The National University of Ireland, Maynooth
MA Chinese Studies
Maynooth, Ireland
MA
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,550
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MA in Chinese Studies aims to provide students who already have a background in Chinese language and culture at undergraduate level with an opportunity to specialise in the area of cultural and literary analysis with particular emphasis on the conflict and communication within the Sinosphere (mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) and between China and the West. The programme introduces students to academic research, new ideas and theoretical approaches. It aims to equip students with academic, analytical, creative, reflective and presentation skills in order to foster interest and involvement in the field of Chinese languages, literatures and cultures. It also aims to enhance students knowledge and understanding of important concepts of Chinese languages, literatures, cultures and societies, in particular with regard to mainland China.
It is possible to study modules of particular interest without completing a Masters degree or to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) in Chinese Studies after completing 60 credits of taught modules.
The programme involves two elements: a set of modules (60 ECTS) on which students will be examined in January (30 ECTS) and in May/June (30 ECTS), and a dissertation (Minor Thesis) which students complete after their second semester (30 ECTS).
- In each semester, students are obliged to take one language module (5 ECTS) and two content modules offered by Chinese Studies.
- Students have to take three content modules offered by the SMLLC: Research Skills 1: Data Collection CAF603 (5 ECTS), Introduction to Intercultural Studies GN612A (5 ECTS) and Theories of Second Language Acquisition ALIS620 (5ECTS).
- The Viva Voce Examination (conducted at least partly in Mandarin Chinese) will take place in early June. Normally, the external examiner, the Head of Chinese Studies and the thesis supervisor will all be present and act as examiners so as to ensure international standards.
- The minor theses will be supervised by SMLLC full-time members of staff after consultation with the student.
Semester 1
- CN610 Mandarin Chinese Level A-1 (5 ECTS)
- CN611 Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Current Affairs A-1 (5 ECTS)
- CFA603 Research Skills 1:Data Collection (5 ECTS)
- GN612A Introduction to Intercultural Studies (5 ECTS)
- ALIS620 Theories of Second Language Acquisition (5 ECTS)
- CN613 Conflict and Communication: A Changing China in a Globalizing World I (10 ECTS)
Semester 2
- CN620 Mandarin Chinese Level A-2 (5 ECTS)
- CN621 Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Current Affairs A-2 (5 ECTS)
- CN622 Conflict and Communication: A Changing China in a Globalizing World II (10 ECTS)
- CN624 Viva Voce Examination (5 ECTS)
- CN625 Minor Thesis (30 ECTS)
Course Duration: 1 year full-time
The programme can deliver much-needed specialisms (and ultimately specialists) in Chinese language, culture, history and society. It was designed for competent students with a BA in Chinese Studies who want to pursue a professional career in the field of Chinese-EU (and Irish) relations in political, economic, business, diplomatic, pedagogical, historical, cultural and related fields.