21 Feb 08

The financial district in Shanghai

Oxford University has launched a new masters degree specifically devoted to the study of modern China. The MSc in Modern Chinese Studies will be part of the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies within the Division of Social Sciences.

The nine-month degree, designed to provide high-quality graduate research training, aims to broaden and deepen the students’ understanding of modern China and raise appreciation for the value of various research methods now used in the field of China studies.
 
The School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies approaches the complexity and the interrelatedness of different societies by studying them from different angles, including an economical, political, historical, and cultural one.

The MSc programme is built around two core courses. One will strengthen the students’ research skills and the other will deepen the students’ understanding of key readings and theoretical debates in today’s study of China.

It also offers opportunities for extended study in an area of each student’s choice, including more in-depth study of the Chinese language.

Vivienne Shue, Director of Graduate Studies who is in charge of the new programme, said: ‘The MSc degree can serve as valuable stand-alone training for those wishing to specialise on China, either out of academic interest or as preparation for work in the private sector, international organisations, government or in other professional capacities.’