Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
Southern University College · Skudai, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Master of Chinese Studies is a coursework-mode programme focused on Chinese literature, including ancient Chinese literature, modern and contemporary literature, and literary theory, with an expanded scope covering world/global Chinese literature and Malaysian Chinese literature.
Students complete 40 credits to graduate, including core courses, elective courses, and a research project. The programme supports you to develop a research mindset and a holistic understanding of Chinese culture through study of ancient texts, Chinese philology, linguistics, and supervised research.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Research Resources and Methodology
- Special Topics in Literary Theory Research
- Studies on Ancient Poems and Lyrics
- Studies on Ancient Fictions and Operas
- Studies on Ancient Prose
- Special Topics in Modern Chinese Literature Research
- Special Topics in World Chinese Literature
- Elective courses (choose two) - Special Topics in Ancient Texts and Academic Thought OR Special Topics in Malaysian Chinese Literature OR Studies on Classic Works OR Studies on Popular Literature OR Specialized Study of Ancient Literary Authors OR Specialized Study of Modern and Contemporary Literary Authors OR Specialized Study of Chinese Philology
- Research Project
Curriculum
40 credit hours total graduation requirement: 28 credit hours core courses, 6 credit hours elective courses, and 6 credit hours research project.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Core courses | Research Resources and Methodology | 4 | 24 |
| Special Topics in Literary Theory Research | 4 | |||
| Studies on Ancient Poems and Lyrics | 4 | |||
| Studies on Ancient Fictions and Operas | 4 | |||
| Studies on Ancient Prose | 4 | |||
| Special Topics in Modern Chinese Literature Research | 4 | |||
| Semester 2 | Core courses, elective courses, and research project | Special Topics in World Chinese Literature | 4 | 16 |
| Elective courses (choose two) - Special Topics in Ancient Texts and Academic Thought OR Special Topics in Malaysian Chinese Literature OR Studies on Classic Works OR Studies on Popular Literature OR Specialized Study of Ancient Literary Authors OR Specialized Study of Modern and Contemporary Literary Authors OR Specialized Study of Chinese Philology | 6 | |||
| Research Project | 6 | |||
| Total | Core courses (7), elective courses (2 options), and Research Project | 40 credit hours | ||
Career outcomes
- You develop advanced research and academic writing skills through the programme’s core research methodology and writing modules, supporting career growth in research-focused roles.
- You can progress into university or college educator pathways by strengthening scholarly foundations relevant to Chinese Studies and research training.
- You gain preparation for careers as a researcher by completing a graduation thesis that builds independent research capability and discipline-specific knowledge.
- If you are already working in a related field, the programme supports career advancement by deepening expertise in Chinese language, literature, history, and philosophy within a structured research framework.
- You can move into manager/supervisor roles in education or related organisations by combining subject-matter expertise with research and thesis-based learning outcomes.
Employability rate
International labour-market data by exact degree title can vary by country and employer, but graduates of Chinese Studies master’s programmes typically face a competitive hiring environment where job outcomes depend on language ability and research experience.
Overall, completing a research thesis and advanced academic training generally supports stable career prospects in education, research, publishing/media, and related cultural industries.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (for Master’s entry) | International applicants: applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (in the field or related fields). Southern University College requires a minimum CGPA (or equivalent) and also allows conditional acceptance based on internal assessment in cases where CGPA does not meet the higher threshold. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language | Direct match | Programme entry is based on having a bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields, and international English competency for master’s entry. |
Language requirements
For international applicants, you must meet Southern University College’s English competency requirement for this Master of Arts in Chinese Studies. The university states a minimum IELTS score for international students, or an equivalent English proficiency accepted by admissions.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 27000 / total program | Official fee sheet for international students lists Master of Arts in Chinese Studies (research) with Tuition & Misc Fees RM 27,000. |
| Other charges (total) | MYR 7500 / total program | Official fee sheet lists other charges RM 7,500 (including registration, visa processing, development, students’ union, administrative fee, and deposit as shown on the sheet). |
| Application fee | MYR 500 / one time | Official fee sheet lists Application Fee as RM 500. |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover tuition and required fees for their studies in Malaysia. You should prepare financial evidence according to the documents listed in the university’s international student fee/payment information and any immigration or visa guidance used during the student pass process.
- Proof of available funds to cover published tuition and required international student fees for the program (as shown in Southern University College international student fee documents).
- Any additional financial evidence requested during admissions and international student processing (for example, documents supporting study cost coverage).
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | Feb/Mar intake | Sept/Oct intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | February 01, 2026 | September 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | March 01, 2026 | October 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | February 01, 2026 | September 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | Feb/Mar intake | Sept/Oct intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | Feb/Mar intake | Sept/Oct intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Review eligibility and prepare your documents
Confirm that you meet the Master’s entry requirement for international applicants, including recognised bachelor’s degree eligibility and the university’s English competency requirement. Prepare academic transcripts and supporting documents that admissions may require for foreign-qualification assessment. Make sure your documents are ready for upload during the application window.
Submit your online application during the intake window
Complete the university’s application during the published intake period for international students. Upload the required documents in the required format and ensure the information matches your passport and previous study records. If an application fee or processing fees are required, complete payment within the deadline shown by admissions.
Respond to follow-up requests and complete international student processing
After submission, admissions may request clarification documents for foreign-educated applicants, depending on your case. Follow instructions promptly so your application can progress to the next stage of international student processing. Keep checking your email and application status for updates during the intake period.