E-Learning Programs

1. About the Program

The Than Hsiang Buddhist Research Centre eLearning MA Program is based on IBC MA Program (36-credits). It is course-based with two options:
-Option 1: 11 courses,an Independent Study Report (5,000 words) and a Comprehensive Exam;
-Option 2: 8 courses, a Thesis of about 25,000 words (eligible only to those who obtained a GPA of 3.5) and a Comprehensive Exam.
The MA program’s duration is three years. Individual e-tutorials will be available to all students.

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.

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

For more general information about the MA Program please refer to: http://ibc.ac.th/en/programs/graduate

2. Entrance Requirements

Applicants should possess a BA (BSc) degree or a degree of equivalent standard from a recognized institution. Applicants must have attained a level of proficiency in English language acceptable by Than Hsiang Buddhist Research Centre for admission.

3. Course Fees

Admission fee of USD 200 is payable upon registration of each international student. Fees are paid USD 300 for each credit or USD 900 for a 3-credit subject, USD 3,600 for 12 credit Thesis.

For ASEAN students the Admission fee is RM 200 (THB 2,000), the tuition fees are charged at RM 500 (equivalent to THB 5,000) for each credit, or RM 1,500 (equivalent to THB 15,000) for a 3-credit subject; RM 6,000 (equivalent to THB 60,000) for a 12-credit thesis.

4. New Student Recruitment

There is only ONE yearly intake for every academic year which is in July
First semester will begin from 22 July 2024 to 22 November 2024.
Academic calendar of IBC eLearning Program is consistent with IBC Campus’s.
2024/2025 Academic Year (First Semester) course offered for registration:
1)ME6220-Theravāda Abhidhamma
2)ME6205-Survey of the Doctrines of the Abhidharma Schools
3)ME6223-Buddism in Japan
4)ME6217-Lam Rim Chen Mo - The Path to Enlightenment in the Tibetan Tradition
5)ME6321-Independent Study report (Only for final semester students)

Note: Course registration for first semester will be opened on 01 July 2024.

Second semester will begin from December 16,2024 to April 18, 2025.
Academic calendar of IBC eLearning Program is consistent with IBC Campus’s.
2024/2025 Academic Year ( Second Semester) course offered for registration:
1）ME6215- Chinese Buddhist Thought
2）ME6102- Mahāyāna Buddhism
3）ME6208- Buddhism and Society
4) ME6321-Independent Study report (Only for final semester students)

Note: Course registration for second semester will be opened on 01 December 2024.

5. Assessment

The examination for each course are conducted online, and the assignments are submitted to the respective teaching assistants by e-mail.

The comprehensive examination at the end of the three year course is organized by a special appointment, and is to be taken at an authorized venue, such as Than Hsiang Temple, International Buddhist College, or an recognized Buddhist center in any country. Malaysian students can choose either Than Hsiang Temple in Penang, or Tham Wah Wan Temple in KL.

6. Study Plan

The students take two courses per semester in accordance with the following Study Plan:

Semester 1, Academic Year 1:
ME6101 Theravāda Buddhism
ME6102 Mahāyāna Buddhism

Semester 2, Academic Year 1:
ME6103 History of Indian Buddhism
ME6217 Lam Rim Chen Mo: The Path to Enlightenment in the Tibetan Tradition

Semester 1, Academic Year 2:
ME6208 Buddhism and Society
ME6205 Survey of the Doctrines of the Abhidharma Schools

Semester 2, Academic Year 2:
ME6210 Buddha's Teaching on Psychology
ME6206 Bodhisattva Ideal

Semester 1, Academic Year 3:
ME6215 Chinese Buddhist Thought
ME6220 Theravāda Abhidharma

Semester 2, Academic Year 3:
ME6223 Buddhism In Japan
ME6321 Independent Study Report

The invigilated Comprehensive Exam will be conducted at the end of the course.

For further questions please contact us by e-mail: stellakho04@gmail.com