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Introduction

The Centre for South Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh is the only academic unit in Scotland dedicated to the study of South Asia. With 22 full-time associated staff in Edinburgh, four honorary fellows, and 13 more staff affiliated across Scotland and northern Britain, the Centre is also one of the four leading centres for South Asian Studies in the UK.

We bring together South Asian expertise across the University to create a lively environment supporting the interdisciplinary study of the subcontinent as a whole. Outwith the University, the Centre seeks to relate South Asian Studies to the wider community, through links with the Scottish Parliament, NGO's and major educational and cultural organisations in South Asia and Scotland.

A major task of the Centre has been to co-ordinate South Asian teaching and research around the University. The Centre's core staff come from the disciplines of History, Sanskrit, Social Anthropology and Sociology within the Schools of History, Classics & Archaeology, Asian Studies, and Social & Political Studies. Most staff are thus members of the College of Humanities & Social Science but the remit and membership of the Centre extends right across the University.

Focus of Studies

The Centre advises students taking undergraduate degrees relating to South Asia and offers its own introductory second-level (i.e. Year 2) undergraduate area studies courses - South Asian Studies 2a and South Asian Studies 2b. With an annual intake of 20-30 students these courses can be taken either individually or consecutively to form a full year of intensive introduction to South Asia.

In the School of Social and Political Studies we offer undergraduate degrees (MA) in Social Anthropology with South Asian Studies, and Sociology with South Asian Studies. The MA in Social Anthropology with Development can also contain a considerable component in the study of South Asia

In addition, students can take as outside subjects most of the courses that are offered by members of the Centre, depending on the particular degree that the student is following, and with the agreement of the member of staff concerned. The main courses offered are as follows:

First and Second Year Courses:

• Asia and Africa 2 (History)
• Indian Civilisation 1 (Sanskrit) (not available in 2010-11)
• Indian Religion and Philosophy 2 (Sanskrit) (not available in 2010-11)
• Sanskrit 1 (not available in 2010-11)
• Sanskrit 2 (not available in 2010-11)
• South Asian Studies 2ah and 2bh (taught jointly by members of the Centre)

Third and Fourth Year Courses:

• Anthropological approaches to the study of religion (Divinity)
• Buddhism 3 and 4 (Sanskrit)
• Commodities and Change in South Asia (Geography)
• Diversity and dissent in South Asian religious traditions (Divinity)
• Gandhi and Popular Movements in India 1915-1950 (History: 4MA)
• Gender and Development (Sociology)
• Hinduism 3 and 4 (Sanskrit) (not available in 2010-11)
• Keywords: South Asian Public Culture (Social Anthropology)
• Pioneers of Cultural Communication in India and Japan, 1880 - 1930 (History: 4MA)
• Post-Colonial South Asia (History)
• Raj, Rebellion and Ryot: India 1700-1947 (History)
• Refugees (Social Anthropology)
• South Asia: Culture, Politics and Economy (Sociology)

Opportunities for Careers and Postgraduate Study

The South Asian Studies focus provides a strong foundation for any career where extensive knowledge and deep understanding of South Asia is an asset, such as development work, the NGO sector, regionally related business, or academia. Many who begin studies in this area chose to go on to do postgraduate work. At postgraduate level, we offer an interdisciplinary M.Sc by research in South Asian Studies which can be taken on its own or as a stepping stone to later M.Phil or Ph.D research.