Perspectives

The one-year master’s program builds on and enhances the knowledge acquired in bachelor’s programs in Sinology, Chinese studies, or East Asian studies. This research-focused program deepens students' ability to critically engage with and present China-related data, sources, texts, and methods, as well as to contextualize them critically. In addition to strengthening language and methodological skills through the program’s core curriculum, students select two of the three available elective modules, which build on elective modules from the bachelor’s program:

Chinese Knowledge Cultures  
Chinese-Language Literature  
China-Related Social Sciences.  

The program expands students’ academic and linguistic expertise in Chinese studies and prepares them for careers in academic research and teaching on China or for other China-related roles that require a scholarly qualification.

The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Depending on the combination of subjects, sometimes supplemented by additional training or further qualifications (e.g., a master’s degree), the program equips students for China-related roles in areas such as:

Academic and cultural exchange/management

Publishing, media, journalism

Politics: diplomatic service, ministries, political parties

Business: industry and trade, foreign trade, banking, consulting, chambers of commerce, and similar organizations

Interpreting and translation

Teaching and research

Education: professional development, intercultural training, language didactics

Library science

For an overview of potential career paths and fields of work, as well as interviews with alumni of Goethe University, visit the Career Service’s "What’s Next?" page.