This MA is unique in combining the study of Buddhism, Buddhist art, and the techniques and conservation of Buddhist art. Offered by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at The Courtauld, the MA was established as a one-year degree in 2013. In order to build on and expand the strengths of the program, the MA is changing in 2017 to a two-year degree taught in collaboration with SOAS.

Student examine a Japanese Buddhist painting with conservator Keisuke
Sugiyama at the Hirayama Studio at the British Museum

Offered once every two years, applications are now invited for the program beginning autumn 2017. Taught by a wide range of specialists from The Courtauld and SOAS, the MA also benefits from teaching by visiting experts. The course includes study trips to museums in the UK and Europe, and a longer study trip to India to develop an appreciation of Buddhist art in its original contexts. Students also benefit from conferences and public events regularly held by the Ho Centre at The Courtauld.

Drawing also on the research and conservation work undertaken by The Courtauld’s Conservation of Wall Painting Department in Bhutan, China, and India, this MA is specifically designed to equip students with knowledge of:

• The central concepts of Buddhism, and their historical diffusion
• The history of Buddhist art in its various religious, social, and cultural contexts
• The materials and techniques involved in the making of various types of Buddhist art
• Approaches to the conservation of Buddhist art, including understanding of the ethical, technical and administrative issues involved

​This MA provides a comprehensive grounding in the history of Buddhism, Buddhist art, and its conservation for those intending to pursue further specialist conservation education, and for those who wish to proceed into related fields such as art-historical research, curating, and site-management.

Studying a Buddhist sculpture in the Forbidden City, Beijing, with Prof. Roderick
Whitfield

About eight students are accepted on the MA. Applicants from different academic and geographical backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Previous experience in any of the fields covered by the MA is not required.

Scholarships: The Ho Centre offers a significant number of substantial scholarships for the MA, awarded on the basis of merit and need.

Application deadline: 20 March 2017

For more information and to apply, please visit: http://courtauld.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/ma-buddhist-art-history-and-conservation