Program Overview
The Master of China Studies is a MA-level degree program with a strong focus on China’s political, economic, historical, and societal context. Its interdisciplinary curriculum allows you to work analytical and gain an in-depth understanding of China. The MCS has a team of more than 30 professors from various departments and faculties to instruct and guide you through your studies and research. The practical components of the Program such as workshops and fieldtrips seek to engage you in the Chinese society to further prepare you for conducting research independently and integrate your empirical knowledge. The primary instruction language is English with a rigorous Mandarin curriculum serving as an additional component to enhance your Chinese language proficiency.
Starting from 2021, preserving the original track of Chinese Culture and Society (CCS), a new track as Chinese Business Studies (CBS) will be introduced within China Studies Program. The aim of CBS is to cultivate China’s business expertise with global perspective and intercultural competence through a solid theoretical foundation and excellent business experience. The interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to work analytically, and to gain an in-depth understanding of China.
Length of Study
The MCS program is completed through a total of four-semesters, eight-terms long study course (fall, winter, spring, summer). Two semesters last from the beginning of mid-September to mid-July. You are required to register at Zhejiang University each semester to confirm your attendance before courses start.
MCS’s one-year students are from ZJU’s partner universities. This offers them a special channel for completing two semesters at the school, and afterwards they are allowed to continue their studies from their home university to complete their degree. Students who already hold a MA-degree may apply for the one-year Program.
Program Requirements
The MCS program requires students to complete all necessary courses and thesis procedures before they can obtain their degree. It is important that you keep track on the credits requirement as well as following each step of the procedures and formalities from the thesis. Below you can find details on the courses and thesis.
To be granted the dual-degree, graduates must fulfill the requirements from both ZJU and their home university. A minimum of 24-credits courses is expected to be completed at ZJU, which include: Chinese language courses, lecture attendance, field trips and practicum, workshops, written reports, and a final thesis project.
ZJU thesis requirements are as follows:
-20,000 words (approximately 60 pages)
-Written in English with a Chinese abstract (500 characters)
-Advisor-student selection and confirmation
-Pass the proposal presentation
-Progress report
-Oral defense
-Committee review and judgement
* Depending on the specific agreement ZJU has with the graduates’ home universities, theses may need to be modified accordingly.
To be granted a Full Master’s degree in China Studies, graduates must gain a minimum of 30-credits in Chinese language courses, lecture attendance, field trips and practicum, workshops, written reports, and a final thesis project.
ZJU thesis requirements are as follows:
-20,000 words (approximately 60 pages)
-Written in English with a Chinese abstract (500 characters)
-Advisor-student selection and confirmation
-Pass the proposal presentation
-Mid-term examination
-Progress report
-Oral defense
-Committee review and judgement
Qualifications for Applicants
-Enrolled on a Master’s degree program from one of ZJU’s partner universities
-Nominated by a faculty or department belonging to one of ZJU’s partner universities
-Students from non-English countries should demonstrate English proficiency by providing: IELTS (Academic) total score 6.0, TOEFL Internet score 80, other types of English-test will be assessed individually.
-A Bachelor’s degree in China studies or an equivalent degree in International Studies, Social Science, History and Language that can be further applied through studies at ICS
-Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in unrelated fields of studies must demonstrate other knowledge and/or experience of China. This includes an essay, no less than 500 words, presenting how you plan on coordinating your own educational background with China Studies (Can be included in the personal statement)
-Students from non-English countries should demonstrate English proficiency by providing: IELTS (Academic) total score 6.0, TOEFL Internet score 80, other types of English-test will be assessed individually.
