October–December 2026
Term One: Texts
Survey key texts at the heart of the Hindu tradition, examining their nature, authority, and literary characteristics.
Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
A year-long online programme guided by a leading Oxford scholar, offering deep and personalised engagement with Hinduism through critical study and original research.
About the Course
Advanced Hindu Studies is unique and rigorous one-year journey into Hindu thought and practice, meticulously developed over two years by Prof. Gavin Flood FBA and a distinguished team of the world’s foremost experts.
Commencing 11 October 2026, this unparalleled online programme draws directly from The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism (first edition, electronic copy provided), edited by Professor Flood. Professor Flood personally tutors this immersive exploration of Hindu texts, philosophies, theologies, rituals, and social contexts across millennia.
Learning Outcomes
1
Build a critically informed understanding of Hindu texts, philosophies, and traditions.
2
Develop rigorous research and writing skills through personalised guidance from Prof. Flood.
3
Produce an original 5,000 word thesis that engages deeply with a chosen area of Hindu studies.
Course Structure
Each term is seven weeks in duration, with dedicated time for assignments and reflection.
October–December 2026
Survey key texts at the heart of the Hindu tradition, examining their nature, authority, and literary characteristics.
January–March 2027
Explore the great traditions of Hindu theology and devotion.
April–June 2027
Examine Hindu philosophy and its social contexts, exploring major schools of thought and contemporary expressions.
July–September 2027
Guided by Professor Flood, produce an original 5,000-word thesis on a topic of your choosing. Independent research engaging critically with primary sources.
This course is based upon The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism.
Edited by Course Convenor Professor Gavin Flood, it is a seminal work providing comprehensive scholarship on Hindu thought and practice.
This course uniquely leverages this foundational text, offering students direct access to its insights through lectureres recorded by its authors (where possible) and tutelage from its editor.
Electronic copy provided.
Learning Experience
Access audio and video lectures by world-leading scholars, available anytime.
Electronic copy of The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism plus comprehensive resources.
Engage in discussions with Prof. Flood and fellow students worldwide.
Direct engagement with your tutor for Q&A and thesis development support.
Personalized feedback on assignments and thesis drafts to support your growth.
A strong emphasis on personal support to aid students throughout their studies.
World-Class Faculty
I’m Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Oxford and the Piramal Dean of Hindu Studies at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
I study and write on Hindu texts to ask big questions about meaning, purpose, and holiness. It’s a privilege to teach and research something so vital to human life.
We’ve been working on this course for two years now and are delighted to see it finally come to life.
Video lectures are presented by leading scholars. Where possible, the lecturer is also the author of the relevant chapter in the coursebook The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism.
University of Oxford
University of Oxford
University of Texas at Austin
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
University of Edinburgh (retd)
University of Oxford
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
Columbia University
Chapman University
Indiana University
Åbo Akademi University, Finland
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
University of Oxford
University of Bergen
Loyola University Chicago
Newcastle University (retd)
University of Virginia
King's College, London
Looking forward to another semester of Hindu thought. I learnt so much in Semester 1. The lectures and workshops were just right. Doing and submitting the assignment was the most challenging, but it was also the most rewarding.
Sree
Australia
It is a great pleasure to learn so much, guided by Professor Flood, the excellent lectures, and all the contributions in the forum, which I have found very nourishing.
Holly
France
I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot, both from the videos and text, as well as the conversations. The guidance and feedback on the assignment were very helpful.
Sucharita
India
The 2026 cohort begins on 11 October. Places are limited.