The University of Sydney has the only Masters program in Buddhist Studies in Australia and indeed the only comprehensive program, graduate or post graduate, in the discipline.

Whilst there is plenty of scope for exploration of the religious, meditative and doctrinal aspects of Buddhism, the grounding of the program in the School of Languages and Cultures means that its foundation is solidly that of the exploration of Buddhism as a linguistic and cultural phenomena.

The program offers units covering the spectrum of Buddhist culture and practice, as well a full language program in the canonical languages of Pali and Sanskrit. As my interests are primarily in material culture and the formative period of Mahayana Buddhism, Sanskrit and the units offered on the development of early Buddhist scriptures and the history, art and archaeology of this phase of development have been my choices.

For those more interested in aspects of religious practice, units that explore meditation and the healing tradition in Buddhism are offered. For those more interested in particular local manifestations, units are offered in the Vajrayana tradition in Tibet, Buddhism in Gandhara and Central Asia, East Asian Buddhism and Buddhism in the West.

Particularly fascinating is the contribution and perspective brought by the Buddhist monastics participating in the program.

The program is an ideal preparation for further research and/or teaching, for work in specialist libraries, museums and galleries and publishing houses or for combination with studies in Asian art or archaeology. Back to overview for Buddhist Studies.

A few years ago, when a friend caught me reading a linguistics textbook early one morning, she exclaimed “You really need to return to uni and study linguistics!” Having never studied linguistics, it was new territory for me, but I trusted that my innate curiosity for language and culture would be enough!

My friend spoke highly of the linguistics program at the University of Sydney and so it was a natural choice for me to enrol there. When I read the prospectus, I knew that a Masters in Crosscultural Communication was the course for me. I decided to do postgrad study by coursework rather than by research: I wanted a broad range of “input” before I committed to the “output” of a thesis. What appealed to me most with this degree was the breadth of sociolinguistic subjects that I could study. I was fascinated by the concept of World Englishes. I’ve always been curious about language and identity, bilingualism, and cross cultural communication. I also loved studying Systemic Functional Linguistics, a field pioneered by internationally renowned linguist and former University of Sydney professor, Michael Halliday.

People often mistakenly believe that Linguistics means studying foreign languages: this course does not involve any language study, although there are opportunities to “share and compare” language with multilingual classmates and lecturers. Most of all, this degree has given me the theoretical background to understand crosscultural communication in my work as well as in my everyday interactions in culturally diverse Sydney. Back to overview for Crosscultural Communication.

My role at the UNHCR was to research the concept of the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ – the notion that the international community has the responsibility to protect populations from atrocity crimes, through peaceful measures and ultimately as a last resort through forceful measures if a state is manifestly failing to do so itself – to learn about the activities of the UNHCR, and to keep up to date with daily international affairs that may have been of concern to the UNHCR.

After the internship I developed a research project entitled ‘The Responsibility to Protect: Rhetoric or Reality?’ The project focused on the implications of the failure to practically embrace the Responsibility to Protect in Darfur and Zimbabwe upon humanitarian agencies such as the UNHCR.

The internship has been a wonderful way to network and has provided valuable and rewarding career experience. Working within the environment of an international organisation such as the UNCHR and receiving exceptional guidance has given me much more confidence about applying for human rights positions after I graduate.

I chose International Studies because it’s interesting, dynamic, and open to a whole range of possibilities. Having done my undergrad in business, I wanted a masters that would complement it and more importantly, “finish” me into a more educated person. This was the perfect choice. By being exposed to concepts like development, conflict resolution, power, and social justice, students of IS are trained into being “world savvy” and capable of responsible leadership in whatever field.

What a privilege it is to take it in a school as prestigious as Sydney University. It’s large in terms of its vast offering of academic resources, numerous organisations, diverse population, grand architecture, and recreational facilities that can rival a country club.

However, it remains deeply personal in dealing with its students. Teachers take time to give feedback and are truly interested in nurturing their abilities. The classes are insightful, interactive, and enjoyable.

Coming from the Philippines, I’m excited to apply the lessons I’ve learned here back home. Studying abroad has given me a fresh perspective on the problems we face and the possible solutions. I’m confident that this degree has equipped me with the necessary tools for making a positive contribution to social change. Back to overview for International Studies.

I chose to follow the path of a Masters in Museum Studies because of my continuing passion for history, archaeology and art. I completed my BA at the University of Sydney in Archaeology and Heritage Studies and had thoroughly enjoyed my Undergrad experience. Museum Studies provided the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge of the continued care and interpretation of objects. Combining the study of the theory and history of collecting, the changing role of museums and methods of display and interpretation, Museum Studies allowed me to delve into the purpose of museums and their importance in society.

The subjects assist with refining research and analytical skills and the nature of the assessments often allowed me to research personal areas of interest. The lecturers and support staff were always helpful and encouraging by providing their guidance and support. Extensive resources for research work were always at hand in the University libraries. The practical components of the Internships were invaluable. Both Internships I undertook gave me firsthand experience and insight into different areas of the museum industry. The Internships also provided me with the opportunity to forge close contacts within the industry, which played an important part in securing my current employment within the museum sector. Back to overview for Museum Studies.

Choosing to enrol in the Master of Publishing course at the University of Sydney was a natural extension for me. After completing my Bachelor of Arts degree at Sydney, I was reluctant to leave a university which I had enjoyed attending and which had given me such a strong grounding in the humanities. I also wanted to complete a postgraduate course which had a strong practical aspect to it and Master of Publishing did not disappoint. The lecturers and tutors all had a lot of experience in the publishing industry and assignments were directly related to the industry and the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills required to work within it. An extracurricular activity, in which a group of students participated in and oversaw the production of an actual book, was a wonderful way to learn and appreciate how a book is created. I was given the opportunity to work in a prominent trade publishing house through the Publishing Internship unit of study. From it I gained full-time employment and now regularly use the skills I attained through the course. With my Master of Publishing as the starting point of my career, I could not have been better prepared to enter the modern publishing industry. Back to overview for Media Publishing.

Laura Crommelin has had a long-standing interest in American politics and culture, ever since she first studied the Watergate scandal for a high school project. When the newly-created United States Studies Centre provided the opportunity to explore this interest with a dedicated degree, she decided it was time for a change from corporate law and moved from Melbourne to join the Masters program. The decision proved a rewarding one, and she has since chosen to extend her studies by undertaking a research thesis through the Centre’s advanced degree program, the Master of Letters in US Studies. Her research will look at the development of American cities, drawing from a mix of historical, political and cultural perspectives.

“The variety of subjects on offer through the Master of US Studies was a big part of the course’s appeal, as I was looking for a new direction and keen to explore different ways of looking at the world. This interdisciplinary approach introduced me to a new field of interest for my research – urban theory – as well as giving me a much broader perspective on the US, its role in the world and its relationship with Australia.”

“Another reason I was attracted to the Master’s program was the clever course structure and the close interaction between students and staff. I have really appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness of the academics involved in the program. They seem to be just as keen to learn from us as we are from them.” Back to overview for US Studies.