MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A two-year full-time MPhil combining intensive Chinese language study at elementary or intermediate level, including a term in China or Taiwan, with training in the study of modern and contemporary China. It suits graduates from areas such as History, Literature and Cultural Studies, Politics and International Relations, Geography, Anthropology or Sociology, and is not designed for native or fluent Chinese speakers.

What you will study

Chinese language (elementary or intermediate, allocated by placement test), the core course The Study of Contemporary China, a methodology course in either social science or humanities approaches, two option papers (one per year, for example Modern Chinese Art or China's Economic Reforms), at least three months of language study at an approved course in mainland China or Taiwan (expected at Peking University), and a 20,000-word dissertation using original Chinese-language sources.

Career pathways

Graduates have worked in journalism, government departments dealing with China (trade, defence and foreign affairs), policy and research institutes, and many have gone on to doctorates and academic careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate degree with honours in any subject, or equivalent; preference may be given to candidates with a social science or humanities background. US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0. No GRE/GMAT. Applicants who have not studied Chinese must show experience of learning another foreign language (A level or GCSE results or equivalent). The course is not appropriate for applicants with fluent or native Chinese. Application includes three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, a personal statement (maximum 1,500 words, with an outline of research interests and proposed dissertation project) and two written essays (maximum 2,000 words each). Interviews are not normally held. English (higher level, international applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Final application deadline for 2027-28 entry: 12:00 midday UK time on 5 January 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 25,300 a year (2027/28). Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee Source

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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