offered at the WBU Centre at this time. It is available as a
model to other Associated Institutions. (3)
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.) is awarded to students who successfully
pass essay examinations in a prescribed number of courses covering all aspects
of Buddhist doctrine, practices, philosophy, history, culture, supplemented by
a period of spiritual development through meditation. The examinations are conducted
by the University Centre in Bangkok, Thailand where the basic languages used are
English and Thai. Based on negotiations with the WBU, an Associated Institution
may translate the program and offer it in the language of its location. For other
languages, the WBU will try to make arrangements on an individual basis that will
enable international students to study in their own language. This will depend
on the availability of advisors, examiners and study materials in that language.
In addition, the WBU University Centre in Bangkok may schedule seminars, meetings
with teachers and general discussion among students and progressively provide
distant learning through a multi-media approach. In general, this requires a two
year period of study. (4) Master of
Philosophy in Buddhist Studies (M. Phil.) is awarded with the assistance of
the WBU Associated Institution in the USA, the International Academy of Buddhism
of the University of the West, Los Angeles County, California. An applicant will
register with the WBU and can begin their research after the approval of a research
thesis or published or unpublished research treatise on any aspect of Buddhist
Studies. Once approved, the research will be supervised and graded by the International
Academy of Buddhism at the University of the West. In general, this requires a
two year period of research and writing plus an oral defense of the research.
Eligibility and Basic Requirements
All
programs are open to both lay and monastic candidates. A
Bachelors degree from a recognized University or an equivalent from a recognized
College or Institution of Buddhist Studies is the minimum entry requirement
for either Master's degree. Where such
a degree is not in Buddhist Studies, a lay applicant may be required to establish
through an examination or testimonial that he/she has some understanding of the
basic doctrines and practices of Buddhism before proceeding to graduate studies
in Buddhism. Information literacy competency
in the use of Internet resources will be an advantage.
A monastic applicant will be required to supplement the course work with materials
and courses about his or her order, tradition or school.
Credit may be given to any graduate-level formal training obtained from a recognized
University/College or Department of Buddhist Studies, provided that the ceremonial/ritual
part of such training will not be considered. Special
Features and Advantages Candidates
joining any of these programs will benefit from the systematic study of Buddhism
from a modern day perspective. For the Masters Degree programs, they can study
from anywhere at anytime at each one's chosen pace and customize the learning
according to their own interests and needs. The
international network of Associated Institutions constituting the WBU may choose
to provide in-class and guided instruction for internal students, resident in
the respective countries. A broad range
of resources, both printed and electronic will need to be utilized by students.
For the M. A. in Buddhist Studies, the University Centre in Bangkok will provide
an advisor to each student, guidelines for the courses, some electronic and hard
copy versions of materials for the courses and general guidance in distance learning.
The students can access both Internet resources and on-line "streamed"
courses such as those offered by the University of the West of California as well
as other newly established on-line programs. The
two Masters Degree programs put major responsibility on private students to develop
and organize their own learning process. The WBU Associated Institutions and the
University Centre will provide advice, guidance and general direction at a relatively
inexpensive cost to the student. Certification Diplomas
issued for the two Master's degrees shall be under the signature of the Chair
of the Council, the Rector and the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and be authenticated
by the official seal of the World Buddhist University. In the case of students
presented by an Associated Institution, the name and location of the Institution
shall be included in the diploma. Welcome
to WBU With these introductory comments,
we have the pleasure to invite you to consider the program of your choice and
benefit from this special service which the World Buddhist University provides
to the international Buddhist community through the initiative of the World Fellowship
of Buddhists, the direct involvement of the WBU University Centre in Bangkok,
Thailand and the network of the WBU Associated Institutions. Ananda
W. P. Guruge Chair, World Buddhist University Council Dean of Academic
Affairs and Director, International Academy of Buddhism. University of the
West, California, USA Phan Wannamethee Acting
Rector World Buddhist University Bangkok, Thailand Banjob
Bannaruji Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Board for
External Degrees World Buddhist University Bangkok, Thailand
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