This two-year, English-taught Master's at the Institute of Chinese Studies (University of Freiburg) is designed around independent research into modern China, with particular strengths in modern Chinese history, society, and culture from the twentieth century to today. Coursework trains students in research methods and source-based work, and includes options to deepen language competence through source-reading or translation classes. The curriculum also integrates a semester abroad to support fieldwork, language study, or comparative research.
Students learn from and collaborate with an international team of scholars and can join one of the institute’s ongoing research projects related to modern Chinese history or take an internship to gain practical experience. The programme offers a strong research infrastructure, including local collections (for example, the offline holdings of the Maoist Legacy project) and access to the CrossAsia system, which provides important online Chinese databases for primary-source research. Further details on the programme structure and the application process are available on the programme website.
Key facts and features
Key components
Learning outcomes
The programme expects applicants to have a relevant undergraduate background and language skills. Your bachelor's degree must meet the German grade-equivalence threshold and a substantial part of your prior studies should be in social sciences or humanities. You also need proficiency in both English and Chinese; check the programme page for the specific language tests and minimum levels accepted.
If you completed your undergraduate studies at a Chinese university and hold Chinese nationality, you must provide a valid APS‑Zertifikat as part of your application.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers in academia, think tanks, and research institutes focusing on modern China. The programme’s emphasis on primary-source skills, research methods and an original Master’s thesis makes it especially suitable for students aiming to pursue a PhD or roles that require advanced analytical and historical expertise.
The combination of language proficiency, practical project experience and international study also equips graduates for professional paths in cultural institutions, international organisations, journalism, consultancy, government and diplomacy, as well as roles in NGOs and businesses that require specialist knowledge of contemporary Chinese society and history.