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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Chinese Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119506  Master of Arts in Chinese Studies 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Arts in Chinese Studies is intended for learners from various backgrounds to reach their full potential in Chinese language, culture, and philosophy by researching and learning within an environment that is not only national but also international, as they will be exposed to using research resources in both China and South Africa. The qualification will afford learners the opportunity to gain access to a different vision of the world in various sectors of their lives, and by producing scholars who can teach and research the Chinese language and culture in South Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to.
  • Apply knowledge of Chinese culture and be able to evaluate how aspects of Chinese culture are being approached in current research, and how possible it is to investigate this field, linking data to an African vision of the world.
  • Apply research methods related to the fields of research on languages, literature, and cultures to approach the Chinese language. These fields could be related to linguistics, literature, and philosophy, with a particular focus on Chinese studies.
  • Produce research that will demonstrate the learner's ability to contribute to the current debate in the field of Chinese language and culture.
  • Apply and use ethical research methods and techniques when conducting research with Chinese participants.

    Rationale:
    In today's global market, professionals with cross-cultural knowledge and bilingual skills are in high demand. From business and law to education and the arts, special opportunities are available to those with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the world's fastest-growing region. It is expected that the interaction between South Africa and the Orient will gradually increase in the foreseeable future since South Africa is now part of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) block of nations. This will inevitably result in the creation of work opportunities requiring knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. The qualification is intended to fill the gaps in the field of research on international cultures. Alongside German and French, South Africa needs Chinese language speakers for business purposes, considering that Chinese economic interests in South Africa are growing fast, and China has become one of the most important African trading partners. Since knowledge of the Chinese language is a scarce skill in South Africa, and in Africa as a whole, the qualification will contribute to the success of South Africa and China's cooperation through the development of intercultural competencies. Competency in the Chinese language is a priority for organisations and their employees, particularly in international and intercultural contexts (Mayer et al. 2019: 7-8).

    The holders of this qualification will be able to understand Chinese culture and apply it in the field of business and cooperation. Graduates will be competitive in the labour market and thereby increasing their chance of employability as South African labour regulations give preference to South African nationals over foreigners. The qualification will bridge the skills gap in the market which will contribute to economic growth.

    The qualification was developed in consultation with the South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT), a non-profit organisation responsible for promoting multilingualism through journal publication. The qualification is in line with the institution's mission, among others, of creating a research-based teaching and learning environment that will encourage learners to reach their full potential. The qualification is designed to promote multilingualism, which includes not only the study and research of African languages but also the learning and promotion of multiculturalism in relation to foreign languages. This qualification is a response to the third goal of the institution's Strategic Goal, which intends to maintain and strengthen the research capacity and competency in Chinese Studies. Qualifying learners will play a crucial role as lecturers and researchers at higher education levels. This qualification will lead to a doctoral degree (PhD) in the field of Chinese studies, applied linguistics, translation studies, or foreign language studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Chinese, NQF Level 8 with at least 60% at this level.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in African Languages, NQF Level 8 with at least 60% at the exit level.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Afrikaans and Dutch, NQF Level 8 with at least 60% at the exit level.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Latin, NQF Level 8 with at least 60% at the exit level. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of Chinese culture, evaluate the approaches used in the current research of Chinese culture and investigate the possibility of linking data to the African vision of the world.
    2. Apply research methods and procedures related to the fields of research on languages, literature, and cultures to approach the Chinese language.
    3. Produce research that will demonstrate the ability to contribute to the current debate and apply theory critically reflexive in the field of Chinese culture.
    4. Apply ethical research methods and techniques when conducting research with Chinese participants. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply extensive knowledge of Chinese culture, focusing on Chinese culture, language, and literature in contemporary China.
  • Evaluate the impact of current research in contemporary Chinese culture.
  • Construct an informed synthesis between the Chinese culture, language, and literature and the South African literature studies and compare how the two visions might contribute to knowledge.
  • Examine various aspects of contemporary China through the socio-cultural and historical approach.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the key approaches to the social scientific study of modern and contemporary China.
  • Identify and apply research methods in language issues, including those linked to language policy, translation, multilingualism, and language development.
  • Evaluate literature systematically, collect and analyse research data and produce a research report for examination.
  • Conduct the literature review in the field of Chinese Studies.
  • Formulate original research questions and produce a well-constructed argument in the form of an independent piece of research based on the use of primary and secondary sources.
  • Apply the literary analysis methods and discuss these techniques in Chinese literature, and the comparison of Chinese, western, and African literature analysis methods.
  • Apply appropriate methods to analyse the Chinese research culture between several cultures, including their own.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identity research problems and apply the right research methodology and software tools to gather data.
  • Use the findings to defend and promote the discipline of Chinese studies and integrate it into the global cultural discourse.
  • Examine how the current Chinese research studies can shape the national and African debates on languages, literature, and cultures.
  • Debate Chinese cultures and explore their influence on Chinese business cooperation.
  • Explore the Chinese way of doing business, and its impact on culture.
  • Produce a research dissertation that reflects on current research, problem analysis and implementation of strategies to solve problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply research methods, strategies, and ethics relevant to the Chinese social scientific study.
  • Critically contribute to the development and improvement of ethical standards in a Chinese study.
  • Apply ethical standards in Chinese studies research.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Assessment in the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. The assessment will comprise formative and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments will be applied throughout the entire learning process in the form of, but not limited to:
  • Regular meetings with the supervisor to discuss every chapter and section of the thesis; this will be the learning time as well as an evaluation of how research methods are being applied by the learners to reach the objectives of the research.
  • Regular writing and feedback discussions in preparation for the proposal prior to its submission to the Humanities Higher Degrees Committee for consideration; the submission of the proposal on its own is a learning process during which the learners learn how to define the context of research, how to set the research goals, and how to determine methods to attain the goals. The Learner research proposals will benefit from feedback at the department level. It should be indicated that two readers at the department level and two readers at the faculty level provide feedback for one proposal, and this has proven to be an efficient formative assessment at this level for all the disciplines within the Humanities Faculty.
  • The learners will be given an opportunity to present their work in progress through department seminars twice a year (where their peers and supervisors give oral feedback), at seminars where they receive feedback from their peers across the institution, and wherever workshops in the respective discipline are organised. These workshops and colloquia give an opportunity for learners to be questioned on their research and supported by different academics outside the institution, and the supervisors will be required to encourage learners to apply for funding for this purpose.

