Modern Sinology University of Göttingen

The four-semester English-language Master’s programme in Modern Sinology in Göttingen offers students a wide range of thematic specialisations relating to modern China (beginning from the 17th century). It has a focus on combining an intensive training in Chinese language with intensive content-oriented as well as methodological training. Our students get the chance to acquire cultural competencies, and they learn to investigate the Chinese world from a variety of contextualising perspectives. In this context, we familiarise our students with social science and cultural studies-oriented methodologies and theories, analysing them critically.

The degree programme can be studied as specialist course of study for the Single Honours MA in Modern Sinology and as specialist course of study for the Joint Honours MA in Modern Sinology, in combination with one or two subject-external module packages (minor – one package of 36 credit points [CP] or two packages of 18 CP).

The course employs a variety of approaches to study the Chinese world. Students get access to various methodological approaches and comparative lenses. Through the programme, "China" is not looked at as an isolated cultural universe; rather, the wealth of the global interactions that have characterised the important facets of the Chinese world and its region is accentuated.

The Master's degree programme offers you…

1. …excellent and intensive training in both spoken and written modern Chinese and premodern written Chinese language. The teacher-student ratio is strictly maintained to be around 1:10. From there, the language plays not only the role of being an essential tool for communication, but also of being the main tool to understand Chinese culture and society. The Master's programme in Modern Sinology prepares for all professions for which exceptional knowledge of the language and culture of modern China is a prerequisite.

2. …an interdisciplinary atmosphere and an exceptional diversity of research and teaching emphases. Our courses cover such diverse fields as the history, philosophy, religion, politics, society, economy and judicial system of modern China.

3. …an active research and teaching landscape, with a steady flow of international visiting professors, academic talks and conferences.

In addition to the excellent intensive training in advanced spoken and written modern standard Chinese and pre-modern written Chinese language, transmission of research-oriented knowledge as well as analytical skills are central to the Master’s programme (for details, click here).

The programme comprises 120 ECTS credits:

• 78 CP (credit points) in the main part
  • The degree programme can be studied as specialist course for the Single Honours MA in Modern Sinology (78 CP) and as specialist course for the Joint Honours MA in Modern Sinology (42 CP) in combination with subject-external module packages (minor – one package of 36 CP or two packages of 18 CP).
• 12 CP in professionalisation modules
• 30 CP for the MA thesis

In seminars on the current state of research in the first semester, you will deal intensively with the latest findings of sinological research on various topics. In the second semester, you will focus on primary Chinese source texts in the case study seminars. You will receive training in the concrete application of cultural and social science methods and theories in the context of an independent research project in the second year. On this basis, you will write your Master’s thesis in the fourth semester, thereby successfully bringing your studies to an end.

For the Master's programme "Modern Sinology" it is possible to apply at any time until 30 September for the winter semester. International applicants who require a visa should apply well in advance to ensure that the visa is issued in time for the start of the teaching period in October.

Academic admission requirements include a good Bachelor's degree that is related to Chinese Studies/Modern Sinology. For details, click here.

To apply for the MA programme in Modern Sinology, you will need level 5 from HSK or TOCFL Band B Level 3 and at least 120 CP in Sinology, including credits totalling at least 24 CP from subjects on Modern China in at least two of the following areas: history, religion, politics, law, society or economy. You will also need to have obtained 150 CP of your BA degree (regardless of the grade) and sufficient knowledge of English, which needs to be demonstrated with an internationally recognised test.

For further information concerning the application, click here.

Evidence of sufficient language skills in modern Mandarin Chinese is to be provided by passing an examination on level 5 of the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) test or Band B Level 3 of the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL); instead of an HSK or TOCFL test certificate, the necessary language skills can also be proved by successful participation in the language aptitude test offered by the University of Göttingen.

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

With a regular study visa, students are allowed to work part-time. You can find part-time jobs in local businesses here. The university also advertises student assistant jobs.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium")

Deutschlandstipendium and Landesstipendium Niedersachsen are two independent scholarships that partially support MA students after enrolment. The International Office at the university provides advice and information to international students.

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

Would you like to start a business? Then have a look at start-up support! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.