Tibetan and Himalayan Studies

This programme aims to introduce Tibetan and Himalayan studies to students who do not have a background in the subject. Emphasis is on teaching the Tibetan language (both spoken and literary). Students are also introduced to the history and civilisation of the area, including Tibetan history, society, literature and religions.

Graduate destinations

Oriental studies graduates have found employment in many and diverse fields including business, finance, law, civil service, journalism, government and industry.

Many graduates have also undertaken further research into subjects linked with Oriental studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education, publishing and in museums.

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

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme