Postgraduate Program in Contemplative Studies

Two-year first-level Postgraduate Program: “Contemplative Studies: Meditation from Ancient Traditions to the Contemporary Age”, University of Padova.

Born out of the collaboration between the University of Padova (FISPPA Department) and the Research Center, this Program is an unprecedented innovation in academia. It introduces, for the first time in Europe, the study and practice of Contemplative Studies within a university setting: a completely interdisciplinary and intercultural journey dedicated to the field of meditation, intertwining age-old traditions with cutting-edge research.

The two-year program includes over 200 hours of guided meditation practice using both traditional and modern approaches, a faculty consisting of leading international experts in the field, retreat experiences at monasteries in Italy, debate sessions, interactive teaching, and much more.

The program is designed to be a comprehensive training on the various aspects of meditation and is aimed at promoting integration with various sectors of society, such as education, healthcare, work and personal growth.

Master’s Degree Details

60 ECTS
Location: Padua (weekend classes) and evening sessions online
3 retreats in Buddhist monasteries

Enrollment

The fourth cohort will begin in the fall of 2025. Pre-enrollment is open and will close on October 7, 2025. A limited number of scholarships are available thanks to the support of the Italian Buddhist Union Research Center.

For further information: master.contemplativestudies@unipd.it

A glance at the curriculum

This video illustrates the Master’s educational journey through the voices of some of its key figures: the professors who made this unprecedented blend of professionalism, experiences, and disciplines possible.

Video interviews with the Master's faculty

The following videos present various aspects and themes of the Master’s educational program, as well as specific meditative training included within it.

Playlist

9 Videos