Modern Sinology

Master of Arts in Modern Sinology / Modern Chinese Studies

The four-semester Master's in Modern Sinology/Modern China Studies in Göttingen offers students a wide range of thematic specialisations relating to modern China, where "modern China" is understood to have begun in the 18th century. The programme is conducted in English.

The Master's degree programme focuses on combining an intensive training of the Chinese language, cultural competencies with social science and cultural studies-oriented methods and theories (with the objective to critically analyse the latter), as well as contextualising and deepening students' cultural understanding thereof. Thus, the programme equips excellent graduates with analytical and research competence, preparing them for leading positions in science, politics, economics and society at large. The course employs a variety of approaches to study the Chinese world. Students get access to various methodological approaches and comparative lenses. Through the programme, "China" is not looked at as an isolated central universe; rather, the wealth of the global interactions that have characterised the important facets of the Chinese world and its region is accentuated. The department offers a wide range of research on China, enabling students to systematically analyse the structures and processes of modern and current China and correlate the two with similar phenomena in other parts of the world. Students will become capable of independently formulating research questions and answering them on the basis of primary and secondary Chinese language sources.

This is a degree prepared for students who seek to further their Chinese language skills and simultaneously to gain more knowledge on China.

The Master's degree programme offers you:

1. Intensive education and training in both spoken and written modern Chinese.
From there, the language acts not only as an essential tool for communication, but also as a tool to penetrate into the Chinese culture. This leads to the essential occupational training in all fields for which exceptional knowledge of the language and culture of modern China is a prerequisite. This enables graduates to utilise their intercultural communication skills as analysts, consultants and mediators.

2. The opportunity to spend a semester abroad in a Chinese speaking area with our world-renowned partnering universities/ institutions, such as:
i. Foreign Language University of Beijing
ii. Chengchi University in Taipei
iii. National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei
iv. Sichuan University in Chengdu
v. Nanjing University
vi. Zhejiang University in Hangzhou
vii. Fudan University in Shanghai
viii. Wuhan University
In addition to that, the East Asian Studies Department works very closely with Beijing University (Beijing Daxue) and the People's University (Renmin Daxue).

3. A primary focus on the history, philosophy, religion, politics, society, economy and judicial system of modern China

4. Enhancement of knowledge and analytical abilities in a field in the humanities or social sciences

5. Application of specialised academic theories and simulations to the analysis of modern and current China

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants get to spend a semester abroad. Partnering universities include:
i. Foreign Language University of Beijing
ii. Chengchi University in Taipei
iii. National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei
iv. Sichuan University in Chengdu
v. Nanjing University
vi. Zhejiang University in Hangzhou
vii. Fudan University in Shanghai
viii. Wuhan University
In addition to that, the department works very closely with the Beijing University (Beijing Daxue) and the People's University (Renmin Daxue).

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills: TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based) or equivalent.

Academic requirements

A good Bachelor's degree that is related to Chinese Studies / Modern Sinology

Enrolment fees

Enrolment fees are approx. 300 EUR per semester. Fees include a pre-paid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains free of charge within the federal states of Lower Saxony and Bremen. Students can also use city buses with this ticket. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
See: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books reach approx. 800 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Job opportunities

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available in the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Arrival support

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from Göttingen railway station to the student's accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks in the programme. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Please see:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/document/download/6f4641de258284cee02c04a843876dfc-en.pdf/First%20steps%20in%20Göttingen.pdf

Services and support for international students

The International Office assists international students with all administrative questions regarding their stay in Germany, e.g. enrolment, visa, foreigners' registration office, health insurance and financing of their studies. Furthermore, it features a broad cultural programme, including international cultural evenings, language workshops, theatre courses, films, dance classes, theatre and opera visits. Trips to various tourist destinations in Germany are offered throughout the year.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/48483.html

Accommodation

The International Office, in collaboration with the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk"), helps students find adequate accommodation. Many international students live in student residences. These have single apartments or shared apartments with individual rooms. There are also apartments available for couples and families with children.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/364086.html