    Summative Assessment:
    The assessment practice and approach are characterised by ongoing supervision to culminate in a final summative assessment. The design of a research proposal and the submission of an argued dissertation in terms of language, style, argumentation, and documentation will form part of the internal and external assessment. The summative assessment will be applied at two levels, namely:
  • The consideration of the learner research proposals at the Humanities Higher Degrees Committee: a proposal can be rejected at this level if it does not meet the requirements stipulated in the institution.
  • Higher Degree Guide; only once the proposal is approved can the research start; this also applies to the application for research ethics clearance, here the application can be rejected, with feedback conveyed to the applicant.
  • The examination of the thesis by external examiners (two examiners from different institutions): this will be the ultimate assessment that will be implemented in accordance with the institution rules as stipulated in the calendar and the Higher Degree Guide in relation to the external examination, and learners will be made aware of the examination criteria from the beginning of their research.

    A thesis for the degree of Master must show that the candidate:
  • Is sufficiently acquainted with the appropriate methods and techniques of research.
  • Is sufficiently acquainted with the relevant literature.
  • Has both satisfactorily understood the nature of the problem or topic and assessed the significance of the findings; and
  • Has satisfactorily presented the results of independent research for the award of the degree in a manner which is satisfactory as to literary style and presentation, and free from grammatical and typographical errors.

    Furthermore, a thesis for the degree of Master of Arts must show that the candidate is able to:
  • Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
  • Make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level and
  • Continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

    Any examiner's reports will be written or translated into English for the sake of transparency. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the similar qualifications offered by the following international countries.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Lancaster University
    Qualification: Master of Arts in English Literary Studies (Research).
    Duration: One-year Full Time

    Entry Requirements:
    Lancaster University (LU) qualification require an Honours Degree in English literature and other languages.

    Purpose:
    The LU qualification will equip learners with a range of skills, approaches, and competencies to draw on as early career researchers in the field of English Literary Studies and/or Creative Writing.

    Qualification structure:
    The LU qualification consists of the following compulsory modules based on research methodology.
  • Research Methodology and Reflective Practice in English Literature I.
  • Research Methodology and Reflective Practice in English Literature II.

    Assessment:
    The modules will be assessed by an ongoing portfolio of tasks, the final two of which are a dissertation proposal and a conference abstract. The module will conclude with a conference organised by the learners in which research papers will be presented.

    Articulation:
    Both LU and SA qualifications articulate vertically to the Doctoral Degree studies.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Lancaster University (LU) qualifications require an Honours Degree in English literature and other languages.
  • Both the LU and SA qualifications are intended for learners who want to study for a PhD and have a clear sense of their research interests.
  • Both the LU and SA qualifications are assessed through the formative and summative assessment methods.

    Differences:
  • The LU qualification is offered over a period of one-year full time whereas the SA qualification is offered over two-year full-time study.
  • The SA qualification is research-based only and has no coursework while the LU qualification consists of compulsory research methodology modules.

