Master of Arts in South Asian Cultural and Religious History/Classical Indology 24 months Postgraduate Programme By Universität Heidelberg |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

24 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

3,000 EURTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

31 Mar, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

Oct, AprStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Classical Indology deals with cultural and religious history. The main focus in teaching and research is on the classical languages, cultures and religions, and literatures and philosophies of South Asia with a special emphasis on Sanskrit.


The academic programme of Master of Arts in South Asian Cultural and Religious History/Classical Indology allows students to study the cultural and religious history of South Asia with a special emphasis on the acquisition of philological and ethno-Indological methods. The course covers a broad range of different topics with equal attention being paid to philosophical aspects as well as the cultural, social and political dimensions. Students’ linguistic and interpretative skills are systematically honed in reading courses focussing on joint readings of texts in Sanskrit and Pali. 


During the course of study, students take courses that improve their ability to critically analyse and interpret texts in Sanskrit. At the same time, they also learn about social, cultural and religious history and are familiarised with local scientific traditions and philosophies. Seminars on manuscriptology and source studies convey the basic knowledge required to understand source material. 


Therefore, the subject is geared toward both historical and modern South Asia and uses philological, cultural scientific, theory-based and interdisciplinary approaches. Currently popular topics include initiations, life cycle rituals, festivals, pilgrimages, religious services and sacrifice rituals.


It is possible to choose a minor subject in combination with this Master programme. For further information please refer to the Examination Rules and Regulations.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies

Degree

MA

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Classical Indology deals with cultural and religious history. The main focus in teaching and research is on the classical languages, cultures and religions, and literatures and philosophies of South Asia with a special emphasis on Sanskrit.


The academic programme of Master of Arts in South Asian Cultural and Religious History/Classical Indology allows students to study the cultural and religious history of South Asia with a special emphasis on the acquisition of philological and ethno-Indological methods. The course covers a broad range of different topics with equal attention being paid to philosophical aspects as well as the cultural, social and political dimensions. Students’ linguistic and interpretative skills are systematically honed in reading courses focussing on joint readings of texts in Sanskrit and Pali. 


During the course of study, students take courses that improve their ability to critically analyse and interpret texts in Sanskrit. At the same time, they also learn about social, cultural and religious history and are familiarised with local scientific traditions and philosophies. Seminars on manuscriptology and source studies convey the basic knowledge required to understand source material. 


Therefore, the subject is geared toward both historical and modern South Asia and uses philological, cultural scientific, theory-based and interdisciplinary approaches. Currently popular topics include initiations, life cycle rituals, festivals, pilgrimages, religious services and sacrifice rituals.


It is possible to choose a minor subject in combination with this Master programme. For further information please refer to the Examination Rules and Regulations.

Admission Requirements

31 Mar 2026
2 Years
Oct
Apr

Tuition fees

Domestic
0 EUR
International
3,000 EUR

Scholarships

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