Chinese Studies

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.



Course Structure

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).



1. In each semester, students are obliged to take one language module (5 ECTS) and two content modules offered by Chinese Studies.



2. Students have to take three content modules offered by the SMLLC: Research Skills/Research Methodology ML610 (5 ECTS), Introduction to Intercultural Studies GN612A (5 ECTS) and Approaches to Translation Studies ID611 (5ECTS).



3. 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.



4. 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)

ML610 Research Skills/Research Methodology (5 ECTS)

GN612A Introduction to Intercultural Studies (5 ECTS)

ID611 Approaches to Translation Studies (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)

Candidates normally must have obtained a II.1 BA Honours degree in Chinese Studies (or related field). Minimum Chinese language requirements: HSK Level IV (or equivalent).



Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 year Full-time

Commences September

Career Options

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.