Tibetan and Himalayan Studies

The Master of Studies (MSt) in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the histories, cultures, languages, religions, and societies of Tibet and the Himalayan region. This programme is designed for students with a strong academic interest in the region, providing them with a rigorous grounding in traditional and contemporary perspectives. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of topics, including Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan history, Himalayan politics, indigenous practices, and the perception of Tibet and the Himalayas in a global context.

The programme uniquely combines language training with in-depth thematic studies, enabling students to develop proficiency in Tibetan or other relevant regional languages, as well as critical research skills. Students have the opportunity to study with leading scholars in the fields of Tibetan Studies, Himalayan Studies, Religious Studies, and Anthropology, benefiting from Oxford’s rich resources such as the Bodleian Library and the specific collections focused on Asian studies. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, and research projects, all tailored to foster an understanding of both traditional textual analysis and contemporary regional issues.

In addition to academic coursework, students are encouraged to develop their independent research through a dissertation project, which often focuses on topics like Tibetan Buddhism, Himalayan environmental changes, or contemporary political developments. The programme emphasizes the importance of gaining a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating historical insights with ethnographic and linguistic approaches to better understand the complexities of Tibetan and Himalayan societies.

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, cultural preservation, policy analysis, or work with international organizations focused on Central Asian issues. They will emerge with a nuanced appreciation of the diverse cultures, histories, and languages of Tibet and the Himalayan regions, along with advanced research skills that are highly valued across various professional fields. The Master of Studies in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies at Oxford provides a unique academic experience grounded in rigorous scholarship, fostering a deep understanding of one of the world’s most culturally rich and geopolitically significant regions.

You will read academic articles and books by way of general background to the region, and will attend weekly lectures on various aspects of Tibetan history and civilisation in the Michaelmas and Hilary terms. Selected topics will be treated in more detail in a set of eight essays/tutorials. You will also be encouraged to attend a series of introductory lectures on Buddhism. Throughout the whole course, attendance at lectures by visiting scholars as well as the weekly student presentations in Tibetan studies will be strongly recommended.

You will be encouraged to use the long summer vacation between the first and second year to attend summer schools abroad or visit Tibetan-speaking communities in Tibet or in South Asia to develop your language skills, and to begin work on your dissertations.

Teaching takes place through language classes, lectures and tutorials. Students submit their dissertations in the third (Trinity) term of the second year.

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, generally 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 Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex cultural, religious, historical, and linguistic aspects of Tibetan and Himalayan regions. This program provides students with a comprehensive education that encompasses the study of Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, history, and society, as well as the political and environmental issues affecting the Himalayan area. Students are equipped with language skills in Tibetan, enabling them to engage directly with primary texts and conduct field research. The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with opportunities for independent research, often involving collaboration with scholars and institutions across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and China.

The program aims to foster an in-depth understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage, its religious traditions, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, and contemporary socio-political developments. Students benefit from expert faculty members who are leading researchers in their fields, as well as access to extensive library resources, archives, and digital collections. Additionally, the program emphasizes improving language proficiency through classroom instruction and immersion experiences, preparing graduates for careers in academia, cultural preservation, diplomacy, or development agencies working within Himalayan communities.

Students attend lectures, seminars, and workshops that explore various thematic areas, including Tibetan arts and literature, Himalayan environmental issues, and the geopolitics of the region. Practical components such as fieldwork projects, language training with native speakers, and engagement in community-based research play a crucial role in the program's curriculum. Besides academic training, students are encouraged to participate in conferences, publish research, and build networks with other scholars and organizations dedicated to Himalayan studies.

Graduates of the Tibetan and Himalayan Studies program gain not only a linguistic and cultural understanding of the region but also critical insights into the challenges faced by Himalayan societies today. This program prepares students to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse, policy formulation, cultural preservation, and international development efforts related to the Himalayan region. The program reflects Oxford’s commitment to fostering global perspectives and supporting the study of culturally diverse regions, with an emphasis on academic excellence and meaningful research.