Chinese Studies

The Chinese Studies Master of Arts programme is research-focused. Students may choose one of two tracks as a study focus: Heritage and Innovation or Transformation in Contemporary China. Both tracks offer intensive language training in modern Chinese and pre-modern Chinese or Japanese. Lectures and courses in Heritage and Innovation concentrate on societal and cultural transformation from the late Tang to the late Qing dynasty (800-1900). The track Transformation in Contemporary China offers modules on contemporary politics in transformation, societal modernisation and the political economy of transition. Methodological training for both the pre-modern and the contemporary Chinese studies track is integrated in every semester.

Educational organisation

The Master of Arts programme is organised into four semesters. Students earn 120 ECTS credit points in 50 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 theses during the fourth semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students are required to spend their third semester (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 is taken care of. A staff member of the University of Würzburg is present for the whole winter semester.

Internships

The Chinese Studies Master of Arts programme is research-focused. 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 final examination. The final grade is calculated on the basis of the grades reached in all courses and in the Master's thesis.

Course objectives

The Chinese Studies 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, School of Humanities. The Master's programme teaches key qualifications, all necessary subject-oriented skills and methodology-based knowledge enabling students to proceed in an academic career.

Language requirements

Very good command of English and Chinese (Mandarin) is required.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chinese studies or related fields, grade of at least 1.9/C+
• A diploma certificate and documents are needed for enrolment.
• Interviews (with foreign applicants by phone/Skype) will be held with all candidates.

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.
For more information, see: 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)

For more information, see: 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, which 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/