MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies by Research (Chinese Studies)

Our MPhil programme in Chinese Studies is offered as a one-year programme that aims to allow postgraduate students to develop their analytical, research, and writing skills in preparation for further academic research or entry into professions requiring such skills. It is designed for highly motivated future researchers with a substantial undergraduate background in Chinese Studies or related fields but need more exposure to topic-specific or discipline-based analytical frameworks and more intensive training in primary source language(s) and research skills. This MPhil is only suitable for those with demonstrable experience and ability in independent academic research.

This MPhil programme is taken by thesis only. This means that students work closely with one supervisor throughout the year on a thesis of no more than 25,000 words to be submitted in August.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the MPhil programme, students will be expected to have:

• acquired the ability to read, interpret, and translate primary sources in Modern and/or Classical Chinese
• acquired a good knowledge of the general scholarship on modern and/or pre-modern Chinese culture(s)
• acquired an in-depth knowledge of the secondary literature relevant to the subject of their thesis
• developed the ability to formulate original research questions and produce a well-constructed argument to answer them in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources
• developed independent archival and library- and internet-based research skills concomitant with the successful completion of a Masters-level degree in Chinese Studies

Continuing

Applicants for the PhD should submit a research proposal on an interesting and workable topic via the Applicant Portal and demonstrate that they have the required academic knowledge and skills to carry out their project.

Admission is at the discretion of the Degree Committee, which judges each applicant on their own merits and in accordance with its own set of rules and regulations.

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. High II.i or a first at BA level from a UK university or equivalent. Good working knowledge (oral and written) of Modern Chinese. University Minimum Academic Requirements Language Requirement

Listening: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Reading: 7.0, Speaking: 7.0, Total: 7.5, Listening: 25, Writing: 25, Reading: 25, Speaking: 25, Total: 110