Traditional China

The MSt in Traditional China provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills needed for research on pre-modern and early modern China. It is designed to stand independently as a one-year qualification which can lead on to further study elsewhere, but also to provide the standard training required by graduate students here in Oxford aiming at a thesis degree in pre-modern and early modern Chinese Studies.

Graduate destinations

Oriental Studies graduates have found employment in many and diverse fields including business, finance, law, civil service, journalism, government and industry.

Many graduates undertake further research into subjects linked with Oriental studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education and in museums.

On the course you will work closely with certain members of Oxford’s internationally renowned team of specialist researchers from the China Centre, who will help you to tailor your master's degree to suit your needs and interests. The course involves a number of different elements.

The first is the close reading of selected texts which bear on the your area of special interest. The selection will be carefully worked out during the first term of the course, and will balance your particular needs with those of other students working in similar areas.

The second is a basic course in Japanese or another specialist language relevant to the research topic, if taught at Oxford. Time is obviously too short to do real justice to this most difficult language, profoundly different from Chinese. So, teaching focuses on the essential need – to bring you to the point at which you can begin to tackle publications by Japanese specialists in your field. Once basic script and grammar have been covered, instruction moves straight on to readings with a Chinese focus. (There is no time to spare for the skills of speaking and listening.) The teacher for the Japanese course will be a native Japanese instructor.

The third element is an introduction to Sinology. This deals with the procedures of chronology, geography, bureaucracy, biography and bibliography in the context of traditional Chinese studies. The aim here is not so much to transmit information as to lead you away from a dependent, passive approach towards a questioning and free-standing research style.

The final element is a 15,000-word dissertation on an approved topic of the your choice, based on primary sources. Time is short and length is restricted, but this part of the course will still aim to bring out your powers of exposition and analysis, and you will document your work according to professional standards.

Most of the teaching will be on an individual basis or in very small groups.

Evaluation of the course normally takes place entirely during the third term, through a combination of prepared texts, unprepared translation (in Classical Chinese or another approved Asian language), examination papers and a dissertation (an oral examination (viva voce) may also be required).

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 Chinese studies. You should also have a good knowledge of Classical Chinese.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 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).

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

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement and research proposal: Statement of up to one page, proposal of up two pages
• 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 

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive program dedicated to the study of Traditional China, focusing on its rich historical, cultural, philosophical, and social aspects. This program aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of Chinese civilization from ancient times through to the modern era, emphasizing both classical texts and contemporary developments. Students engaged in this field typically explore key areas such as Chinese philosophy, including Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, which have profoundly influenced Chinese societal norms and values. The curriculum also covers Chinese history, literature, art, and language, providing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding China's traditional heritage.

The program may include modules on classical Chinese language, enabling students to read and interpret historical texts in their original form. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for engaging directly with primary sources and gaining authentic insights into China's past. Moreover, students are encouraged to study Chinese society and institutions, examining their evolution over centuries and their impact on both regional and global contexts.

Research components are an integral part of this program, often involving the analysis of manuscripts, artifacts, and historical documents housed in various museums and repositories. The program also aims to develop skills in critical analysis, comparative studies, and cross-cultural understanding, preparing students for careers in academia, cultural preservation, international relations, or related fields.

This course is typically suitable for students with a strong interest in Asian studies, history, archaeology, or philology. It offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from history, philosophy, linguistics, and the arts. The instruction is delivered by leading scholars in Chinese studies, many of whom have extensive experience in research and fieldwork.

Students benefit from Oxford's rich resources, including libraries, special collections, and potential field trips to relevant sites in China or other locations emphasizing Chinese heritage. The program’s structure usually consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, fostering a rigorous academic environment.

Graduates of the program often proceed to further academic research, teaching, or careers in cultural preservation, diplomacy, governmental roles, or international organizations that require specialized knowledge of Chinese traditions and history. The program stands as a significant pathway for those wishing to develop a deep understanding of Traditional China through an esteemed Oxford education, combining theoretical approaches with practical research skills to explore the enduring legacy and influence of this ancient civilization.