Traditional China (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSt in Traditional China provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills needed for research on pre-modern and early modern China.

Course structure
The course involves a number of different elements. Teaching will be individual or in small groups and you will work closely with members of Oxford’s internationally renowned team of specialist researchers at the University of Oxford China Centre.

The first is an option in an area of pre-modern and early modern Chinese philosophy, culture and history. You will be asked to submit two 5,000 word maximum essays. Each option consists of weekly two-hour classes in the Michaelmas and Hilary terms, in which you will read original Chinese documents about your subject and discuss the topics, plus four tutorials in which you will be discussing your essay with your tutor.

The second element of the course is language training. The language courses are taught alongside students in other degrees and the number of hours will vary, but the focus will be on grammar and reading, you will have lots of preparation to do, and you can typically expect at least two contact hours each week. The level of language knowledge required to take this option will be determined at the beginning of the course by your course coordinator and supervisor by means of an informal test, and in discussion with you.

The third element is an introduction to Sinology. The aim is to lead you towards a questioning and free-standing research style.

The final element is a thesis. This part of the course aims to develop your skills in exposition and analysis. You will be required to document your work in accordance with professional academic standards.

Students dedicate approximately eight hours per week to classes and lectures, and you will have the opportunity to meet your thesis supervisor individually to discuss your project. Typically, most students meet with their thesis supervisor once every two weeks where possible.

The China Centre also organises its own weekly seminar, at which speakers include visiting international scholars, members of the Oxford academic staff, and graduate students. Other graduate seminar groups with more a specialised focus, for instance modern history or art and archaeology, also meet regularly.