The program provides an international standard of education in the academic study of Buddhism that will allow Buddhists to engage with the modern global world fully.
The program does not focus on learning Buddha Dharma, sutras, philosophy, etc., per se; instead, students learn how to study Buddhism from an academic perspective.
This means that:
(1) Students learn how to use theory and method in social sciences and humanities and
(2) How Buddhism is impacted by secular factors, such as globalization, politics, and secularism itself.
Furthermore, students are trained as innovative leaders in global Buddhism to effectively engage in the modern globalized world by analyzing their social conditions.
The Global Buddhism MA and Ph.D. are designed for the acquisition of analytical skills in order that students can apply their knowledge and skills to effectively analyze data from all social and cultural fields of interest, concentrating on religion and specialization in analyzing Buddhism in all its social, political, and cultural settings.
With an estimated 95% of the Thai population adhering to Buddhism, Thailand and its capital Bangkok provide a perfect venue for such a Buddhist studies program.
The Institute of Science Innovation and Culture is pleased to welcome you to its Global Buddhism programs.
Dr. Liu is a committed scholar in the field of religious studies, with a particular emphasis on Chinese Buddhist communities in Thailand. He earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Mahidol University, Thailand, in 2017.
He currently holds the position of the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies, a role that reflects his ongoing contributions to the study of Buddhism in transnational contexts. As the founding director of our institute, Dr. Liu has helped shape its academic direction and has been closely involved in the development of its key programs.
He is the principal developer of six postgraduate curricula, all officially endorsed by the Thai Ministry of Higher Education—an achievement that underscores his dedication to academic rigor and educational advancement in the fields of Buddhist and religious studies.
Dr. Liu’s research, particularly on the transmission and transformation of Buddhism across Southeast and East Asia, has been recognized for its scholarly value and has contributed meaningfully to broader academic discussions in the region.
Dr. Yaoping LIU
Program Head
The program aims to educate Buddhist monks, nuns, and laity to be full-fledged leaders and shapers of the modern information-based, multicultural, and globalized world.
Producing morally grounded Buddhist intellectuals and socially engaged monks, nuns, and laity capable of researching and analyzing data that is then applied for the betterment of Buddhism, Buddhists, and society.
To further promote academic studies of Buddhism in its various modern cultural manifestations to better understand and sustain Buddhism and create a harmonious relationship between Buddhism and all stakeholders in society. Produce graduate Buddhist leaders with a worldview broader than their current doctrinal, cultural, and national worldviews.
Equip Buddhist monks, nuns, and laity returning to their monasteries, institutions, or home life with appropriate skills to be better able to innovate, lead, and manage their respective monasteries and institutions, better interact with the laity, and thus, better serve their local, and the global, community.
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Global Buddhism and the Doctor of Philosophy in Global Buddhism and the (International Program) should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Ability to convey ideas verbally and in writing using the English language;
- Proficiency in data collection, organization, and analysis;
- Perform and deliver quality outputs;
- Ability to problem-solve using an interdisciplinary approach rather than a single or narrow perspective;
- Make, analyze, evaluate and objectively critique reports, proposals, and concept papers;
- Ability to explain Buddhism and religion using theory and method from academic disciplines in the social sciences and humanities;
- Ability to harness information technology to enhance temple or institutional performance and better manage an organization and its human resources;
- Exemplify the values of innovativeness, conscientiousness, fair-mindedness, transparency, sense of responsibility and accountability, honesty, patience, diligence, and risk-taking;
- Understand the importance of good interpersonal skills exhibiting good teamwork and leadership qualities;
- Observe good citizenship by adhering to legal obligations and ensuring the protection and conservation of the social and natural environment.
