Why pursue graduate study in Chinese Studies?
The Department of Chinese Studies graduate programmes promotes cutting-edge research in Chinese studies and linguistics, as well as providing effective academic training to students from different cultural backgrounds. It is one of the leading centres for Chinese Studies in Asia and home to a team of dedicated researchers from prestigious universities in different parts of the world, playing a pertinent role in bridging Chinese cultural heritage and modern Singapore.
Our courses and research areas cover a broad academic spectrum, including Chinese philosophy, pre-modern and modern history, traditional and modern literature, cultural studies, Chinese Diaspora and overseas Chinese, religious studies, cognitive linguistics, historical linguistics, pragmatics, lexical semantics, first language acquisition, and translation studies. The department has seven research groups, namely Southeast Asian Chinese and Modern China, Chinese Linguistics, Ming-Qing, Print Culture & Popular Culture, Chinese Religions, Classical Chinese Literature & Thought, and Translation and Interpreting, which are very active in nurturing academic interests and organising scholastic events.
The Master of Arts (Coursework) programme provides a comprehensive and high quality programme for students interested in Chinese literature, history, philosophy, language, and issues related to overseas Chinese communities. The Master of Arts (Research) and PhD programmes offer training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken.
Programmes & Curriculum
About the Course
This programme aims to provide a comprehensive and high quality program for students interested in Chinese literature, history, philosophy, language, and issues related to overseas Chinese communities. Students from various backgrounds are welcomed to apply. This program will also provide graduate training for Chinese Language teachers, editors, journalists, and other relevant professionals that use Chinese as a major language medium.
The M.A. by Coursework programme is structured around course requirements with no dissertation requirement. All modules are taught in Chinese only. Students will be expecting programmes to involve attendance at formal classes, seminars, laboratories and written examinations. As part of the assignments, some modules also require the candidate to undertake a project. Students not only acquire in-depth knowledge of Chinese Studies, they would possess the ability to pursue independent research in his/her proposed field of advanced study.
Course Structure
(1) 2 core modules:
- CHC5101
- CHC5102
(2) 8 elective modules
* Students will have to read 10 modules in total and are not required to write a dissertation.
* Students would be allowed to choose all CHC coded modules, and all Level 5000 and Level 6000 CH modules, except “CH6770 Graduate Research Seminar” as electives for the graduation requirements of MA(CCL) program. However, students who intend to read CH modules are to take note of the following
(a) Students are only allowed to read a maximum of 2 CH Level 5000/6000 modules per semester
(b) Students are to take note that the modules with overlapping content should not be taken
(c) This new program structure is effective from Cohort AY2018/2019 onwards
(d) As this is subject to department’s approval, please complete the application form and submit to the department’s person-in-charge before the deadline
To learn more about the programme requirements, please visit here.
For entry and application requirements, please visit here.
About the Course
The research degree provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken. A supervisor or supervisors will be appointed for each candidate. Candidates are required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.
Students not only acquire in-depth knowledge of Chinese Studies, they would possess the ability to pursue independent research in his/her proposed field of advanced study.
Course Structure
Coursework Requirement:
4 modules
- At least 3 Level 5000/6000 modules
- At most 1 Level 4000 module
- Compulsory:CH6770
Optional:
1 Level 5000/6000 module from another department/faculty
Master Theses:
60,000 – 135,000 words(Chinese)
To learn more about the programme requirements, please visit here.
For entry and application requirements, please visit here.
About the Course
Students not only acquire in-depth knowledge of Chinese Studies, they would possess the ability to pursue independent research in his/her proposed field of advanced study. Supervision is available in the following areas: Chinese Linguistics, Chinese Literature, Chinese History, Chinese Philosophy, Translation between Chinese and English, Southeast Asian Chinese Studies etc.
The research degree provides training in a particular subject area through independent investigation, study and experimental work, culminating in the submission of a thesis on the research undertaken. A supervisor or supervisors will be appointed for each candidate. Candidates are required to attend appropriate lectures and sit for written examinations.
Course Structure
Coursework requirement:
At least 8 modules
- at least 4 Level 6000 modules
- at most 2 Level 4000 module
- Compulsory module:CH6770
Optional:
2 Level 5000/6000 module from another department/faculty
* Scholars are expected to read a minimum of 2 graded modules per semester, which must count towards their CAP
* It is compulsory for all full time by research students to attend all seminars/talks/QE examination organized by the department. This, however, does not include events by research groups. Otherwise, a formal letter to explain his/her absence will be required.
* Students will be given an S/U option for one non-CH Level 5000 or Level 6000 module.
* This new program structure is effective for Cohort AY2018/2019 onwards
PhD Theses:
150,000 – 250,000 characters (Chinese)
To learn more about the programme requirement, please visit here.
For entry and application requirements, please visit here.
Job Ready
The Chinese Studies graduate programmes provide students comprehensive training in classical and contemporary Chinese Studies, covering literature, history, philosophy and other areas, like business management, and film and cultural studies.
Our graduates are widely sought-after in both public and private sectors, across the fields of media, arts and culture, education, administration and finance. With China’s growing economic prowess, she has gained significant global influence, impacting many areas of our lives and our society. They are best equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to pursue and capitalise on the opportunities she provides.
Armed with combined majors in other disciplines, graduates of the Department have proven to be versatile yet sufficiently specialised for the career market. They have helped to fill the needs of local corporations and enterprises who require employers with an understanding of China or who are effectively bilingual to deal with various customer groups. Many graduates have also found employment in the various ministries and statutory boards, as well as in the fields of banking and finance, marketing and management, arts and heritage, and the mass media.
Testimonials
Xu Rui
Masters in Chinese Studies
It was such a memorable journey to study and meet amazing people and teachers at NUS, Department of Chinese Studies. Professors encouraged discussion and active participation which gave us the absolute freedom to discuss and present in class. I, therefore, was given opportunities to share ideas openly with other outstanding classmates from around the world while learning to appreciate the uniqueness of Chinese culture in Singapore.
This programme successfully combined lectures with group field research and independent research, which took my academic ability to the next level. I sincerely appreciate the after-class conversations with professors, which were always warmly welcomed. Thanks to their help and guidance, I did polish my understanding of linguistics and received excellent exposure to research training. I also used this time to discover the beauty of Singapore and was attracted deeply by the charisma of this Lion City.
Hu Ya
PhD in Chinese Studies, '19
The PhD programme in the Department of Chinese Studies has provided me with great opportunities to communicate with world-renowned scholars, which broadens my research horizon and enriches my research experiences.
I would like to express my appreciation to my supervisor as well as other professors in the department for their patient guidance, consistent encouragement and constructive suggestions. My student life in NUS is very rewarding and unforgettable.
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