1)      PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Master in China Studies Program (MCS) of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) offers a broad, interdisciplinary approach to the study of China. During the two-year program design, overseas students will receive a systematic academic training, and go through a comprehensive study of Chinese history and culture, politics and governance, economy, foreign policy and society.

With strong research background on foreign languages and cultures in SISU, students are offered opportunities to deepen the understanding of China through comparative studies on Chinese and foreign cultures and societies. Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn a master’s degree, as recognized by China’s Ministry of Education. Graduates from this program will be better prepared for many professional careers related to China as well as for further academic work.

2)      DURATION

The program duration is 2 academic years. Students are supposed to finish their study within this time length. If students fail to finish their learning tasks due to personal or specific reasons, they should make an application first and then extend their study after being approved. The length of extension is usually half a year, and no more than one year including suspending of schooling.

3)      CREDITS REQUIREMENTS

In order to earn a Master of Law degree, students must complete 28 credits and other compulsory procedures as well as pass the desertion defense successfully according to the training design. The course credits components are as follows: public required course 6 credits (Political Science 2 credits and Chinese Language 4 credits), degree core courses 8 credits, major-related optional courses 10 credits, and in-class field work 4 credits.

4)      STUDY AREAS

5)      MAIN COURSES

Students are required to finish 10 credits of optional courses.

6)      DISSERTATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must finish a dissertation of no less than 15,000 words in English with an abstract in both Chinese and English with no less than 1,000 characters. Dissertation should follow SISU Graduate Thesis Format Standard (China Studies). Institute of China Studies, SISU, reserves the right of interpretation on this regulation.

7)      CAMPUS

Downtown Campus (Hongkou), Shanghai

8)      SCHOLARSHIPS

Full/partial scholarships offered by the government and SISU can be applied.  More details can be found on the website of the Office of International Student Affairs at http://www.oisa.shisu.edu.cn/.

9)      APPLICATION QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants shall be Non-Chinese citizens in good health who are university graduates with bachelor’s degree.

10)   ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Applicants must have a good command of English, with one of the following: TOEFL IBT (internet based) test result of at least 80 points, TOEFL (computer based) test result of at least 213 points, TOEFL (paper based) test result of at least 550 points, or IELTS test result of at least 6.0.  Applicants with IELTS between 4.5 and 6.0 or equivalent may be admitted conditionally. Conditional students will be required to pass an Entrance Examination in English.

This requirement does not apply to an applicant who has studied for at least two years at, or received a degree from an English speaking high school, college, or university.

11)   ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Entrance Examination includes written and oral test, is held in late April or May. The exact examination date and place will be informed via e-mail by the Graduate College of SISU.

12)   APPLICATION DEADLINE

May 15

13)   APPLICATION MATERIALS

1) Diploma and academic record in original or notarized copy in English or Chinese.

2) Photocopy of HSK certificate or Chinese proficiency certification.*

3) Photocopy of passport.

4) Personal statement, about 1000 words, written in Chinese or in the language which meets the academic requirement of the program, including study and work experiences, research results and study plan.

5) The index and abstract of published papers and any other materials to certify your research abilities.

6) TOEFL / IELTS certificate or certification from the institution awarding your most recent degree confirming the language of instruction is English.

7) Application fee: 800 RMB (or 130 USD).

14)   TUITION AND FEES