Chinese Studies Research MPhil, option of joint PhD with HKU or NUS

Overview:

The Lau welcomes high quality research proposal from interests applicants. We are interested in particular in political economy, political science of contemporary China, Chinese international relations, and China and its natural environment.

Interested applicants should first of all familiarise themselves with the research interests and areas of the current academic staff at the Lau China Institute and see which best fits their proposed research. Applicants should then send a two page maximum outline with the following information to the admissions tutor:

Research title:

• The key research questions that the thesis will address
• The proposed treatment of the research - in terms of methodology, theory and any other relevant information
• An idea of the kind of evidence base that the research will rely on - whether documents, case studies, etc.

Applicants need in particular to think about the literature that their research is intended to speak to, the viability of any field research involved (in terms of practicality, funding, ethical clearance, etc) and ways in which it will make a contribution to existing scholarship.

Description:

This is a prolonged research programme culminating in the presentation of a thesis, followed by an oral examination (viva voce). The thesis must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality, shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power.

Joint PhD programme:

Exciting opportunities are available to undertake a joint PhD programme either with Hong Kong University (through the Faculty of Arts) or with the National University of Singapore (through the Department of Political Science).

Postgraduate training:

We offer a series of dedicated seminars on PhD study at the start of each academic year focussing on issues such as planning your research and conducting fieldwork. Students can also participate in the induction and training programmes offered by the College. The China Institute hosts frequent research seminars with speakers from around the world. Where relevant, research students can also audit MSc-level lectures in the China Institute and in other departments.