Recognised by Oxford
OCHS has been awarded the status of ‘Recognised Independent Centre of Oxford University’, making it Oxford’s principal provider in the field of Hindu Studies and an acknowledged centre of academic integrity and excellence.
Oxford degree
Supported by the academic facilities of the OCHS, Oxford University now offers a focus on Hindu studies, for students of various faculties. The Students of the Centre are all studying for degrees awarded by the University. OCHS Scholars have tutored and supervised these students since the Centre’s inception.
International students
The OCHS has attracted students from all over the world, including such countries as Japan, Belgium, France, Germany, USA, England, Croatia, Ireland, Germany, Trinidad, Tanzania, Israel and South Africa. This attraction to Oxford, and its wonderful resources, has helped nurture an extraordinary community of young scholars.
Hindu studies courses
A Continuing Education Department (CED) has been established to address adult educational needs in the area of Hindu Studies. Courses are currently offered at UK centres in London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Oxford. Credits gained from these courses may be used toward a higher education Degree.
From 2008 onwards these courses will also be available online.
Scholarships and fellowships
Since 1998, the Centre has been inviting internationally renowned scholars to deliver lectures and tutorials at Oxford University. These include recipients of the very successful Shivdasani Fellowship, which helps Indian scholars come to Oxford every term. Through these fellowships and student scholarships we have effectively encouraged intellectual understanding between cultures of learning.
These initiatives are producing practical results including the fields of trade and economics.
Publishing
Our most important publishing venture is our Hindu Studies book series, published by Routledge, the academic publisher. We have also initiated an OCHS Monograph series and text translation projects. Such publishing opportunities are essential for promoting scholars’ careers and also for developing the broad field of Hindu Studies. We continue to make lectures and seminars at the OCHS available for download from our web site and through podcasts.
Seminar and lecture series
The OCHS hosts interdisciplinary programmes on a wide variety of themes and topics. Lectures and seminars have covered subjects such as; Issues of Identity; Vedanta; the Epics; Lifestyles; Ritual; Poetry & Literature; Interpretation; Sadhus & Teachers; Issues of Gender; Education; Society, Hierarchy and Caste; Sanskrit and special series exploring issues relating Hindu culture to Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The scope is broad and continues to grow.
“I attended the OCHS Hindu Studies course in Harrow and found it so interesting that I applied for graduate studies at Oxford. I want to use my qualification to help invigorate the intellectual life of my community.”
Bhavisha Tailor
OCHS Graduate Student