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Traditional China at University of Oxford - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The MSt in Traditional China provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills needed for research on pre-modern and early modern China. The course involves a number of different elements. The first is an option in an area of pre-modern and early modern Chinese philosophy, culture and history. You can choose from a list of options which involve reading Chinese texts, discussing them, and writing tutorials. You will be asked to submit two 5,000 word maximum essays. Each option consists of weekly two hour classes in the Michaelmas and Hilary terms, in which you will read original Chinese documents about your subject and discuss the topics, plus four tutorials in which you will be discussing your essay with your tutor. The second element of the course is language training. Based on your supervisor’s assessment of your abilities and the linguistic needs of your research, you will choose one of the following options:

  • Intermediate Classical Chinese. If your classical Chinese is not yet up to the level required for your project, your supervisor may recommend that you choose this option. You will attend the advanced classical Chinese classes in the Faculty, and work with your supervisor on improving your ability to read texts in your field.
  • A basic course in another Asian language related to your research, eg Japanese, Korean, Tibetan or Sanskrit. You will focus on mastering the basic script and grammar, working on texts that are linked to your field of specialisation.
  • If you have sufficient knowledge of your chosen language you may choose a second option in an area of pre-modern and early modern Chinese philosophy, culture, and history. The level of language knowledge required to take this option will be determined at the beginning of the course by your course coordinator and supervisor by means of an informal test, and in discussion with you.
The language courses are taught alongside students in other degrees and the number of hours will vary, but the focus will be on grammar and reading, you will have lots of preparation to do, and you can typically expect at least two contact hours each week. The third element is an introduction to Sinology. This course covers the state of the field in different time periods and topics and also introduces various philological, analytical and bibliographical tools. The aim is to lead you towards a questioning and free-standing research style. The final element is a thesis. This part of the course aims to develop your skills in exposition and analysis. You will be required to document your work in accordance with professional academic standards. Students dedicate approximately eight hours per week to classes and lectures, and you will have the opportunity to meet your thesis supervisor individually to discuss your project. Typically most students meet with their thesis supervisor once every two weeks where possible. The China Centre also organises its own weekly seminar, at which speakers include visiting international scholars, members of the Oxford academic staff, and graduate students. Other graduate seminar groups with more a specialised focus, for instance modern history or art and archaeology, also meet regularly. Further information on the course, and the examination process, can be found in the course handbook via the course webpage on the faculty's website.

Entry requirements

For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For complete and up-to-date information about fees and funding for this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.
Traditional China at University of Oxford - UCAS