2026 Applications open: 

be the first one to apply!

We are excited to open our application window for the 2026 intake to the Contemporary China Studies Program at RUC today! Are you considering a career related to China? Would you like to become a future China scholar, trained by China's leading university in the social sciences? Learn more about our Master in Contemporary China Studies and start putting together your application soon. There are several funding opportunities available for exceptional candidates. Apply now! We're looking forward to your application!

· Program Description

The Contemporary China Studies Program (CCSP), under Renmin University of China's School of International Studies, is China's first English-taught program for international students. It enables non-Chinese-proficient students to study Chinese governance and foreign relations.

The two-year master's curriculum covers China's economy, politics, law, society, and foreign policy, with the second year focusing on guided independent research. Graduates receive a PRC Ministry of Education-accredited Master's degree.

· Course Information

Mandatory Courses

·Chinese Language

·Contemporary Chinese Politics

·Chinese History and Culture

·Academic Writing

 

Core Courses in China Studies

·Contemporary Chinese Society

·Contemporary Chinese Foreign Policy

·Approaches to China Studies

·Contemporary Chinese Foreign Economic Policy

·The Political Economy of China-Developing Countries Relations

·Investing in China

·China-US Relations

·Topics in China studies (lectures and visits)

 

Core Courses in International Affairs

·Asia-Pacific Security and Strategy

·Asia-Pacific Energy Cooperation

·Theories of International Relations and Asian-Pacific Cooperation

·Nations and Nationalism in Asia

·Methodologies in Social Science

 

Elective Courses

·The Political Economy of Southeast Asia

·Overseas Chinese and International Migration

·Territory and Maritime Rights

·China and Europe in World Politics

·Intermediate/Advanced Chinese Language

·Any other graduate-level course

· Double Degree Options

We currently offer three joint programs in partnership with universities outside China:

- Double MA in Asia and International Affairs with King’s College of London

- Double MA in Global Management and Politics with LUISS Guido Carli University

- Double MA in International Development Cooperation with KyungHee University

· Tuition   

RMB 60,000 per academic year

· Scholarships

In addition to the Chinese Government Scholarship and Beijing Government Scholarship, a number of tuition scholarships are available to outstanding students from a variety of backgrounds in this program.

 

· Online Application Guide

http://iso.ruc.edu.cn/docs/2025-11/146228a9d9c643e58d4eb884d8f90088.pdf

· Voice from the Program

Robert Feng,  Class of 2024

My time at Renmin University is an unforgettable journey for me, which fostered my strong relationship with fellow students from all over the world, and with friendly academics at Renmin University. I gained a deep understanding of China's political, economic, and cultural landscape through rigorous academic coursework and immersive experiences. With engagements with student cohorts and academics, I developed strong cross-cultural communication skills and analytical abilities, which have been invaluable in my post-graduate career at the Public Sector, which communication and relationship-buildings skills are vital. The programme's emphasis on teaching contemporary Chinese affairs, China's interaction with the world, and first-hand exposure to local perspectives equipped me with the knowledge and adaptability to navigate international environments effectively. The research and analytical expertise gained through my studies at Renmin University contributed to my current work by equipping me with the critical evaluation of things. The insights and connections I built during the programme have absolutely played a key role in shaping my professional trajectory.

 

Barberine Cloet, Class of 2025

This master’s has been a wonderful experience for me, where I got to strengthen my knowledge of China and International Relations in every aspect I was hoping for. My time in Beijing has been great, the staff at school has always been extremely helpful and kind, and some of my classmates have become my closest friends. However difficult the master’s may have been given the quantity of work we had to deal with and how stressful the first weeks were given all the administrative work we had to deal with, it was absolutely worth it and I am really grateful for everything I learnt during my time spent in Beijing and London. 

 

ANITA MARSIGLIA, Class of 2026

My experience at SISRUC has been highly rewarding. While adapting to the new academic environment was challenging at first, I was impressed by the professionalism and support of the professors and faculty staff members throughout the year. Being part of the CCSP program allowed me to gain in-depth knowledge of China's contemporary political, economic, and social landscape, as well as its foreign policy. Studying international relations in Beijing also gave me the opportunity to experience many of the topics we discussed in class firsthand. The courses encouraged engaging discussions with professors and classmates from around the world, and the lectures and visits added a lot to my understanding of China. I also really appreciated the convenience of living on the RUC campus, with its excellent facilities for studying, sports, and daily life.

 

· Contact

Email: chinastudies@ruc.edu.cn

Contact Number: 010-62511232

Official Website: http://sis.ruc.edu.cn/en/degreePrograms/english/master/index.htm

Address: Room 816B, Mingde International Building, Renmin University of China.

No.59, Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing China.