Course summary

Are you fascinated by Buddhist Heritage? Do you want to deepen your understanding of its and explore art historical scholarship surrounding it? Affiliated with the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at the Courtauld, this MA programme is unique in its concept, content, and structure and harnesses the combined perspectives of art history and conservation. This interdisciplinary programme expands the ways in which Buddhist heritage is researched and cared for in order to build new knowledge as well as critical thinking and collaborative skills in the next generation of art historians, conservators, heritage and museum professionals. You’ll gain an understanding of Buddhist heritage — both tangible and intangible — through the study of diverse objects and sites from the Buddhist world, in collections and in situ, spanning wide geographies, cultures, and temporal landscapes. You’ll learn about current topics in the research, preservation, and protection of Buddhist heritage and the economic, socio-political, and environmental contexts in which they exist. Students will also be introduced to the ethical and sustainable challenges of these pursuits from both a theoretical and practical vantage point. The degree is taught by leading specialists in conservation and Buddhist art history and brings in diverse voices from related fields and religious communities. The degree is exceptional for its small class size and individualised teaching. Buddhist heritage is explored both in the classroom and in the field and is taught by a wide range of scholars including art historians, conservators, Buddhologists, curators, archaeologists, scientists, heritage professionals, and the Buddhist sangha to create a rich learning environment. Students have special access to museums, temples, and archaeological sites in the UK and overseas, and exclusive object study sessions and behind-the-scenes tours of conservation studios and scientific labs. The Courtauld MA provides students with outstanding tailored support and supervision to help you realise your full academic potential and to flourish in a meaningful career. A graduate of the Courtauld recognizes art history, conservation, and curating as inclusive, interdisciplinary, trans-historical, and global practices. This MA programme also serves to prepare students for further specialist education in art history, conservation, curating, heritage studies, and for roles in museums or within the cultural heritage sector. Find out more here: courtauld.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/ma-buddhist-art-history-conservation/