Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and others MA
Main Campus, Poland
Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others MA
University of Warsaw
Religious Studies & Oriental Studies
Program Overview: Religions of Asia and Africa MA
The Religions of Asia and Africa: Buddhism, Islam and Others MA is a unique and innovative two-year program offered by the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw. It focuses on the study of religions that have shaped legal principles, culture, morality, and social norms across Asia and Africa for centuries.
This interdisciplinary program, conducted solely in English, combines religious studies and Oriental studies within the discipline of culture and religious studies. Emphasis is placed on Buddhism and Islam, which are examined against the background of other religions and in the context of their impact on society, law, art, and intercultural dialogue.
Students learn the methodology of religious studies and gain knowledge of Buddhist and Islamic doctrines, as well as awareness of other religions including Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Shamanism, and the religions of Ancient Egypt and the Ancient East. The program also includes the study of Tibetan or Arabic to enhance comprehension of religious terminology.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary combination of religious studies and Oriental studies, unique in Poland, delivered by a faculty with over 90 years of experience
- Practical workshops conducted in cooperation with followers of Buddhism and Islam for direct interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding
- Study of an Oriental language (Tibetan or Arabic) to deepen comprehension of religious texts and terminology
- Individual tutoring and research projects in cooperation with internationally recognized scholars in the field
Curriculum and Modules
The two-year MA curriculum is structured across four semesters, blending theoretical foundations in religious studies with comparative analysis of Asian and African religions. Students develop advanced research skills while gaining practical intercultural competences through workshops and language study.
Introduction to Religious Studies
5 ECTSCovers the nature and characteristics of religious studies as a research field, including key approaches such as sociology of religion, history of religion, psychology of religion, and comparative religious studies.
Buddhism: Doctrines and Regional Traditions
10 ECTSExplores Buddhist worldview fundamentals and regional differences in Buddhism as practiced in India, Tibet, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, and the West, including analysis of sacred texts and religious art.
Islam: Doctrines and Civilizational Impact
10 ECTSExamines Islamic religious doctrines, terminology, legal traditions, and the impact of Islam on society, culture, and politics across Asia and Africa.
Religions of Asia and Africa: Comparative Perspectives
10 ECTSProvides a comparative research perspective on religions including Hinduism, Judaism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Shamanism, Alevism, Karaism, and the religions of Ancient Egypt and the Ancient East.
Oriental Language (Tibetan or Arabic)
15 ECTSStudents learn Tibetan or Arabic to better comprehend religious terminology, sacred texts, and primary sources relevant to Buddhism or Islam respectively.
MA Thesis Seminar and Research Project
20 ECTSGuides students through formulating research questions, selecting sources, applying research methods in cultural and religious studies, and completing an original MA thesis under faculty supervision.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Religions of Asia and Africa MA program is based on an open recruitment procedure that evaluates academic qualifications and English language proficiency. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu to ensure a smooth and guided process for international students.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any field from a recognized institution
- InterviewAdmission interview conducted in English, assessed on a point scale
- Diploma GradeOverall grade point on the diploma is taken into account during the qualification procedure
- GPAGrade point average (GPA) for the entire period of undergraduate studies is evaluated
- Foreign DiplomasGrades from foreign diplomas are calculated and compared to the University of Warsaw grading scale
Language Requirements
- English ProficiencyMinimum B2 level, certified by an appropriate document
- Alternative AssessmentIf no English certificate is available, proficiency will be assessed during the admission interview
- IELTS / TOEFLContact Uni4Edu for accepted English proficiency tests and minimum scores
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
International students at the University of Warsaw have access to several scholarship and funding opportunities. These include university-level merit awards, Polish government scholarships administered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), and European mobility programs. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options.
Rector's Scholarship for Best Students
Awarded to the highest-achieving students based on academic excellence, scientific achievements, or outstanding athletic accomplishments. Open to both Polish and international students enrolled at the University of Warsaw.
NAWA Banach Scholarship Program
Fully funded (tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance)A prestigious Polish government scholarship managed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, supporting international Master's students from eligible countries with full financial coverage.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Religions of Asia and Africa MA program are prepared for careers in intercultural relations, research, diplomacy, and international management. The program develops competences for working in multicultural environments where understanding diverse religious worldviews is essential.
Potential Career Paths
Potential Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Warsaw is Poland's largest and highest-ranked university, consistently recognized in major international rankings. Its Faculty of Oriental Studies, which hosts this program, benefits from over 90 years of academic tradition in Asian and African cultures and languages.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | QS by Subject | 101-150 |
| History | QS by Subject | 101-150 |
| Modern Languages | QS by Subject | 101-150 |
| Arts and Humanities | THE by Subject | Top in Poland |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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