In the master’s programme Chinese Studies, you will learn to reflect on issues related to China based on the principles of theories and methods drawn from philology, history, cultural studies, humanities and social sciences and to then work on these independently at a high academic level. For this purpose, you will expand your language proficiency and your knowledge of Chinese cultures and societies.

At a glance

  • Field of study

    History, Art and Area Studies, humanities and linguistics
  • Degree type

    postgraduate
  • Degree

    Master of Arts
  • Language of instruction

    English
  • Full/part-time

    full-time, part-time
  • Course start

    winter semester, summer semester
  • Admission restriction

    without admission restriction, aptitude test
  • Standard period of study

    four semesters

  • ECTS credits

    120

Requirements

  • A first academic degree, or a degree from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education, typically in Chinese studies
  • Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
  • Knowledge of Standard Chinese (written and spoken) at the advanced level (gaoji), level 5 of the HSK test (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi from 2010) or equivalent proof
  • Knowledge of premodern Chinese (at least two semesters with exams or four teaching hours per week), must be proven at the latest when registering the master’s thesis

This degree programme requires applicants to pass an aptitude test. More information is available on the institute website. The institute will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that the candidate fulfils the admission requirements.

Contents

In the Chinese Studies master’s programme, you will focus on research into China’s language, culture, society and history. In doing so, you will expand on the knowledge, abilities and language skills you gained during your bachelor’s programme. You will gain more knowledge of Chinese culture and society, and after completing your studies you will be able to conduct academic work on topics related to Chinese Studies.

During the programme, you will select four of the compulsory elective modules:

  • Religion
  • Social history
  • Knowledge cultures
  • Cultural history
  • Global history

Two language modules:

  • Advanced Chinese
  • Advanced reading comprehension

as well as

  • Two academic practice seminars
  • One research internship
  • English-language degree programme
  • Research internship in the third semester
  • Possibility to expand language lessons with tandem partner events and language exchanges
  • Study stay abroad is possible

Common professional fields for graduates include:

  • Culture and media industry
  • Teaching language and mediating culture in companies
  • Diplomatic service
  • Academia (universities, research institutes, libraries, archives)
  • Press and public relations
  • Editorial work, journalism, copyediting, publishing
  • Adult education, education and consulting institutions
  • Development policy, development aid, international cooperation
  • Tourism
  • International companies

Typical tasks could include:

  • Academic skills development, research, teaching
  • Researching tasks, evaluation of analyses / statistics, market and product research, database maintenance
  • Creating policies, presentations, brochures
  • Translating, interpreting
  • Language teaching
  • Consulting for companies, e.g., as a coach for intercultural management
  • Writing press releases, supervising websites, establishing and maintaining media contacts, event organisation
  • Networking with international partners
  • National and international project work
  • Guiding tours and travel advising

After successfully completing the programme, it is possible for you to begin work on a doctorate.

  • Research internship in the third semester
  • It is generally recommended that students carry out a study stay abroad

Application

Applying as a first-semester student

Course start: Winter semester and summer semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

An aptitude test is required for the first semester of this degree programme. Please go to the institute’s webpage to find information about the registration process for the aptitude test and the deadlines that apply! The application for the degree programme must be submitted separately to the registration for the aptitude test.