The English programme of M.A. Sinology / Chinese Studies is dedicated to exploring Chinese history, literature, and society of the early modern and modern period (16th-20th century) with an emphasis on how China shaped and was shaped by the dynamics of globalisation. The programme has a duration of 4 semesters and leads to a Master of Arts degree. Through research-based learning, intercultural proficiency, historical insights, and linguistic expertise, students gain a deep understanding of numerous key aspects of China / the Greater China region.

The signature of the Tübingen Master programme lies in its unique combination of different areas of expertise to examine the role of China and the Greater China region in the dynamics of globalisation from the past to the present. It applies scholarly methods of the historical, cultural, as well as the social, and political fields, and also integrates current research developments and contemporary events into a comprehensive curriculum.
The programme offers a wide range of courses that specifically focus on early modern and modern globalisation (16th-20th century), including various interdisciplinary fields with focus on China and the Greater China region such as:

• social and cultural history
• environmental history
• literature and literary history
• medical history and public health
• military and institutional history
• intellectual history
• borderland and ethnic studies
• cultural heritage and collective memory
• Sino-Western contacts and exchanges
• politics, society, and economy

Moreover, the M.A. places a strong emphasis on enhancing the students’ proficiency in modern and Classical Chinese language skills. This proficiency enables students to conduct meaningful and targeted research in Chinese primary sources and secondary literature.
Additionally, each semester, we organize lecture series that invite esteemed international scholars to present their cutting-edge research and introduce their latest findings. This provides students with the skills to actively engage at the forefront of academic scholarship in the field.

The organizing framework of this English M.A. programme applies the concept of the Four Ways of Worldmaking, encompassing the dimensions of power, wealth, knowledge, and meaning. Originating in historical sociology, this concept offers theoretical and analytical tools for a comprehensive understanding of civilisations and societies. It enables fruitful comparisons among diverse societies and enhances students’ comprehension of inter-civilisational encounters. The M.A programme places great emphasis on this comparative historical perspective, offering specialized courses that delve into theories and approaches in the history of globalisation, with a particular focus on China.
Another special feature is the option of replacing a certain amount of credit points either with the profiles

• studying abroad for one or two semesters at a university in the Greater China region or one of our numerous partner universities
• studying "Digital Humanities" at the Digital Humanities Center
• studying "Global History" in the Department of History.

To ensure a smooth study plan, we offer student advisory service to assist students during their first semester, and also for the course coordination.
The M.A. thesis will be conducted in English and closely supervised by professors and lecturers specializing in the relevant field of research. Throughout the research and writing process, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with a supportive mentor within a study and research group.

Typical career opportunities in this field include higher-level activities in the private sector, media, and public relations, as well as cultural institutions, adult education, intercultural training, and support for expatriates. Other potential opportunities include foundations, museums, journalism and the field of publication, political consulting, or the Foreign Service.

Tuition fees in Germany are relatively low as EU students pay only c. 150 € per semester. In the case of non-EU students, tuition fees are 1.500 € per semester.

Application deadlines for graduates outside the EU

• Jan 15 for enrollment in the summer term
• Jul 15 for enrollment in the winter term  

The application must be submitted in due time via the University's online application portal. Chinese mainland applicants, please note that graduation certificates must be verified by APS.
The application requirements are:

• Knowledge of modern Chinese at level CEFR B2 (at least HSK 4).
• English skills at level CEFR B2 (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 87-109)
• a Bachelor's degree with a focus on China or similar academic qualifications.

All certificates must be submitted together with the application.
Students interested in this programme should consult first with Dr Ulrich Theobald (ulrich.theobald@uni-tuebingen.de).

Overview M.A. Chinese Studies (University of Tübingen).

Module handbook

Study programme