Contemporary Chinese Studies MSc

The course is designed to provide high quality graduate research training with an emphasis on an appreciation of research methods and on deepening your understanding of contemporary China.

You will develop or extend your knowledge and understanding of:

• the key approaches to the social scientific study of modern and contemporary 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. You will also have the opportunity to meet with a supervisor on a one-to-one basis, to help guide you in your dissertation research. In addition to your supervisor, other staff members will be available to advise you on reading, literature and topics. Students normally have some familiarity with Chinese language.

Course structure

An overview of the course structure is provided below. Details of the compulsory and optional elements of the course are provided in the Course components section of this page.

The teaching on the MSc course is built around two core courses. 

In addition to the two core courses you will choose two option courses and complete a research dissertation.

The overall structure of the course is as follows:

• Compulsory core course on The Study of Contemporary China
• Compulsory core course in Research Methods for Area Studies
• Two elective papers
• Research supervision in preparation for a 12,000 word thesis.

Assessment

Assessment for Research Methods comprises two parts, each weighted equally: a take-home paper in the collection and analysis of qualitative data at the end of Michaelmas term, and a take-home paper in quantitative analysis at the end of Hilary term.

The Study of Contemporary China core course is assessed by one unseen exam at the beginning of Hilary term. Option courses are assessed by either unseen exams or officially submitted essays in Trinity term.

Finally, from the start of Michaelmas term and continuing across the next two terms, including during the Easter vacation, until submission on Friday of Week 6 of Trinity term, you will research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing, subject to approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. Your research topic for your dissertation will be formally approved by your supervisor and Course Director during Michaelmas term.