Double Masters in Asian & European Affairs

Course detail Description

The EU is the largest economic block in the world and Asia is the fastest-growing region. This course will equip you with the required knowledge about the two regions to work in either of them or in international institutions. You will have the opportunity to study and understand a variety of political, economic and societal topics and to gain specialised knowledge on two topics of your choice and develop advanced research skills through two research dissertations – one for Renmin University of China and one for King’s.

Renmin University of China (RUC) is a leading research university focusing on humanities and social sciences. According to the China Ministry of Education, Renmin is ranked first for the study of political science, public administration, economics, law, statistics, business administration and sociology. The School of International Studies (SIS) is one of the earliest institutes to engage in the teaching and research of political science and international affairs in China. Because of this, the School has established strong academic traditions and accumulated invaluable historical experience, making it a leading and influential teaching and research base in the fields of political science and international studies in China.

King’s is one of the top universities in the world, as well as one of the most recognised institutions for the study of politics, political economy and international relations. Our academics are internationally reowned and regularly publish in major journals in the fields of politics and political economy, international relations and international political economy, with specific reference to Europe and the European Union. Hence our Department is an excellent place to study contemporary European affairs.

Offers postgraduate-level education in Asian and European affairs. Provides students with the opportunity to study and understand a variety of political, economic and societal topics and to gain specialised knowledge on two topics of their choice through the completion of two research dissertations (one for Renmin University of China, the other for King's).

Teaching

You will have regular contact with our staff, who are world-leading experts in their fields, through lectures, seminars and supervision.

In year 1, students are expected to successfully complete 32 RUC credits. In year 2, students will have six hours per week of teaching during term time as well as 34 hours of self-study per week.

For Renmin University of China, one credit equates to 18 class hours.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work at King’s.

Assessment

You are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations and may typically expect assessment by: 50% examination and 50% coursework in year 1, and 100% coursework in year 2.

Year 2: The majority of European and International Studies modules are assessed by coursework rather than a final unseen written examination; other optional modules may differ. The dissertation module is assessed by a 10,000 word essay.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect.

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Structure

• Year 1
• Year 2

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules, and students on this course take modules totalling 210 credits. Please note that you will take 28 RUC credits (which equates to 30 credits at King’s College London) and 180 credits at King’s.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Year 1 (Renmin University of China)

You are required to 27 RUC credits from a range of 2,3 or 4 credit modules:

• Contemporary Chinese Politics (3 credits)
• Asia-Pacific Security & Strategy (4 credits)
• Basic Chinese Language (4 credits)
• Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation (4 credits)
• Theories of International Relations & Asia-Pacific Cooperation (4 credits)
• Contemporary Japanese Politics (3 credits)
• Contemporary Chinese History & Culture (3 credits)
• Academic Writing (2 credits)

Year 1 (Renmin University of China)

In addition, you are required to take 5 RUC credits from a range of 2,3 or 4 credit optional modules that may typically include:

• Sino-US Relations (3 credits)
• The Political Economy of China-Developing Countries Relations (2 credits)
• Contemporary Chinese Society (3 credits)
• Contemporary Chinese Economics and Finance (2 credits)
• Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy (3 credits)
• Students may also take modules taught in Chinese by the School of International Studies at Renmin.

Year 2 Required Modules

Year 2 (King’s College London)

You are required to take the following modules:

• European Union: History, Institutions, Politics (20 credits)
• The EU & Asia: Economics, Politics & Security (20 credits)

You are also required to take:

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Year 2 (King’s College London)

In addition, you are required to take a range of optional modules totalling 80 credits that may typically include:

• European Identities & the EU (20 credits)
• Political Economy of Europe: Political Science Perspectives (20 credits)
• Research Methods for Social Sciences (20 credits)
• Foreign Policies of the EU (20 credits)
• Lobbying & Policy Making in the EU (20 credits)
• Globalisation & Social Movements in Europe (20 credits)
• The International Political Economy of Labour (20 credits)
• The EU & Global Capitalism (20 credits)
• The Political Economy of The Financial Crisis (20 credits)
• East Asia and Western Module of Capitalism (20 credits)
• Political Economy of Korean & East Asian Development (20 credits)
• Clandestine side of Globalisation: Organised Crime, Terrorism and Corruption (20 credits)
• The Political Economy of Migration (20 credits)

Students may also continue taking Chinese language classes at King’s Modern Language Centre.