Classical Indian Religion

The Master of Studies in Classical Indian Religion at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the religious traditions, philosophies, and cultural practices that have shaped Indian society for centuries. Designed for students with a keen interest in religious studies, Indology, or Asian history, this programme provides an in-depth understanding of classical Indian religious texts, rituals, and doctrines, contextualized within their historical and cultural frameworks. The course combines rigorous academic lectures, seminars, and independent research, encouraging critical analysis and engagement with primary sources, including Sanskrit texts, commentaries, and archaeological findings. Students will examine major religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, exploring their origins, evolution, and current practices. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from philology, anthropology, and history to offer a well-rounded perspective on the development of Indian religious thought. Students will have access to the University’s exceptional resources, including distinguished faculty members who are leading experts in their fields, specialized libraries, and digital archives. The course prepares students for further academic research, teaching careers, or roles within cultural preservation, religious organizations, and policy-making sectors related to Indian culture and religion. Expected learning outcomes include a nuanced understanding of classical Indian religious texts, the ability to analyze religious phenomena critically, and proficiency in scholarly research methods. The programme's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, balancing coursework, research, and language training in Sanskrit and other relevant languages. Overall, this programme aims to deepen students' knowledge of India's religious traditions, fostering a rigorous academic environment that encourages original thought and intercultural dialogue, equipping graduates with the skills needed for advanced scholarly work and meaningful engagement with Indian religious heritage.

The first part of the course, lasting five months, is an intensive study of the rudiments of Sanskrit. It leads to a written examination at the end of March of your ability to translate prepared texts and of your knowledge of grammar. You are not allowed to proceed to the second part of the course unless you pass this examination.

In the second part of the course you will have regular classes in reading Sanskrit religious texts. There are four short lists of prescribed texts - Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist, and also what might be termed mainstream - and you will read the texts from two of these lists. In the final examination there is one three-hour written paper in the linguistically-based parts of the course. The paper is divided into two parts, which carry equal weight, a part on translation from the prepared set texts and a part on unprepared translation from Sanskrit, the latter usually consisting of one passage in epic Sanskrit and one from a typical commentary on a religious text.

In the final examination there are also two three-hour written papers on the history of classical Indian religion, with the subject matter divided more or less chronologically. To prepare for this, there are normally lectures in the first term of the course introducing the religions indigenous to India. In subsequent terms you will be given regular tutorials, for which you will often prepare essays to discuss with your tutors. From time to time there are also other relevant lectures and seminars.

Besides the three written examinations already mentioned, you either have to offer a fourth written three-hour paper, on approaches to the study of Indian religion, or to write a thesis of up to 20,000 words. In practice most students choose the latter option. It is usual to write the thesis mostly during the vacations, and it has to be handed in at the beginning of the final term. Tutors will discuss the choice of topic with you and supply a bibliography, and may criticise a first draft, but the final version of the thesis is entirely your own work. If you are subsequently admitted for a research degree, a successful MPhil thesis may form the basis of your doctoral dissertation.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to three pages
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The program in Classical Indian Religion at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the religious traditions, philosophies, and historical developments of India. It encompasses the study of classical texts, ritual practices, philosophical schools, and cultural contexts from ancient times through to the medieval period. Students will engage with primary sources in Sanskrit and other relevant languages, gaining critical insights into the diverse religious landscape of India, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and related traditions. The curriculum is designed to develop linguistic proficiency, interpretative skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the religious and philosophical ideas that have shaped Indian society over millennia.

The program often includes research modules, opportunities for fieldwork, and participation in seminars led by leading scholars in the field. Students can expect to examine texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Buddhist canonical scriptures, alongside secondary literature examining their historical and cultural significance. Coursework may also involve the study of iconography, ritual practices, and religious communities, providing a well-rounded perspective on traditional Indian spirituality.

Moreover, the program places emphasis on comparative analysis, encouraging students to consider the interactions between different religious traditions within India. This multidisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking and broadens understanding of the social, political, and religious dynamics that influenced Indian history and continue to do so today. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, archaeology, museum curation, cultural preservation, and public scholarship. The program’s resources include access to extensive libraries, digital archives, and collaborative opportunities with international scholars and Indian institutions. Overall, the program aims to cultivate a nuanced appreciation of Indian religious history, its textual heritage, and its enduring cultural significance.