Indology and Tibetology (M.A.)

Standard period of study: 4 semesters

Degree: Master of Arts Indology and Tibetology

Admission requirements and application: Info document (PDF)

Contact:

Please address questions regarding the study program directly to:

Prof. Dr. Harunaga Isaacson, harunaga.isaacson"AT"uni-hamburg.de (Sanskrit)
Prof. Dr. Eva Wilden, eva.wilden"AT"uni-hamburg.de (Tamil Studies)
Prof. Dr. Dorji Wangchuk, dorji.wangchuk"AT"uni-hamburg.de (Tibetologie)
Prof. Dr. Harunaga Isaacson, yogastudies.aai"AT"uni-hamburg.de (Yoga Studies)

Program of study and qualification objectives:

Program Structure (PDF)

The Master's program "Indology and Tibetology" is fundamentally research-oriented, though it also provides students with knowledge that is widely applicable and professionally relevant. During the course of study, students acquire an in-depth knowledge of the subjects of Indology and Tibetology. This means:

Acquiring the ability to work independently on primary sources in one of the three languages on offer,
Acquiring the ability to conduct theoretical-reflective research in the relevant area of one’s chosen study profile,
Acquiring the ability to engage in argumentative scholarly discussion in various cultural contexts.

In the common core modules, students are taught the general methodological basics necessary for later work, be that in professional practice, consulting or research. In addition, by choosing to pursue a study profile to a high academic level, students specialize in one of the following four concentrations:

(1) Indology with a focus on Sanskrit

(2) Indology with a focus on Tamil Studies

(3) Indology with a focus on Yoga Studies

(4) Tibetology

When choosing the profile of Indology with a focus on Sanskrit, the following study objectives are pursued:

Deepening one’s knowledge of ancient and middle Indian languages and literatures as well as religion and philosophy,
Deepening one’s knowledge of philological methods and their application, especially with regards to textual transmission through handwritten manuscripts,
Acquiring the ability to linguistically and philologically analyze texts in ancient and middle Indian languages in order to be able to deal with historical, religious-scientific and other cultural questions.

When choosing the profile of Indology with a focus on Tamil Studies, the following study goals are pursued:

Deepening one’s knowledge of classical Tamil and its various literary and theoretical traditions,
Deepening one’s knowledge of philological methods and their application, especially with regards to textual transmission through handwritten manuscripts,
Acquiring the ability to linguistically and philologically analyze texts in classical Tamil in order to be able to deal with historical, religious-scientific and other cultural questions.
Acquiring a basic knowledge of the contemporary literary language with the aim of being able to read modern Tamil secondary literature.

When choosing the profile of Indology with a focus on Yoga Studies, the following study goals are pursued:

Deepening one’s knowledge of ancient and middle Indian languages and literatures as well as religion and philosophy,
Deepening one’s knowledge of philological methods and their application, especially with regards to textual transmission through handwritten manuscripts,
Acquiring the ability to linguistically and philologically analyze texts in ancient and middle Indian languages in order to be able to deal with historical, religious-scientific and other cultural questions.
Confidence in dealing with questions related to the philosophy, history and traditions of yoga from pre-modern times to the present day.

When choosing the profile Tibetology, the following study goals are pursued:

The ability to conduct independent scientific work dealing with historical sources of the Tibetan cultural area using subject-related working procedures, methods and aids,
Broadening and deepening one’s knowledge of the historical and cultural developments in Tibet with an individual focus on selected topics,
Insight into the essential questions and significant problem areas of Tibetology,
Deepening one’s knowledge of the classical Tibetan written language with the aim of being able to independently read primary literature,
Competence in the application of historical-philological methods to Tibetan-language sources,
Acquiring specific knowledge of the contemporary language to be able to understand relevant scientific literature in Tibetan and conduct a scientific discussion in the target language,
Competence in oral and written presentation of studies and research results.