The English-language M.A. program in Modern China Studies has a strong emphasis on academic research. The program focuses on phenomena and processes shaping modern and contemporary China, while also taking into account historical developments. Seminars introduce students to central topics, methods, and theories of Modern China Studies. During a one-semester study abroad, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a foreign academic culture, extend their language competence, and acquire intercultural sensitivity. Successful graduates of the program are qualified to work in China-related jobs in, for example, academia and higher education, foundations, journalism, and private companies. Students are also well prepared to conduct research at the doctoral level.
Please direct inquiries about the M.A. program in Modern China Studies to Dr. Amanda Shuman at master@sinologie.uni-freiburg.de.
MA Modern China Studies Flyer
MA Modern China Studies Brochure
The MA program in Modern China Studies has a strong emphasis on academic research. It includes courses in theory and methods, topic-oriented courses, language classes, a module that prepares for teaching, research or jobs outside academia, colloquia and one semester abroad.
Semester overview:
Precise information about the structure of the program can be found in English here and in the German module manual. The official regulations (Prüfungsordnung, Zulassungsordnung) in German can be found here.
The program includes the following modules:
Module 1 – Theories and Methods
Module 2 – Chinese Politics and Economy
Module 3 – Chinese Culture and Society
Module 4 – Language Training
Module 5 – Research and Teaching Practice
Module 6 – Current Research Topics
Module 7 – Semester Abroad or customized equivalent (e.g., internship)
Modules 2 and 3 are topic-oriented. Seminar titles and content vary from semester to semester. Past topics have included:
Details about current courses can be found in the course catalogue of the University of Freiburg.
Minimum admission requirements
Further details concerning admission to the program. This information is a translation of the German language regulations of study; the German text is the legally binding version.
The next application deadlines are April 15, 2025** (non-EU citizens) and July 15, 2025 (EU-citizens). The online application system will open approximately on March 1, 2025. No paper or emailed applications will be accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: All required paperwork, including APS certificate and language certificates, must WITHOUT EXCEPTION be submitted by application deadline. You will not be admitted if these are not provided.
Apply here to the MA in Modern China Studies program
Please read the detailed instructions for completing the online application [PDF]. You can switch the application portal to English in the bottom right-hand corner of the first screen.
The University strictly requires certified copies of all paperwork attesting to your language level(s), transcripts, and degrees. Please note that the copy of each transcript and diploma/degree must be certified by an official notary or university. Further instructions can be found in German and English on the University website.
If you are having issues with submitting materials electronically and/or on time, please contact the MA coordinator, Dr. Amanda Shuman (master@sinologie.uni-freiburg.de) as soon as possible.
MA-Coordinator
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Institut für Sinologie
Werthmannstraße 12
79098 Freiburg i. Br.
Germany
***Applications sent by email will not be accepted.***
Tuition fees
Administrative fees are currently approximately €180/semester.
According to regulations in the Baden-Württemberg, students from non-EU countries are required to pay additional tuition fees of € 1,500 per semester. For concrete provisions and exemptions, see here.
Living Expenses
For more information about living costs in Freiburg as a student and financial aid possibilities, please consult the guide for international students and the website of the Student Services Freiburg (SWFR Studierendenwerk).
Scholarships for study in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) also offers scholarships for international students. Additional information on funding opportunities can be found on the DAAD website.
Exchange programs with China and Taiwan
Our Institute’s cooperation with the departments of history and sociology at Nanjing University provides MA students with the opportunity to attend regular courses at a Chinese university. Students interested in this exchange program send their applications directly through the Institute of Chinese Studies. Please contact the MA coordinator for more information.
The International Office at the University also offers a number of exchange programs with other Chinese and Taiwanese partner universities, including Beijing University, Tongji University in Shanghai, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong, and National Taiwan University.
Students enrolled in the above-mentioned programs do not have to pay tuition fees in China. Sometimes, they also receive a small stipend covering part of their living expenses.
For more advice and additional information about the University’s exchange programs in Asia, please contact the International Office directly.
Our institute’s cooperation with Nanjing University provides our MA students with the opportunity to attend regular courses at a Chinese university. Please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Amanda Shuman, for more information.
The International Office also offers a number of exchange programs with other Chinese and Taiwanese partner universities.
Native Chinese speakers have opportunities to study at select universities in Europe (outside Germany) through ERASMUS and at partner universities in non-Chinese-speaking countries in Asia.
Students enrolled in the above-mentioned programs have their tuition fees waived abroad and often receive a small stipend to help cover their living expenses.
For additional information about global exchange programs, fees, and funding, please contact the International Office.
This section features all you need to know about being a student at the University of Freiburg.
The University’s guide for international students provides you with practical information about living and studying in Freiburg, including information about visas and resident registration, health insurance, money, jobs, etc.
Student Services Freiburg also provides useful information about living and studying in Freiburg on its website, including information about health insurance, student jobs, studying with disabilities, child care as well as canteens and cafes. The organization’s „International Club“ offers a social mentoring program called the Buddy Program, which is designed to help you build social networks and connect with local students.
The University’s Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of language courses.
Both the International Club and the Language Teaching Centre provide assistance to students searching for a tandem partner.
Internships and job offers are regularly sent via our Institute’s mailing list. In addition, our students have exclusive access to the FWTM’s internship database (Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH).
You can also visit the website of Sino-Jobs, a European-Chinese job portal for job and internship offers.
The University’s Student Portal offers a wide range of practical information concerning public transport, leisure time activities, restaurants and cafes etc.
The city of Freiburg, situated on the western edge of the Black Forest, is one of Germany’s main tourist destinations, known for its picturesque historic city, scenic landscape, and generally sunny weather. One of the main attractions is the Schauinsland, a local mountain that can be reached by cable car (Schauinslandbahn) and which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Black Forest, the Vosges mountains in Alsace, and on clear days, the Bernese Alps in Switzerland.
If you are looking for guided tours, you can contact the Student Services Freiburg, which organizes events such as city tours, hiking tours in the surroundings of Freiburg and music events. For information on guided tours organized by the city of Freiburg, please visit the tourist information’s website.
Graduate Student Handbook (updated October 2023). Please contact Dr. Amanda Shuman for a copy.