How difficult is a Masters degree in Chinese History from a top University in China?

[Kongming21]

Hey everyone,

Atm I am thinking about applying to do a Masters in Chinese History at either Beida or Fudan university. I am going to complete a BA in Chinese Studies this year, so theoretically I will have the language level they require for me to be accepted onto those programs. However, having never studied for a degree course in China, I am a little worried that I will find it very hard to do well on such a course. Although I know the many benefits I would get from completing such a MA course, especially as I plan to do a PhD back in Europe afterwards, I am afraid that it will be hard to do really well, having to get used to studying in China and to the different learning environment in general. The problem is that it is very hard to get any info about this. All my Chinese friends tell me that Masters in China are normally relatively easy, but of course they see it from a different perspective. Of course I know that the first couple of weeks will be difficult anyways, given the fact that I have to get used to going to lectures held in Chinese, what I rather mean is the long term perspective.

So if anyone has any insights on this that would be great.

[imron]

See this thread.

[gato]

See also thread:

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/27963-amount-of-language-study-for-history-masters/

Amount of Language Study for History Masters

Why do you think you "theoretically" know enough Chinese to do a Master's degree? Have you read a Chinese history book in Chinese?

[skylee]

Perhaps you could also consider studying in a top university in Hong Kong? These are relevant ->

http://www2.cuhk.edu...rt/HIS(eng).pdf

http://www.history.c...g_pg_phd_da.htm

http://www.asa.hku.hk/admissions/tpg/prospectus/2011/faculties_arts_research_chinese.html

[Kongming21]

Thanks everyone for the links.

By "theoretically" I mean that I theoretically have the language level, e.g. I have indeed read quite a few Chinese history books and journal articles for my research, however its always a different thing to actually do a course in China or not?

[wushijiao]

however its always a different thing to actually do a course in China or not?

I'm not really sure. In many cases, "doing a course in China" implies sitting in a lecture hall and staying silent. That's not hard!

I guess whether or not you can do well is based on your ability/willingness to change that passive situation (by, say, speaking in class, visiting profs after hours, chatting with other students, choosing your own research topics, being active in school activities...etc), and then traditional things like writing papers, and reading materials.

I suppose if you can read books in Chinese, then your language level will be adequate. The next key, I think, is trying to prepare yourself mentally for what you might face.