COURSES of Ph.D in Global Buddhism
- PREPARATORY COURSES (6 credits)
9-311-601 Research Methodology for Graduate Studies 3(3-0-6)
9-311-602 English for Graduate Studies 3(3-0-6)
- MAJOR COURSES (6 credits)
9-312-601 Seminar on Buddhism, Modernity and Globalization 3(3-0-6)
9-312-602 Seminar on Leadership and Innovation for Global Buddhism 3(3-0-6)
III. ELECTIVE COURSES (6 credits)
9-313-601 Seminar on Socially Engaged Buddhism 3(3-0-6)
9-313-602 Seminar on Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health 3(3-0-6)
9-313-603 Seminar on Academic Study of Religion and Buddhism 3(3-0-6)
9-313-604 Seminar on Buddhism and Politics 3(3-0-6)
9-313-605 Seminar on Buddhism, Business and Economics 3(3-0-6)
9-313-606 Seminar on Buddhist Ethics 3(3-0-6)
9-313-607 Seminar on Buddhism in Relation with Other Religions 3(3-0-6)
9-313-608 Seminar on Chinese Buddhism 3(3-0-6)
9-313-609 Seminar in Buddhism and Development 3(3-0-6)
9-313-610 Independent studies in Buddhist Studies 3(3-0-6)
- THESIS (36 credits)
9-314-601 Thesis 36(0-0-108)
9-314-603 Qualifying Examination 0(0-0-0)
COURSES of M.A in Global Buddhism
- PREPARATORY COURSES
9-211-501 Research Methodology for Graduate Studies 3(3-0-6)
9-211-502 English for Graduate Studies 3(3-0-6)
- COMPULSORY COURSES (6 credits)
9-212-501 Comparative Religions and Core Concepts in Religious 3(3-0-6)
9-212-502 Buddhist and Globalization 3(3-0-6)
III. ELECTIVE COURSES (18 credits)
9-213-501 Socially Engaged Buddhism 3(3-0-6)
9-213-502 Buddhism and Social Media 3(3-0-6)
9-213-503 Buddhist Ethics 3(3-0-6)
9-213-504 Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health 3(3-0-6)
9-213-505 The Buddhist Temple and Society 3(3-0-6)
9-213-506 Buddhism in Southeast Asia 3(3-0-6)
9-213-507 Independent Studies in Buddhist Studies 3(3-0-6)
- THESIS (12 credits)
9-214-501 Thesis 12(0-0-36)
The graduate programs of ISIC are designed to give students the best possible academic experience to prepare and help them excel in their chosen field of profession.
Therefore, applicants for admission to any program must present satisfactory evidence of their suitability and readiness for graduate studies.
Admission Interview – Students who wish to apply to any of the
programs offered by the ISIC-UTK will be required to undergo an
interview either in person or online. The interview aims to validate the
student’s qualifications and suitability to be accepted to the program.
Admission Test – Applicants must take a test appropriately designed
for the program the student is applying to. The test will help determine the
applicant’s level of knowledge related to the program the student is
applying to register.
Deputy Head of Global Buddhism
Prof. Dr. Banjob Bannaruji
Prof. Dr. Banjob Bannaruji is a distinguished scholar and educator in Buddhist Studies and Pali Studies, whose academic formation spans from earning the highest Pali certification (Pali 9) in 1973 to completing a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Magadh University in 1997. After early service as a military and government chaplain, he embarked on a long teaching career—first at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University’s Graduate School (1989–1995) and then as Professor of Pali and Buddhism at Chulalongkorn University (1995–2013). Post-retirement, he continues to share his expertise as a special lecturer, director of the Institute of Spiritual Development at the World Buddhist University, and associate member of the Royal Council’s Section of Religions.
An avid author and translator, Dr. Bannaruji has penned over thirty Thai monographs and textbooks on Buddhist philosophy, Pali grammar, and comparative religion, along with translating key Pali, Sanskrit, and English works into Thai. He has contributed to major lexicographical projects—such as the Pali Tipiṭaka Dictionary—and presented research at international conferences across Asia and Europe. His ongoing commitments include service on royal committees for religious and literary dictionaries, guest lectures on applied Buddhist teachings in modern contexts, and leadership roles in national Buddhist cultural and educational initiatives.
Dr. Kieko Obuse
Dr. Kieko Obuse is a renowned scholar of interreligious dialogue and comparative theology, serving as Visiting Researcher at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and Affiliate Member of McGill University’s School of Religious Studies.
She holds a D.Phil. and M.St. in the Study of Religion from the University of Oxford, an M.A. in Japanese Religions from SOAS (University of London), and a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Kyoto University.
