China Language and Economy

The China Language and Economy Master of Arts programme accepts graduates in economics who are interested in China. It builds on their training in economics by offering courses on China's economy and Chinese business as well as Master's-level seminars in economics (25%). In order to make students fit for living and working in China and to enable them to use Chinese language sources in their research, the programme also offers a sound training in Modern Chinese language and in Chinese studies (50% of the entire programme). Lectures and seminars in the field of Chinese economics cover a range of topics such as "Finance and Banking", "China in the Global Economy", "Consumerism and Marketing" or "Challenges of Sustainable Development". Methodological questions of economic research on China are dealt with in special seminars and in case study seminars. In their Master's thesis, students apply their knowledge of languages, research methods, and Chinese economics.

Educational organisation

The Master of Arts programme is organised into four semesters.
The programme starts with a four-week intensive language course in Chinese, beginning mid-September (dates change slightly every year, please check our website for the exact dates). The intensive course is obligatory for all candidates and has to be passed with a final written exam in order to continue the programme. Prior knowledge of Chinese is not required.
Students earn 120 ECTS credit points in 62 hours per week of tuition. The third semester (September to January) is taught at Peking University (European Chinese Language and Culture Programme [ECLC] at the School of International Studies). Students write their Master's thesis during the fourth semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students are required to spend the third semester of the programme (September to January of the second year) at Peking University (European Chinese Language and Culture Programme (ECLC) at the School of International Studies). Courses in Beijing are organised, taught and assessed according to the Würzburg study programme's requirements and standards. The University of Würzburg has a permanent office on the campus of Peking University. Organisation of the courses as well as the students' accommodation are taken care of. A staff member of the University of Würzburg is present for the whole winter semester.

Internships

Internships are not part of the programme.

Forms of assessment

All modules must be passed in the form of a written or oral examination at the end of each semester. Some modules require additional presentations, essays, translations, or other individual work. There is no further final examination. The final grade is calculated on the basis of the grades reached in all modules and in the Master's thesis.

Course objectives

The China Language and Economy Master of Arts programme offers an education focusing on research. Graduates may continue their studies in a PhD programme offered at the University of Würzburg International Graduate School. The Master's programme teaches key qualifications, necessary subject-oriented skills and methodology-based knowledge that enable students to proceed with an academic career.

Language requirements

Very good command of English is required. Prior knowledge of Chinese is not required.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in economics. Required are a minimum of:
25 ECTS in mathematics, statistics and business informatics; 15 ECTS of these in mathematics and statistics
50 ECTS in business and in economics; of these 15 ECTS each in principles of business administration and principles of economics; up to 10 ECTS of the 15 ECTS required for principles of economics may be substituted by additional credits in mathematics or statistics
5 ECTS in Chinese business and economics or equivalent

Enrolment fees

Approx. 110 EUR per semester (as of summer semester 2016). Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transportation in the Würzburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Approx. 600-700 EUR per month

Job opportunities

See: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/studieren_in_wuerzburg/studium_mit_abschlussziel/vor_der_abreise/kosten_und_finanzierung/

Arrival support

A welcome ceremony is offered to all international students of the University of Würzburg. It includes a sightseeing tour through the city at no charge.
The University of Würzburg offers arrival support for international students, including meeting new students at the railway station, filling out forms for enrolment and city registration, etc.
More information at: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/find_assistance/student_tutors/#c242426

Services and support for international students

International students are invited to use the university's support service for enrolment and visa affairs, for orientation in town, etc. During the first weeks in Würzburg, tutors are provided to help with the following:

• pick-up at the train station
• support with moving into the hall of residence (get the key to your room, contact with the caretaker)
• accompanying students to officials (town hall, health insurance, Studentenwerk, etc.)
• assistance with filling out necessary forms (enrolment at university, residence permit, etc.)
• answers to questions about everyday life in the city of Würzburg (shopping, how to open a bank account, free time/sport and much more)

More information at: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/find_assistance/student_tutors/

The senior adviser to international students (International Office) can be contacted with questions and problems and will do his or her best to provide adequate assistance throughout your stay. He or she is also in charge of coordinating a semester programme that includes cultural events, excursions, guided library tours, etc.
Several other institutions within and closely related to the university offer services for international students: http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/information_for_all_foreign_students/activitiesfriends/get_connected/#c365184
At the University of Würzburg, international students are well taken care of.

Accommodation

International students can apply for a place in a student hall of residence or find private accommodation in Würzburg. Prices for housing are reasonable and range from 150 to 350 EUR per month for a single room. Information on housing can be found online at:
http://www.international.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/studying_in_wuerzburg/degree_programs_at_the_university_of_wuerzburg/before_arrival/living/