Modern Chinese Studies

Modern Chinese Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of China’s history, culture, politics, and society. This interdisciplinary programme provides students with a solid foundation in Chinese language, literature, philosophy, and contemporary issues, equipping them with the analytical skills necessary to understand China's complex development and its role in the modern world. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including traditional Chinese thought, modern political systems, economic trends, and cultural expressions, fostering a nuanced understanding of China's past and present. The programme combines language acquisition with rigorous academic research, enabling students to read primary texts in Chinese and critically examine both historical and contemporary materials. Taught by renowned scholars with expertise across Asian studies, the course encourages critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the ability to conduct original research. Students have access to Oxford’s extensive resources, including language training, libraries, and dedicated Chinese studies centers, supporting their academic and professional development. The programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, journalism, business, and international organizations, where expertise in Chinese affairs is increasingly valuable. Through seminars, tutorials, and research projects, students will develop advanced analytical skills, intercultural competence, and a deep appreciation of Chinese society’s diversity and dynamism. Whether students are interested in exploring China’s ancient civilization or its present-day challenges, this programme offers a unique opportunity to gain expert knowledge and a global perspective on one of the world’s most influential countries.

The course is suitable for graduates who have developed an interest in China and now want to take that to a level where it could be useful for their future careers.  It can be taken either as a terminal degree in preparation for professional work in which knowledge of China and Chinese is an advantage, or in preparation for further research as part of a doctoral degree in either the humanities or social sciences.

The aims of the MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies are to provide a strong grounding in modern Chinese language, both written and spoken, a strong foundation in understanding modern Chinese society and culture, and advanced training in conducting and reporting on independent and original research.

You will spend the first year of the course in Oxford, studying Chinese language alongside core classes in Chinese society and culture. You will choose from a range of options, shared with the MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies, which allow you opportunities to acquire advanced knowledge of the society, politics, economics, history, literature and art of modern China.

Knowing the Chinese language is essential for anyone who wants to understand China and the course is designed to provide this at both elementary and intermediate levels. You will be allocated to the appropriate level by a placement test on arrival.

Elementary level will be for students who are complete beginners or are false beginners, but not up to the next level. Students are taught reading, writing and translation skills as well as speaking and listening. Intermediate level will be for students who have excelled at the beginner level, are confident in daily communication and able to recognise and write about 500 to 550 Chinese characters. Students must have learnt most of the main grammar points to enter the intermediate level. 

The first part of the second year consists of a period of at least three months on an approved course of language study in China.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject or discipline, although preference may be given to candidates who have studies previously in either the social sciences or the humanities.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Applicants who have not previously studied any Chinese should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for language learning, for example through their experience in learning other languages.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement: Up to 1,500 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). 

Modern Chinese Studies at the University of Oxford offers an intensive and comprehensive program for students interested in understanding the history, culture, language, and politics of China. This program typically combines language acquisition with detailed cultural and historical study, enabling students to develop a deep and nuanced understanding of Chinese society from ancient times to the present day. As part of its curriculum, students may engage with a variety of disciplines, including history, politics, literature, and sociology, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on China. The program emphasizes both language proficiency—often in Mandarin Chinese—and critical analysis of contemporary issues facing China, such as economic development, international relations, and domestic reforms. Students benefit from Oxford’s distinguished faculty, many of whom are leading experts in Chinese studies, as well as access to extensive resources, including specialized archives, libraries, and language laboratories. The program may include opportunities for fieldwork, study visits, or internships, helping students apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts. The Modern Chinese Studies program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia, diplomacy, international business, journalism, or policy analysis related to China. The program also encourages the development of cross-cultural skills and encourages international perspectives, reflecting Oxford’s commitment to fostering a global understanding of China. Students are usually required to undertake a combination of coursework, language examinations, and a dissertation or research project, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research. The program typically spans three to four years, depending on the chosen pathway, with some options for joint or integrated degrees. Overall, Oxford’s Modern Chinese Studies program aims to produce highly qualified graduates capable of engaging effectively with China’s complex and evolving societal issues, equipped with linguistic skills and a deep cultural understanding.