Dr. Obuse’s research centers on Buddhist–Muslim engagement, especially in contemporary Japan, and she has published extensively, including Buddhism and Islam: Mutual Engagements in Southeast Asia and Japan (Brill, 2024) and co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the Sociology of the Middle East (Oxford University Press, 2022). An experienced lecturer and conference presenter across Asia, Europe, and North America, she also supervises graduate research on interfaith coexistence and directs comparative projects on Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
Dr. Metteyya Beliatte
Dr. Metteyya Beliatte is a Buddhist Scholar specialized in Buddhism and Pali language.
He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Pali and Buddhist Studies, Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies and the Doctorate Degree in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand. He has been engaged in a Translation Project of Pali Tipitaka Texts from Pali language to English language funded by the National Research Council of Thailand. He has completed translating Anguttaranikāya Vol IV, Itivuttaka, Theri Apadāna and Udāna so far and currently working on the Jātaka book. He has engaged in several other translation projects in translating Sinhalese, Thai, English and Pali languages. His areas of interest are Tipitaka Studies, Buddhist Civilization, Buddhist Diplomacy, Buddhist Psychology, Buddhist Education and New Buddhist Movements.
Assistant Professor Dr. Chomphu Kotirum
Assistant Professor Dr. Chomphu Kotirum
Academic Background:
Dr. Chomphu Kotirum holds a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Educational Administration and Management from Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand. He also earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from Banaras Hindu University, India, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand. In addition, he completed Pali Studies (Prayut 7) at Wat Wachiratham Sathit in Bangkok.
Professional Experience:
Dr. Kotirum has over three decades of academic experience. He served as a full-time lecturer at Dusit Thani College from 2008 to 2023 and held special lecturer roles at Southeast Asia University (2021), Rattana Bundit University (2018–2019), Maha Vajiralongkorn Rajavidyalaya University (1992), and Sripatum University (1994–2007).
Research Interests:
His research spans spiritual and community-based tourism, social competency in hospitality education, and sociocultural development. Key studies include:
- Development of Spiritual Tourism: Suan Kaew Temple (2021)
- Stability of Social Competency Models in Hospitality Students (2020)
- Cultural-based Community Tourism: Koh Kerd, Ayutthaya (2020)
Publications and Teaching Contributions:
Dr. Kotirum has authored textbooks and teaching materials on topics such as sociology, Buddhist studies, and personal development, including Introduction to Sociology and Awareness in Action. His academic articles explore leadership, human development through mindfulness, and Buddhist approaches to educational management. His latest work focuses on comparative studies in Sangha and organism management principles.
He is recognized for blending sociological insight with Buddhist philosophy to enrich both academic discourse and practical education.
EXTERNAL EXPERTS
Dr. Anja Zalta
Dr. Anja Zalta studied Sociology, Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, where she received her PhD in Sociology in 2002. She is an Associate Professor for Sociology of Religion, Sociology Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and author of many articles on religious traditions and identities, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, Asian religious paradigmes, especially Buddhism, and the role of monotheistic religions in the European cultural and religious history.
Between 2004 and 2006 she was periodically living in Konya, Turkey, where she was conducting a research on secularism in Turkish society, and the role of sufism and Mevlevis in Turkish history. In 2012 and 2019 she was contacted research in Sri Lanka about the social role of socially engaged Buddhism and Sarvodaya movement. In 2013, as an executive of the international project at the Istanbul University, she studied the rights of religious minorities, especially in the Tur Abdin province on the Turkish-Syrian border. At Nan Tien Institute in Wollongong, Australia, in 2014, she analyzed the role of socially engaged Buddhism and led the platform for interreligious dialogue. She also holds a MA degree in Applied Buddhist Studies (NTI Australia).
She is a member of editorial boards of Družboslovne razprave and Poligrafi (both journals are in Scopus base). She is also the co-editor of the monograph Women Against War System (Lit Verlag, Zurich 2017), the international thematic issue Islam and Democracy (Poligrafi, 2017 with Dr. Mohamed Ali) and international issue Understanding Ertnic, Religious and Cultural Minorities in Turkey (Poligrafi 2021 with Prof. Tahir Abbas and Prof. Umut Azak). She is a member of the international research platform Pluriel (Lyon University), a member of the presidency of the Slovenian Sociological Society and the head of the Religious Section within the Slovenian Sociological Society. Between 2017 and 2019, she was the head of the Department of Sociology (Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana).
