- UAB Specialisation Course
- Code: 5283/1
- 1st edition
- Modality: Online
- Credits: 4 ECTS
- Start date: 25/09/2026
- Finish date: 18/12/2026
- Places: 50
- Orientation: Professional
- Price: 120 €
- Teaching language: Spanish
- Location: Online
This program is dedicated to exploring the complex and ancient interconnection between Buddhist doctrine and its manifestations through visual arts. Its design aims to clarify how artistic expressions have transcended a merely aesthetic function, assuming a fundamental role as a conduit for the transmission of the teachings attributed to the Buddha. In this context, art has operated as a medium for narrating sacred stories, as a repository of cultural and religious tradition, as an object of veneration, a source of creative inspiration, a path for spiritual practice, and a channel for articulating the deepest convictions of faith.
Throughout the sessions, there will be an analysis of the rich symbolic conception underlying the various Buddhist artistic forms, examining how these contribute to the facilitation of rituals and the practice of meditation. The vast influence that this artistic corpus has exerted on the cultural development of key geographical regionssuch as India, Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia, Korea, and Japanwill also be addressed through a detailed study of emblematic works, historically significant monuments, and archaeological evidence.
The structure of the program is organized into four essential thematic modules, each taught by specialists in the field: "Early Buddhism", "Mahayana Buddhism", "Vajrayana Buddhism", and "Modern Buddhism". This sequence is designed to trace the evolution of Buddhist art from its origins in the Indian subcontinent to its most contemporary expressions.
The central purpose of the course is to provide participants with the interpretative tools necessary for a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist art in its multiple historical and geographical manifestations. This includes the ability to decipher the symbolic meaning of artistic works, recognizing their intrinsic connection to doctrinal principles and Buddhist practices, as well as the skill to analyze significant pieces and sites in order to unravel the figures, forms, ideas, and challenges that have shaped this extensive historical narrative. By the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a complex and nuanced perspective of Buddhist art, reflecting its inherent diversity, elements of uniformity, creative capacity, and adherence to conventions, enabling them to appreciate and understand it not only as an aesthetic expression but as a profound manifestation of Buddhist philosophy and spirituality.
- Mahayana Buddhist art
- Vajrayana Buddhist art
- Modern Buddhist art
It also offers a solid foundation for Research and Academia, enabling participants to work as researchers, educators, or scholars in disciplines such as Art History, Buddhist Studies, Eastern Philosophy, Archaeology, and Anthropology. In the field of Education and Outreach, graduates may find opportunities as educators in cultural institutions, specialized guides, or creators of educational and outreach content on Asian art and culture.
For Artists and Designers, the course provides a source of inspiration and a deep understanding of the aesthetic and symbolic traditions of Buddhist art to enrich their own work. It is also relevant for specialists in Heritage and Conservation, particularly in contexts related to Asian art and architecture.
Finally, the knowledge acquired can be applied in Consulting roles for foundations, cultural organizations, or projects related to intercultural dialogue and Eastern arts, and serves as an excellent foundation for Continued Studies at the master's or doctoral level in related fields.
Throughout the sessions, there will be an analysis of the rich symbolic conception underlying the various Buddhist artistic forms, examining how these contribute to the facilitation of rituals and the practice of meditation. The vast influence that this artistic corpus has exerted on the cultural development of key geographical regionssuch as India, Central Asia, China, Southeast Asia, Korea, and Japanwill also be addressed through a detailed study of emblematic works, historically significant monuments, and archaeological evidence.
The structure of the program is organized into four essential thematic modules, each taught by specialists in the field: "Early Buddhism", "Mahayana Buddhism", "Vajrayana Buddhism", and "Modern Buddhism". This sequence is designed to trace the evolution of Buddhist art from its origins in the Indian subcontinent to its most contemporary expressions.
The central purpose of the course is to provide participants with the interpretative tools necessary for a comprehensive understanding of Buddhist art in its multiple historical and geographical manifestations. This includes the ability to decipher the symbolic meaning of artistic works, recognizing their intrinsic connection to doctrinal principles and Buddhist practices, as well as the skill to analyze significant pieces and sites in order to unravel the figures, forms, ideas, and challenges that have shaped this extensive historical narrative. By the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a complex and nuanced perspective of Buddhist art, reflecting its inherent diversity, elements of uniformity, creative capacity, and adherence to conventions, enabling them to appreciate and understand it not only as an aesthetic expression but as a profound manifestation of Buddhist philosophy and spirituality.
Contents
- Early Buddhist art- Mahayana Buddhist art
- Vajrayana Buddhist art
- Modern Buddhist art
Career opportunities
The training obtained in the course "Introduction to Buddhist Art: Beyond the Image" provides students with specialized knowledge and a critical perspective that can be highly valuable across a wide range of professional paths and development areas. Possible career trajectories include roles in Cultural and Museum Management, such as curators, museologists, art conservators, and managers of collections specializing in Asian or religious art, both in museums and in galleries and foundations.It also offers a solid foundation for Research and Academia, enabling participants to work as researchers, educators, or scholars in disciplines such as Art History, Buddhist Studies, Eastern Philosophy, Archaeology, and Anthropology. In the field of Education and Outreach, graduates may find opportunities as educators in cultural institutions, specialized guides, or creators of educational and outreach content on Asian art and culture.
For Artists and Designers, the course provides a source of inspiration and a deep understanding of the aesthetic and symbolic traditions of Buddhist art to enrich their own work. It is also relevant for specialists in Heritage and Conservation, particularly in contexts related to Asian art and architecture.
Finally, the knowledge acquired can be applied in Consulting roles for foundations, cultural organizations, or projects related to intercultural dialogue and Eastern arts, and serves as an excellent foundation for Continued Studies at the master's or doctoral level in related fields.
Scholarships and financial aid
Chek all the information on the possibilities for grants and scholarships in the page for UAB financial aids, grants and calls.
Coordinating centres
Facultad de Traducción e Interpretación
Collaborating centres
Fundació Dharma-Gaia
Contact
Gustavo Pita Céspedes
Phone: 34935868901