Overview

The Department of Politics at East China Normal University accepts applications from prospective students interested in pursuing a 2-year research-oriented Master of Law or 4-year Ph.D. in Politics. The program is based on ECNU’s main campus in Shanghai. Part-time, non-degree students are also welcome to apply for short-term studies leading to a graduate certificate or to complement studies elsewhere. The program focus is Chinese politics, and draws from the Department’s expertise in the areas of political philosophy, political history, political theory and systems, political communication and public relations, political education and participation, international relations, and research methods. Mandarin language learning support will be provided, and degree-seekers will be required to pass the HSK Level 3 Examination (≥180) in order to graduate.  

All courses will be taught in English, and Master’s students in the program will be required to successfully defend a thesis written in English. Doctoral candidates may submit their dissertations in English or Chinese. The Department boasts a robust, diverse faculty, many of whom have trained abroad or earned their doctorates or completed substantial post-doctoral or visiting scholar positions abroad. All are regular faculty at ECNU and will therefore be available to form strong mentorships as they teach, advise, direct student research, and help graduates embark on post-graduate opportunities.

Courses of Study

The Master’s program requires at least 2 years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. It faces a time limit of 5 years. Research-oriented master’s programs in China generally require three years and around 30 credits, not including credits for the thesis. Because many master’s programs offered in other countries as well as many international master’s programs in China can be completed in a year or two, we believe that compressing the course of study so that it can be completed in two years is necessary. However, we also insist on maintaining and in some cases exceeding the basic requirements for a typical Chinese master’s program. Following many international programs, we will require 27 credits.

Commonly, the PhD program requires 4 years of study beyond the master’s degree. It can be completed in no less than 3, and faces a time limit of 6 years. Although students are required to complete only 18 credits with grades of 80 or higher, they are strongly encouraged to take more to enrich their studies and address any deficiencies.

Credits Requirements for Master’s Program

Credits Requirements for PhD Program

Graduate Certificate, Non-Degree and Exchange Students

We offer a Graduate Certificate as an option for students seeking such an opportunity. The certificate probably requires 15 credits completed at ECNU, and must be drawn from the courses directly associated with the program. We will develop the specific requirements and seek official approval on a tailored, student-by-student basis. For admission as a non-degree seeking or exchange student, or to enroll in the Graduate Certificate program, then please contact the program for more information.

Contact Information 

Global Education Center, ECNU

Add: Room 253 Physics Building, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai

Tel: (86-21)62232013/ 62238353

Email: lxs@ecnu.edu.cn