Students admitted for the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) will have the option to choose from one of the following programmes of study:

(1) Modern and Contemporary Chinese Studies or (2) Pre-Modern Chinese Studies.

With the consent of their supervisor and relevant teachers, students may be permitted to combine papers from options (1) and (2).

Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) choose three papers from either:

(1) Modern and Contemporary Chinese Studies:

REQUIRED: Asia in Theory - [Team taught; theoretical and methodological approaches]

Students then choose TWO optional papers from the following list:

War and Modern China - The Anthropology of China - Japanese Imperialism in East Asia - Chinese Linguistics - Advanced Readings in Chinese on a relevant subject [e.g. Qing and Republican historical documents, Modern Literary texts etc.] - Alternative Exercise (to be arranged with specific instructors).

or from:

(2) Pre-Modern Chinese Studies:

For Pre-Modern Chinese Studies, students need to choose THREE of the following papers:

Classical and Literary Chinese Texts (received and excavated texts, manuscripts) - Early China, specified topic - Medieval China, specified topic - Asia in Theory [team-taught; theoretical and methodological approaches: with the supervisor's permission as the focus of this paper is on the modern period] - Japanese for Sinologists [reading Japanese scholarship on pre-modern China] - Alternative Exercise (to be arranged with specific instructors). [An 'alternative exercise' can be a paper taken in another department or faculty (e.g. POLIS, History, Anthropology, Development Studies) in the student's area of research focus.]

Most papers are assessed by long essays and research projects. Some advanced text papers are assessed through examination. Please note that not all papers will be available every year and are subject to modifications if necessary.

A 15,000 word thesis will also be submitted, on which an oral examination and the general field of knowledge within which it falls may be held. The oral examination may be waived at the discretion of the Degree Committee.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

• acquired the ability to read, interpret and translate primary sources in Modern and/or Classical Chinese;
• acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on Modern and/or Pre-Modern Chinese culture(s);
• acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their dissertation;
• developed the ability to formulate original research questions and produce a well-constructed, argument to answer them, in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources;
• acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently.

Continuing

Applicants for the PhD will be expected to have scored at least 67% or above (or the equivalent from an overseas University) in their Master's degree which should be related to the PhD programme they wish to pursue. All applicants should submit with their GRADSAF (graduate application) a workable and interesting research proposal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each graduate applicant on his or her own merits and in accordance with its own set rules and regulations.

All prospective MPhil applicants are advised to peruse the staff profiles on our website to familiarise themselves with the research and teaching interests of staff members. Applicants should contact potential supervisors by email and discuss potential MPhil dissertation topics.

Once admitted into the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies), applicants will have the option of studying one of two streams:

• Modern and contemporary Chinese Studies; or
• Pre-modern Chinese Studies

With the consent of their supervisor and the relevant teacher(s), applicants may combine papers from both streams. Students can expect to receive one-to-one supervisions four times per year.

Students are required to choose three papers – courses usually run over two terms – in addition to doing a 15,000-word MPhil dissertation under the supervision of a supervisor. The dissertations are submitted no later than mid-August following the start of the course.

Feedback

Students taking the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies) and who are working on essays or examinations and a 15,000 word dissertation to be submitted in mid-August, will receive feedback on their work after the June Degree Committee meeting (for essays and examinations) and after the final Degree Committee meeting of the year in September (for MPhil dissertation results and overall Degree results). Students will receive feedback routinely throughout the year from their Supervisors. Supervisors also produce feedback via termly CGSRS reports on CamSIS.

Assessment

Thesis

For the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies), students will submit a thesis of not more than 15,000 words, including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography on a subject approved by the Degree Committee. All MPhil dissertations must include a brief Abstract at the start of the dissertation of no more than 400 words.

Essays

For the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies), students may submit essays as part of their degree:

With the approval of the Degree Committee, a candidate may offer, in place of one or more of the examination papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.

Written examination

For the MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese Studies), students may take examinations as part of their degree:

Three written examination papers on subjects approved by the Degree Committee, which shall fall within one of the fields specified in the Schedule to these regulations. With the approval of the Degree Committee, a candidate may offer, in place of one or more of those papers, the same number of essays, each of not more than 5,000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography, or equivalent Alternative Exercises approved by the Degree Committee.

Practical assessment

There is no practical assessment associated with this course.

Other

An oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls, but at the Degree Committee’s discretion the requirement for an oral examination may be waived.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal 
• Attainments in languages. Good reading knowledge of Classical Arabic will be expected.Applicants are required to list the languages they know and their level of competence.
• Sample of Work
• Personal Reference. This is only required if you are applying for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Applicants who wish to be considered for the Gates Cambridge (USA) and Gates Cambridge (International) must include a personal reference with their GRADSAF and other supporting documentation.

The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies — Chinese Studies program at the University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their period of study. Funding sources include government scholarships, need-based bursaries, university scholarships, and external funding opportunities. The university's Financial Support Office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for scholarships and bursaries, including eligibility criteria and application procedures. For international students, there are specific scholarships such as the Cambridge International Scholarships and donations from various foundations aimed at promoting linguistic and cultural studies. UK residents may access government-funded student loans and grants, which can cover tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, the university offers need-based bursaries designed to assist students from lower-income backgrounds, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to world-class education. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as the Chevening Scholarships, which are highly competitive and aimed at future leaders in their fields. The university also facilitates work opportunities on campus, including research assistant positions, which can provide supplementary income. For students studying Chinese Studies, there are sometimes language-specific grants aimed at promoting Chinese language and cultural research. The university's finance team works to ensure transparency in fee structures and provides detailed guidance on managing tuition and living expenses. Many students combine several sources of funding to fully support their studies, including personal savings, family support, scholarships, and part-time employment. The university also offers financial planning advice and workshops to help students budget effectively during their studies. Overall, the financing options for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies — Chinese Studies students are designed to promote accessibility, reduce financial barriers, and support academic excellence.

The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies — Chinese Studies program at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop a deep understanding of Chinese language, culture, history, politics, and society. This program aims to equip students with advanced language skills alongside a broad contextual knowledge of China’s place within the wider Asian region and the global stage. Students engage in rigorous language instruction, encompassing both modern Mandarin Chinese and classical Chinese, enabling them to read, write, and communicate effectively. The program also emphasizes cultural literacy, encouraging students to explore Chinese literature, philosophy, art, and traditions through lectures, seminars, and independent research.

Students have the opportunity to study a variety of thematic areas, including Chinese history from ancient to contemporary times, contemporary politics and international relations, socio-economic developments, and cultural practices. The program is designed to foster critical analysis and encourage students to examine China’s complex societal changes and sustained cultural heritage. In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to undertake research projects, participate in tutorials, and attend specialized lectures from leading academics and Asian specialists.

A distinctive aspect of the program is its potential for optional placement years, which can provide practical experience through internships or language immersion programs in Chinese-speaking regions. This hands-on approach significantly enhances language proficiency and cultural understanding. Cambridge also offers excellent resources for Chinese Studies students, including access to libraries with extensive collections on Asia, language labs, and partnerships with academic institutions in China.

Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, academia, journalism, business, and cultural exchange. They also acquire transferable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, and intercultural competence. The university's strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning ensures that students gain a nuanced perspective on Chinese society, politics, and history, preparing them for diverse professional paths in an increasingly interconnected world. The Chinese Studies program at Cambridge maintains high academic standards and a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to exploring the multifaceted aspects of China and its role in global affairs.