China in Comparative Perspective

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a social science.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this MSc programme

The MSc China in Comparative Perspective programme brings together LSE’s considerable multi-disciplinary expertise on China. The programme is based in the Department of Anthropology but draws on a range of social science disciplines. This enables our students to examine China’s politics, international relations, economic history, society and culture from a variety of perspectives.

The programme will help you to understand China in a comparative and historical framework. You’ll compare and contrast China with India, countries of modern Europe as well as other appropriate comparator countries.

The programme is flexible and enables you to shape your studies to your own needs and interests. All students will take our China in Comparative Perspective course. This course covers topics such as China's imperial bureaucracy, Chinese religion and the great divergence debate. It also explores current issues such as urban life, the family, the rule of law, and contentious politics.

You’ll be able to choose form a wide range of optional courses that suit your personal academic interests. Our list of optional courses include the disciplines of anthropology, economic history, government, international relations, and social policy. Additionally, you will write a dissertation on a comparative topic of your choice: in previous years, students have written about topics ranging from regional policy, to socialist governance, and linguistic nationalism.

This programme is an ideal preparation if you have career interests related to China in business, government, or cultural exchange. It also provides an excellent foundation for further research. Upon completion, our students will be equipped for PhD level study in anthropology, economic history, government, international relations or social policy.

Department of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology at LSE offers you a dynamic and engaged research culture. We have a strong commitment to teaching and to promoting an inclusive environment. We combine innovative research in the unfolding contemporary world with maintenance of the core anthropological traditions. The Department is decidedly international and our students - who have diverse academic backgrounds - come from all over the world.

The Department runs a large number of special events and the weekly research seminar on anthropological theory. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend all departmental seminars and events.

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students.

Fees and funding

Fees

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. Visit the website for more information about the fees.

Funding

The School recognises that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships.

Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an application for a place – including all ancillary documents, before the funding deadline.

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

Find out more about financial support.