Modern China Studies

The Master of Modern China Studies at the University of Freiburg offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive curriculum designed to deepen students' understanding of the political, economic, cultural, and social developments in contemporary China. This program aims to equip students with the analytical tools and contextual knowledge necessary to critically examine China's role on the global stage as well as internal transformations within the country. Students will explore a diverse range of topics including Chinese history, politics, philosophy, society, and economics, gaining insights into both historical backgrounds and modern dynamics. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from area studies, economics, political science, history, and cultural studies, fostering a well-rounded understanding of China's complex and multifaceted society.

Throughout their studies, students will engage with a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. Special emphasis is placed on developing language skills in Chinese to facilitate access to primary sources and enhance intercultural communication. The program also encourages practical experience through internships and collaborative projects with Chinese institutions and organizations, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts and build valuable professional networks.

Graduates of the Modern China Studies program will be well-prepared for careers in academia, international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, media, and businesses involved with China. They will possess a nuanced understanding of China's internal dynamics as well as its external relations, which is essential in today's globalized world. With a faculty composed of leading experts in Chinese studies, the program provides an enriching academic environment that fosters critical thinking, research excellence, and intercultural competence. Whether students are pursuing further academic research or entering professional fields, the Master of Modern China Studies at the University of Freiburg offers a rigorous and insightful pathway to understanding one of the most influential countries in contemporary geopolitics.

Educational organisation

First semester:
Master's seminar on Theories and Methods of China Studies
Master's seminar on Chinese Politics and Economy
Chinese language source reading class accompanying the Master's seminar on Chinese Politics and Economy
Language and Reading exercise 1

Second semester:
Master's seminar on Chinese Culture and Society
Chinese language source reading class accompanying the Master's seminar on Chinese Culture and Society
Language and Reading exercise 2
Colloquium 1: Current Research Topics
Seminar: Research and Teaching Design. This taught class accompanies a practical phase:
EITHER: Teaching an accompanying exercise or tutorial
OR: Participation in a research project
OR: Internship of about four weeks

Third semester
Semester abroad
The choice of university for the semester abroad and of the courses taken there should be based on students' interests and knowledge and has to be agreed upon by the responsible member of staff of the Institute of Chinese Studies at Freiburg University.

Fourth semester
Colloquium 2: Current Research Topics
Master's thesis
Final examination

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants spend the third semester abroad. The choice of university is based on students' interests and previous knowledge. Students who are not native speakers of Chinese are encouraged to participate in an exchange programme with a Chinese university. To date, Freiburg University has exchange programmes with the following Chinese-speaking universities: Nanjing University, Peking University, Tongji University in Shanghai, Chinese University of Hongkong, University of Hongkong, National Taiwan University and National University of Singapore.
Erasmus partnerships are currently being negotiated, e.g. with the Sinological Institute at the University of Lund/Sweden.

Internships

During the second semester, students have the opportunity to complete an internship. Alternatively, they can participate actively in a research project, teach a tutorial or a class. Programme advisers will assist students in identifying possible internship opportunities.

Forms of assessment

Master's Seminars: Seminar papers (Hausarbeiten) (10 ECTS each)
Chinese language source reading classes: written (3 ECTS each)
Language classes: oral and written (6 ECTS each)
Seminar: Research and Teaching Design: written and oral (2 ECTS)
Practical work in second semester: written report (6 ECTS)
Semester abroad: according to university abroad (30 ECTS)
Colloquium: oral (2 ECTS each)
Final examination: oral examination (5 ECTS)

Course objectives

Successful graduates of the programme are qualified for jobs relating to China in academia, foundations, journalism, (further) education and private enterprises.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English and Chinese skills:
For English: English skills equivalent to C1 (i.e. TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS band 7.0)
For Chinese: Chinese skills equivalent to B2 (i.e. HSK 4)

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences or humanities with an overall grade of good or better (2.5 in the German system or its respective equivalent)

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Job opportunities

At the university and the Institute of Chinese Studies, students have a range of opportunities to work as a student/teaching/research assistant in order to earn some extra income.
Business enterprises in the city also offer jobs to students.

Funding opportunities within the university

For the semester abroad, the University of Freiburg offers scholarships for study periods at our partner universities, e.g. 30 places are currently offered at Nanjing University.
http://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/documents/outgoing/ausschreibungen

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de/wohnen-en).