Master of Chinese Studies

The Master's programme in Chinese Studies at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is conducted primarily in Chinese and provides comprehensive academic training in Chinese literature, philosophy, history, and socio-cultural studies. Designed for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Chinese culture or aiming to pursue advanced research, the programme promotes interdisciplinary exchange and integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The Institute of Chinese Studies upholds a commitment to innovation, academic freedom, diversity, and intellectual rigor. Its teaching approach prioritizes student engagement, fostering professional expertise, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Additionally, the programme emphasizes the development of effective communication and presentation abilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for academic and professional pursuits.

• (a) Standard Entry: A Bachelor’s Degree in the field or related fields with a CGPA of 2.75 and above or an equivalent qualification as approved by the Senate.
• (b) Conditional Entry (Internal Assessment Required): A Bachelor’s Degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with a CGPA of 2.50–2.74, subject to rigorous internal assessment.
• (c) Experience-Based Entry (Internal Assessment Required): A Bachelor’s Degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with a CGPA of 2.00–2.49, plus evidence of at least five (5) years of relevant working or research experience, subject to rigorous internal assessment.
• (d) Non-Related Field Entry: Candidates without a Bachelor’s Degree in the related fields or relevant working experience must complete prerequisite courses (e.g., Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics, or equivalent), meet the CGPA requirements of (a)–(c), and achieve at least level B2 of CEFR (or equivalent) in the language of instruction.
• Definition of Relevant Experience: "Five (5) years of working or research experience" includes any experience gained after obtaining the qualification, including practical training and industrial attachment.

Language Requirement:

• - credit in SMP/O-level/UEC Chinese Language Examination.
• - pass in STPM Chinese Language.
• - minimum grade A (Level 8) in Chinese Proficiency Test: HSK (The Intermediate Certificate).
• - minimum level 5 in Test Of Proficiency- Huayu: TOP (Advanced level).
• - Level 5 (minimum 210 marks, maximum 300 out of 300 marks) in China’s New (New HSK)/ New Chinese Proficiency Test (from 2010 onwards).
• - Level 5 in Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) (from 2013 onward).

 English Language Requirement for International Students:

• - IELTS : 5.0  (CEFR  Level B1)  
• - TOEFL : 410-413/ TOEFL iBT Score 40 - 45 
• - Cambridge English Qualification and Tests : 154 - 159   (High B1 level in CEFR)
• - Pearson Test of English (PTE) : 47 - 50
• - MUET Band 3.5

• 4 Core Selective courses (or 3 Core Selective + 1 Compulsory*) + 1 Elective course + Research Methods in Chinese Studies + Dissertation.
• *MPU32013 Bahasa Kebangsaan A, exempted for International student & Local student who has passed BM in IPTA/S or 'credit' in SPM, and to be replaced with 1 core selective course.