Chinese and History, MA (Hons)

This joint honours programme in Chinese and History highlights China's ancient civilisation and its modern role as the world's second-largest economy and political power. Edinburgh is the UK's only university offering three Chinese entry levels—ab initio for beginners, upper beginner, and intermediate—welcoming heritage learners but not native speakers. Students develop advanced Modern Standard Chinese proficiency for social and professional use (reading, writing, speaking, listening) alongside specialist knowledge of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and diasporas through history, literature, culture, politics, and international relations. History studies emphasise primary evidence, East Asian expertise, and diverse themes across periods (early Middle Ages to present) and regions (Britain, Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas), with approaches like political, cultural, social, economic, intellectual, gender, global, and transnational history.Studied over four years including a year abroad, the programme offers pre-honours flexibility with core and optional courses, followed by tailored honours study, language enhancement, and a dissertation. Edinburgh's festival capital and historic setting, with history taught since 1583, provides unique cultural immersion and access to societies and collections, preparing graduates for global careers.