MSc China in the International Arena

Overview: This programme draws on expertise in research on China in a range of disciplines at the University of Glasgow combined with general tools for political and economic research. The courses aim to explore the evolution of the China as a major global economic and political influence from an international perspective. Students will have an opportunity to explore in depth the rapidly changing role of China in its region and globally from a variety of perspectives including politics, history, economy and business. Given the growing importance of China in the world and uncertainty about its future, this course will prepare students with the expertise to analyse the dynamics of this country’s domestic developments and international relations.

The Department of Politics is the base of the Scottish Centre for Chinese Social Science Research.

Programme structure

Students take 3 core courses and select 3 optional courses. MSc candidates also write a dissertation.

Semester 1 (October-December)

1 compulsory course

• Introduction to Chinese Culture and Society (taught at the University of Edinburgh)

1 or 2 choices from the following courses

• Challenges in International Politics
• Critical Perspectives on Human Rights
• Foreign Policy of the United States
• Freedom of Expression
• Institutions and Policies of the European Union
• Political Institutions, Crisis and Communication
• Political Legitimacy: Contemporary Perspectives
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Social Science Statistics I
• The Politics of Gender and Development
• Economic Growth in the 20th century (Department of Economic & Social History)

Semester 2 (January-March)

2 compulsory courses

• China in the International Economy
• Contemporary Chinese Politics  

1 or 2 choices from a range of specialist courses

• Aid and Development
• Comparative European Politics
• EU in International Politics and Development
• Globalization and European Integration
• Human Rights and Global Politics
• International Co-operation
• International Security and Global Politics
• International Theory
• Internet and Civil Society
• Media and Democracy
• Political Economy of Greater China 

Students may also choose, subject to approval, courses from Central and Eastern European Studies (CEES), Development, Economi History, History, Law and Sociology. All course are listed in the course index.

Note: The list of courses is indicative only. Some courses might not be available every year.

Summer

Examinations. A 12,000-15,000 word dissertation due on 1st September (MSc only) 

Assessment

Essays for mandatory courses; essays and presentations for most options; dissertation. 

Duration

MSc: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time; Diploma: 9 months full-time. 

Entry Requirements

Normally a good Honours degree (2.1) or the equivalent from a recognised institution. Overseas candidates will also be expected to demonstrate proficiency through the achievement of at least 6.5 or better in a British Council IELTS test.

Contacts

Email enquiries on the academic content of the course only should be addressed to Professor Jane Duckett, Programme Convener.

If you have any questions about studying in the Department and life in Glasgow you can email James Bisland, one of our MSc graduates and current PhD student.

Enquiries about admissions should be addressed to: pgadmissions@gla.ac.uk