Established in 1993 as the first Centre of its kind in the UK, the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol stands as a beacon of academic excellence and collaboration. Housed within the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, the Centre serves as a vibrant hub for the coordination of research and scholarly engagement in Buddhist Studies across the South-West of England. In a field where scholars are often spread thinly across institutions, the Centre plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and collaboration that is crucial to advancing understanding in this rich and diverse tradition.
Bristol’s geographical location and world-class facilities uniquely position it as a facilitator of closer consultation and partnership, not only for those within the UK, but for a global community of scholars. The Centre’s commitment to collaborative research ensures it remains at the forefront of future developments in Buddhist Studies, a discipline that thrives on the exchange of ideas and cross-cultural insights.
Our faculty contribute to the undergraduate BA programme in Theology and Religious Studies and offer specialised postgraduate programmes including the MPhil and PhD in Religion and Theology with focus on Buddhist Studies. The Centre also enriches the academic and wider community through an extensive series of events, including seminar series, masterclasses and summer schools, welcoming distinguished visiting scholars and fostering an inclusive intellectual environment.
With a student body representing countries from all over the world—Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and beyond—the Centre provides a truly international learning experience. Our graduates have gone on to pursue esteemed academic careers in institutions across the globe, further extending the Centre’s influence and contribution to the field.
Whether you are a prospective student, a scholar, or simply interested in Buddhism, the Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol offers a dynamic and supportive environment for exploration, learning, and innovation of Buddhist traditions.