Master of Buddhist Counselling Programme

The Master of Buddhist Counselling degree (MBC) is a coursework programme intended for individuals with foundational knowledge in Buddhist Studies who would like to study how Buddhist teachings and practices can enhance modern-day counselling skills. The curriculum is designed to appeal to qualified healthcare and mental health professionals who would like to apply Buddhist teaching-based counselling in their professional work as well as to any interested individuals who aspire to apply Buddhist teaching-based counselling skills to nourish their own daily life and working environment. The degree is awarded through the Faculty of Arts.

Information for MBC Application

Admission

The Master of Buddhist Counselling programme offers quality training on Buddhist teaching-based counselling knowledge and skills by means of interdisciplinary learning and contemplative practice. Buddhist counselling students are held to high standards of knowledge of Buddhist teachings, counselling skills, ethics, self-introspection, and awareness. In particular, a significant portion of courses will focus on guiding students to apply Buddhist teachings in counselling. Using this training model, students will participate in group discussions, conduct role playing of counselling sessions, develop mindfulness practices, apply Buddhist counselling techniques in daily lives, and become involved in other experiential activities.

Why MBC in HKU?

The Features of the MBC – A Unique Programme Motivated by Compassion

The MBC programme is not a conventional psychology programme providing training in Buddhist-derived psychological interventions. Instead, it is a Buddhist Counselling programme based on core Buddhist teachings and practices as explicated in classical Buddhist scriptures. Students will receive training in delivering traditional Buddhist counselling as a holistic, structural, and transformative process of helping those in need. Motivated by compassion, the MBC is a distinctive training opportunity for students to gain insights into deeper issues of human suffering and develop skilful means to alleviate suffering in self and others.

First of Its Kind

In a dearth of Buddhist counselling services and the demand for professional services for individuals affiliated with Buddhism, the Buddhist Counselling programme is designed to train competent Buddhist counselling practitioners to provide ethical and compassionate services for individuals and communities in Hong Kong. In comparison to the Master of Buddhist Studies programme, MBC programme aims to put forth the theoretical studies of Buddhist teachings into practice by equipping students with pragmatic Buddhist teaching-based counselling skills and fostering spiritual transformation.

Reflective and Contemplative Learning

A strong emphasis of the programme is on spiritual, moral, and contemplative reflection and transformation because these endeavours can foster awareness, compassion and wisdom to face challenges in life, dissolve barriers that perpetuate ones suffering, and enhance one’s ability to connect with others. For these reasons, students are highly encouraged to find and develop their own spiritual direction, apply their learning in real life situations, and cultivate compassion for self and others.

Who can Apply?

The programme is intended for individuals with foundational knowledge in Buddhist Studies who would like to study how Buddhist counselling adds a new dimension to their daily work. The curriculum is designed to support a wide range of career paths, including healthcare professionals, helping professionals, educational professionals, officers from disciplinary forces, and any other persons who are interested in the study of Buddhist counselling for personal and professional enhancement.

Stages of Professional Development in Buddhist Counseling

The following diagram outlines the path to becoming a registered professional Buddhist Counsellor. First, candidates must establish a knowledge foundation by completing Early Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism courses in the Master of Buddhist Studies programme (MBS) at HKU or the Buddhist Studies Foundation Course, or an equivalent program. Second, they are required to complete the Master of Buddhist Counselling programme (MBC) at HKU or an equivalent program to qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice of Buddhist Counselling. Upon successful completion of the postgraduate diploma, candidates are eligible to apply for registration with the Registration Bureau for the Professional Practice of Buddhist Counsellors, Hong Kong Buddhist Association. There are three levels of registration with the Bureau.

Entrance Requirements

The basic qualification necessary for admission to the programme includes:

1. Holding a good Bachelor’s degree from this University or an equivalent qualification from comparable institutions.
2. Satisfactorily completed BSTC6079 Early Buddhism and BSTC6002 Mahayana Buddhism in the Master of Buddhist Studies programme at HKU, or courses in Buddhist studies offered by another comparable institution accepted for this purpose.

Applicants who do not fulfil (a) and/or (b) above may be invited to attend the Buddhist Studies Foundation Course (BSFC) or take a qualifying examination. They will be considered for admission if they have satisfactory performance in the BSFC/qualifying examination.

Medium of Instruction

English

English Language Requirements

If the medium of instruction of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree is not English, English proficiency test is required:

• TOEFL: Internet-based test (iBT) with an overall score of 80 or above
• IELTS with an overall band 6 with no subtest lower than 5.5

Mode of Study

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years

Classes are mainly conducted on weekday evenings and weekends.

Duration and Study Load

Students are required to take 8 courses to complete the whole programme. Therefore, full-time students normally need to take 4 courses, and part-time students 2 courses, each semester.

Each core/elective course usually consists of three consecutive teaching hours per week. The number of teaching weeks in each semester varies, but normally there should be around 10-13 teaching weeks per semester.

What Courses are on Offer

Candidates will complete 8 courses including 3 core courses, 4 elective courses, and 1 course for capstone experience.

Core Courses

1. Theories and practice in Buddhist counselling I
2. Theories and practice in Buddhist counselling II
3. Spiritual formation through contemplative practices

Elective courses

• Dharma therapy
• Awareness training program
• Being with the elderly, sick, and dying
• Buddhist homiletics: the art of presenting Buddhist teachings
• Buddhist liturgy and rituals
• Buddhist mediation
• Special topics in Buddhist counselling (2): Theories and practice in prevailing counselling
• Group work in Buddhist and traditional counselling
• Buddhist ethics
• Buddhist psychology and mental cultivation

Course for Capstone Experience

The capstone experience project is compulsory and can be conducted in the following forms:

1. Contemplative learning in Buddhism
2. Autobiography paper guided by Buddhist teachings
3. Buddhist homiletics
4. Buddhist counselling case study

Our Teachers

Teachers for MBC are listed below:

• Dr. George Lee
• Dr. Bonnie Wu
• Ven. Sik Hin Hung
• Dr. Jennifer Yim
• Ven. Dr. Sik Fa Ren
• Ven. Dr. Sik Hin Yan
• Ven. Dr. Sik Hin Tak
• Dr. Amrita Nanda
• Ms. Janet Lau
• Prof. C.E. Hardie
• Dr. G.A. Somaratne

Course Fees

• Full-time: HK$181,280 (Pay in 2 equal installments)
• Part-time: HK$181,280 (Pay in 4 equal installments)

Financial Support

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for application.

Application

Applications for the programme should be submitted online.

Referee Requirements

Applicants are required to nominate two referees. After the online application is submitted, referees will be separately invited by an automated email to complete an online referee survey normally within 4 weeks.

Course Commencement

September 2026

Closing Date of Application

February 27, 2026 (12 noon HKT)

University of Hong Kong Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is a prestigious public research university located in Hong Kong. It is renowned for its academic excellence and global standing, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Global Recognition:

HKU consistently ranks highly in global university rankings, demonstrating its academic excellence and international reputation.

World-Class Faculty:

HKU boasts a distinguished faculty of renowned scholars and researchers, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.

Diverse Academic Programs:

HKU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across ten faculties, covering various disciplines and fields of study.

Research Opportunities:

HKU is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

---

Academic Programs:

HKU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across ten faculties:

• Architecture
• Arts
• Business
• Dentistry
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Medicine
• Science
• Social Sciences

---

Other:

• HKU has a strong commitment to knowledge exchange and community engagement, fostering collaborations and partnerships with various stakeholders.
• The university has a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and events, providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
• HKU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.