Contemporary Chinese Studies

You will develop or extend your knowledge and understanding of:

• the key approaches to the social scientific study of modern China
• research methods, strategies and ethics that will be of relevance to the social scientific study of China
• critical analysis of sources and ability to present findings effectively, both verbally and in sustained writing exercises
• framing and executing a workable research topic
• interdisciplinary research and its potential.

Modules involve lectures as well as seminar or class discussions, for both of which you will receive reading lists. It is a fundamental component of the Oxford educational system that you engage in individual reading and study in order to broaden and deepen your knowledge of your chosen field. There is limited one-to-one teaching on the MSc course. However, staff members will be available to advise you on reading, literature and topics. You will also be given a supervisor to help guide you through your dissertation research through regular one-to-one meetings. Students normally have some familiarity with Chinese language.

The teaching on the MSc course is built around the two core courses. The first core course, Research Methods, will introduce you to the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting discipline-based approaches to the study of Asia.

The second core course, The Study of Contemporary China, teaches foundational knowledge of modern Chinese history, politics and society needed for further study or research in all disciplines, and introduces the different disciplinary approaches to the study of modern China.

In addition to the two core courses you will choose two option courses and complete a research dissertation of 12,000 words on a research topic of your choosing, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.

Assessment for Research Methods comprises two parts, each weighted equally: a practical exercise in the collection and analysis of qualitative data, and a take-home test in quantitative analysis.

The Study of Contemporary China core course is assessed by one unseen three-hour exam, as are most of the option courses.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.

Graduate destinations

Graduate pathways after the MSc typically fall into one of three categories. The first group move on to further academic study, either in China in order to further enhance their language and cultural skills at leading universities, or by pursuing doctoral study in key disciplines, either here at Oxford or at other top-ranked universities worldwide.

The second path taken by the department’s graduates involves government and public service at international institutions, government agencies and prominent NGOs, usually with a direct focus on China or the East Asia region as part of the brief for their positions.

The third pathway chosen by graduates typically involves major private sector firms in industry or finance, commercial research agencies and international consulting.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies

African Studies MSc

Area Studies DPhil

Contemporary Chinese Studies MSc

Japanese Studies MPhil

Japanese Studies MSc

Latin American Studies MPhil

Latin American Studies MSc

Modern Chinese Studies MPhil

Modern Middle Eastern Studies MSc

Modern South Asian Studies MPhil

Modern South Asian Studies MSc

Russian and East European Studies MPhil

Russian and East European Studies MSc

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Oriental Studies

Bible Interpretation MSt

Buddhist Studies MPhil

Classical Armenian Studies MSt

Classical Hebrew Studies MSt

Classical Indian Religion MPhil

Contemporary Chinese Studies MSc

Cuneiform Studies MPhil

Eastern Christian Studies MPhil

Egyptology MPhil

Islamic Art and Archaeology MPhil

Islamic Art and Archaeology MSt

Islamic Studies and History MPhil

Islamic Studies and History MSt

Japanese Studies MPhil

Japanese Studies MSc

Jewish Studies MPhil

Jewish Studies MSt

Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MPhil

Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MSt

Korean Studies MSt

Modern Chinese Studies MPhil

Modern Middle Eastern Studies MPhil

Modern Middle Eastern Studies MSc

Modern South Asian Studies MPhil

Modern South Asian Studies MSc

Oriental Studies DPhil

Oriental Studies MSt

Syriac Studies MSt

Tibetan and Himalayan Studies MPhil

Traditional China MSt

Traditional East Asia MPhil

Oxford 1+1 MBA programme

This course can be studied as a part of the Oxford 1+1 MBA programme. The Oxford 1+1 MBA programme is a unique, two-year graduate experience that combines the depth of a specialised, one-year master’s degree with the breadth of a top-ranking, one-year MBA.

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Entry requirements