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MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies

University of Oxford

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Course options

  • Qualification

    MPhil - Master of Philosophy

  • Location

    University of Oxford

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    14-OCT-24

  • Duration

    21 months

Course summary

About the course

The MPhil Modern Chinese Studies is a two-year master's degree programme offered jointly by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) and the Faculty of Oriental Studies, which combines intensive study of the Chinese language with thorough training in the study of modern China.

The course is suitable for graduates who have developed an interest in China and now want to take that to a level where it could be useful for their future careers. It can be taken either as a terminal degree in preparation for professional work in which knowledge of China and Chinese is an advantage, or in preparation for further research as part of a doctoral degree in either the humanities or social sciences.

The aims of the MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies are to provide a strong grounding in modern Chinese language, both written and spoken, a strong foundation in understanding modern Chinese society and culture, and advanced training in conducting and reporting on independent and original research.

You will spend the first year of the course in Oxford, studying Chinese language alongside core classes in Chinese society and culture and/or research methods. You will choose from a range of options, shared with the MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies, which allow you opportunities to acquire advanced knowledge of the society, politics, economics, international relations, history, literature and art of modern China.

Knowing the Chinese language is essential for anyone who wants to understand China and the course is designed to provide this at both elementary and intermediate levels. You will be allocated to the appropriate level by a placement test on arrival.

Elementary level will be for students who are complete beginners or are false beginners, but not up to the next level. Students are taught reading, writing and translation skills as well as speaking and listening. Intermediate level will be for students who have excelled at the beginner level, are confident in daily communication and able to recognise and write about 500 to 550 Chinese characters. Students must have learnt most of the main grammar points to enter the intermediate level. Due to the intensive language teaching element of the course, this degree is not appropriate for applicants with fluent or native Chinese language ability. Instead they are encouraged to apply for the MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies degree.

Assessment

The Chinese language course is assessed by written and oral examinations. Studies courses offer a range of different assessments depending on the choice of options. written examinations, take-home examinations, assessed essays and other coursework. Finally, students complete a 20,000 word dissertation in their second year which includes the requirement to conduct research using original Chinese language sources.

Graduate destinations

Oriental studies and area studies graduates have found employment in many and diverse fields including business, finance, law, civil service, journalism, government and industry.

Many graduates have also undertaken further research into subjects linked with Oriental and area studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education and in museums.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 28,310per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Oxford

  • University League Table

    2nd

  • Campus address

    University of Oxford, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2JD, England

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    1st out of 13 1

    2nd out of 101

  • Entry standards

    / Max 203
    206 100%

    1st

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    76.0 76%

    5th

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.74 75%

    6th

  • Entry standards

    / Max 198
    183 89%

    5th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    92.0 92%

    2nd

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.98 80%

    17th

    14

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