Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies)

The Master of Arts (Applied Buddhist Studies) at Nan Tien Institute is a coursework master's degree that takes Buddhist thought and practice into the places where people actually live and work, hospitals, schools, aged care, community organisations, and their own daily lives. You study the Buddhist traditions in depth, then learn how to apply that knowledge in practical settings. The degree is taught over 1.5 years full time, which is shorter than the standard two-year Australian master's because it is a focused coursework programme rather than a research-heavy one.

What you study

You take a set of core units in Buddhist studies, early Buddhist texts and doctrine, the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, meditation theory and practice, and Buddhist ethics, then build on those with applied units. Applied Buddhist Studies means exactly what it says: you look at how Buddhist ideas about compassion, mindfulness, ethics and the mind are used in contemporary settings such as pastoral care, counselling, education, and community work. Assessment is usually a mix of essays, seminar presentations, reflective journals and practical projects rather than exams alone. The exact unit list and credit point values are set out in the official course structure, so check those on the Nan Tien Institute page before you apply.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you need a certain total to graduate. At Nan Tien Institute the academic year is organised into semesters, with intakes typically available across the year. As a coursework master's, this programme does not require a full research thesis, but you will normally complete a substantial final project or capstone unit that pulls your learning together. Some students choose to extend into a research pathway if they want to go on to doctoral study, but that is a separate decision and you should confirm the options with the institute.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who already work in care, education, health, chaplaincy or community services and want to add a formal qualification in Buddhist studies to their professional practice. It also suits graduates in humanities or social sciences who want to specialise in Buddhist thought, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of meditation and ethics without committing to a monastic or academic research career. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English proficiency is required; the institute publishes its accepted tests and scores, and the Student visa has its own separate English threshold. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 072351C.

• Chaplaincy or pastoral care roles in hospitals, aged care, prisons and universities
• Community services and welfare work in Buddhist and multifaith organisations
• Teaching or education support in religious and values education
• Counselling and mental health support roles, often alongside further clinical training
• Programme coordination for meditation, mindfulness or wellbeing initiatives
• Buddhist temple and centre administration, including education and outreach
• Further study toward a research master's or doctorate in Buddhist studies or religious studies

Graduates work across Australia's health, education, community services and faith sectors, as well as in Buddhist organisations. Some roles, such as chaplaincy in public institutions, may require additional endorsement or training from a recognised religious body. Check the requirements for the specific role and state or territory you are interested in.