Introduction
The Concentration on China-Africa Studies (CAS) under the Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), is inspired by the strong relations between China and various African countries, particularly since the turn of the century, which have spurred fascinating global debates and created new career opportunities. CAS will provide the much-needed research and educational training for current and aspiring scholars, commentators, workers in non-governmental organisations (NGO), and civil servants who aim to improve their knowledge and academic competence on China-Africa relations to take up the emerging opportunities. Students who specialise in CAS of the MAIA programme will be able to:
Utilise diverse theoretical and conceptual approaches to explain the public and private engagements between China and Africa;
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the uniqueness of the relations between China and African countries in terms of the political, social, cultural, economic dimensions;
Apply appropriate methodologies to carry out independent comparative research on China-Africa relations.
Unique features of CAS
CAS has three key features:
An interdisciplinary approach: it incorporates key contributions from different disciplines including Political Science, Cultural Studies, Sociology, and Economics This is to provide students with the broadest possible understanding of the relationship between China and Africa.
Comparative perspectives: focuses on China and Africa studies within broader International Relations discourse. Students will be guided to conduct small research projects which address various issues at micro, meso and macro levels emerging from China-Africa relations.
International outlook: CAS, like the MAIA programme, is delivered by world-class scholars with vast experience in China-Africa relations through collaborative partnerships. Students shall have opportunities to regularly attend seminars and workshops led by invited international scholars and professionals on China-Africa relations. Furthermore, postgraduate students of Lingnan University can participate in various international student exchange programmes (for example, summer school at the University of Oxford).
Career opportunities
The Concentration will offer employment opportunities to graduates in areas such as:
Civil service,
Journalism and publishing,
Corporate executive positions,
Education (as educators),
International public and non-governmental organisations
Tourism industry,
Cultural organisations,
Public relations fields.
Students can expand their knowledge by pursuing further studies in PhD and professional doctorate programmes in fields such as Political Science, China Studies, African Studies, Geography, Development Studies, Policy Studies and Sociology.
Overview of the Concentration
Aims of CAS
To provide students with in-depth knowledge of the socio-political dynamics of the growing China-Africa relations at different levels of governance and between private actors.
To introduce students to methodological and analytical techniques to conduct and disseminate comparative research on China-Africa relations.
To equip students with skills to lead efforts to promote sociocultural integration of Africans in China and Chinese in Africa as part of broader political will to strengthen the relations.
CAS Structure
Students must complete 24 credits, including a long essay on comparative China-Africa Studies, and seven other courses. Each course carries 3 credits.
Term 1 (September to December)
Theories and Approaches to International Relations
Politics of Global Economic Interdependence
Theories and Approaches to Comparative Politics
Introduction to China-Africa Studies
Term 2 (January to June)
Religion, Culture and Development in Africa and China
International Symposium on Sino-African Studies (based on an annual symposium on varying themes on China-Africa)
China-Africa Relations: Past and Present
Long Essay on Comparative China-Africa Studies
Mode of Study and Duration
The CAS can only be studied as a one-year full-time programme. However, a student enrolling in the MAIA programme and selecting the CAS shall have a maximum of two years to complete the programme.
Graduation Requirements
Following the MAIA assessment criteria as in the following table, the minimum cumulative G.P.A. requirement for graduation will be 2.67 (equivalent to grade B-). A student who fulfils all the requirements for graduation shall be awarded the degree of Master of Arts in International Affairs (Specialising in China-Africa Studies) with one of the following classifications:
Classification of degree awards
Degree Classification
Minimum Cumulative GPA
Distinction
3.50
Pass
2.67
Note: These classifications are given according to the student's Cumulative GPA on all courses.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fee
HKD$110,000 for the 2020/2021 intake.
Payable in two instalments.
Scholarship
A variety of scholarships may be available in any given year.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have the following qualifications:
Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours or at an equivalent standard awarded by a recognized tertiary education institution
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was not conducted entirely with English as a medium of instruction shall be required to submit any of the following test results or equivalent as proof of English proficiency:
A band score of 6.5 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
A minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Apart from IELTS and TOEFL, the following alternative English proficiency qualification shall be considered on a case-by-case basis:
A minimum score of 475 in the Chinese Mainland’s College English Test (CET) Band 6; or
An equivalent score in a recognized test, or an equivalent qualification to prove his/her language proficiency.
When necessary, interviews may be conducted.
Application Procedures
To apply for the CAS programme, please follow the steps below:
Create an account in the Online Application System;
Complete the online application form;
Upload scanned copies of the following documents to the system:
Copies of academic certificates and transcripts;
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL), if needed;
ID card, passport, or any other identity document(s) of your home country;
A personal statement (written in English with not more than two pages)
Curriculum vitae
Other relevant supporting documents.
Settle the application fee (HK$400) by a credit card. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable;
Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship should send two recommendation letters (in sealed envelopes, sent directly by referees and addressed to the Admissions Office) CAS, School of Graduate Studies). The recommendation letters are not required for “admission-only” applicants).
Application Deadline
For 2019/20 intake: 22 June 2020*
*Late application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
