Chinese Studies - International Relations

Chinese studies and international relations is a combination that is both practically and intellectually compelling, reflecting the reality that China has become one of the defining actors in global affairs. Chinese studies develops your understanding of the breadth and depth of Chinese linguistic and cultural practices, going beyond the traditional model of language and literature to include visual and popular cultures, giving you a rich and multidimensional engagement with a civilisation of extraordinary complexity and historical depth. International relations provides the analytical tools to understand how states, institutions, and non-state actors operate in the global system and how China's rise is reshaping that system.

At St Andrews, the Chinese studies strand will give you exposure to the breadth of Chinese linguistic and cultural practices, including language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, engagement with classical and contemporary Chinese culture, and an understanding of how Chinese identity and society have evolved and are evolving. The international relations strand will teach you to explore issues such as the origins of war and peace, the making of foreign policy, trade regimes, international terrorism, human rights, international law, and the interaction of political and economic development. A year abroad is built into the four-year full-time programme, giving you the opportunity to study in a Chinese-speaking environment.

The degree leads to an MA (Hons).

Graduates of Chinese studies and international relations programmes are highly distinctive in the graduate market. Careers in diplomacy, international trade, journalism, intelligence, NGOs, the civil service, and international organisations are natural directions for those who want to apply both their China expertise and their analytical IR training. The combination is particularly valued in an era when understanding China is central to understanding global politics, economics, and security.

Postgraduate study in IR, China studies, or international law is a common route for those who want to specialise further.