    County: United Kingdom
    Institution: SOAS University of London
    Qualification: Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
    Credits: 180 Credits
    Duration: One-year Full Time and Two years Part-time

    Entry requirements:
    The SOAS qualification will consider all applications with an undergraduate degree at high 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) or higher in social science or humanities subjects.

    Rationale:
    Graduates from the SOAS qualification develop competencies in intercultural awareness, analysis, and communication. Demand for specialists with advanced proficiency in the languages of China, Japan and Korea has significantly increased in recent years, and graduates with these skills are highly sought after by employers.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    On completion of the SOAS qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Assess data and evidence critically from manuscripts and digital sources, solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations, locate materials, and use research sources, (particularly research library catalogues) and other relevant traditional sources.
  • Develop a theoretical grounding in one of the several disciplines offered as part of the degree: Anthropology, art and archaeology, economics, history, law, literature, media, music, politics, or religious philosophy.
  • Develop an empirical grounding of the disciplines as they relate specifically to the study of China.
  • Develop a critical understanding of other disciplines-in their theoretical and empirical dimensions through Minor courses.
  • Acquire/develop skills in the Chinese language at any of these levels: Basic 1 (Absolute Beginner), Basic 2 Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.
  • Critical evaluation of source material: Learners should become precise and cautious in their assessment of evidence and understand through practice what documents scan and cannot tell.
  • Critical evaluation of previous scholarship: Learners should question interpretations, however authoritative, and reassess evidence for themselves.
  • Critical attitude toward euro-centricity approaches: Learners will acquire a sensitivity to non-euro-centric perspectives on a range of intellectual problems in anthropology, art and archaeology, economics, history, law, literature, media, music, and politics, or religion and philosophy of China.

    Qualification structure:
    For the SOAS qualification, learners take a total of 180 credits, of which 60 credits are a dissertation, 15 credits are allocated to the core module and the remaining 105 credits are chosen from other taught modules. Learners must choose a minimum of 45 credits of modules from modules related to China and a maximum of 60 credits which includes language modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Dissertation in Chinese Studies, 60 Credits.
  • Connections and Intersections: Core Aspects of East Asian Studies, 15 Credits.

    List A: Guided Options: China (Choose three modules to a minimum value of 45 credits from the following options:
  • New Taiwan Cinema and Beyond, 15 Credits.
  • Literature, Politics and National Identity in Modern China, 15 Credits.
  • Chinese Cinema, 15 Credits.
  • Nationhood and Competing Identities in Modern China, 15 Credits.
  • Contemporary Chinese Society, 15 Credits.

    List B: Guided Options: East Asia (Choose modules to a maximum value of 30 to 60 credits from the following options):
  • East Asian Cinema 15 Credits.
  • Gender in East Asian Literature 15 Credits.
  • Myths, Legends, and Folkways of East Asia 15 Credits.
  • Fieldwork methods in language and culture 15 Credits.
  • Culture and Society of Taiwan, 15 Credits.
  • Japanese Traditional Drama 15 Credits.
  • Japanese-English Translation, 15 Credits.
  • Trajectories of Modernity in Korean Literature and Film, 15 Credits.
  • Identity and social relations in Japanese, 15 Credits.
  • Modernity, Nation, and Identity in Japanese History, 15 Credits.
  • Writing from the Margins: Minority and "Outsider" Texts in Modern Japanese Literature, 15 Credits.
  • The Making of Modern Korea, 15 Credits.
  • Culture and Society in Traditional Korea, 15 Credits.
  • Korean-English Translation, 15 Credits.
  • Japanese Cinema, 15 Credits.
  • Contemporary Korean Society 15 Credits.

    Language modules (Select a module to a maximum value of 30 Credits):
  • Chinese 1 A, 15 Credits.
  • Chinese 1 B, 15 Credits.
  • Chinese 2, 30 Credits.
  • Chinese 3, 30 Credits.
  • Chinese 4, 30 Credits.
  • Chinese 5, 15 Credits.
  • Chinese for Business, 15 Credits.
  • Ch400: Advanced Chinese, 15 Credits.
  • Classical and Literary Chinese 1, 15 Credits.
  • Japanese 1 A, 15 Credits.
  • Japanese 1 B 15 Credits.
  • Japanese 2, 30 Credits.
  • Japanese 3, 30 Credits.
  • Japanese 4, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Japanese,15 Credits.
  • Korean 1 A, 15 Credits.
  • Korean 1 B, 15 Credits.
  • Korean 2, 30 Credits.
  • Korean 3, 30 Credits.
  • Korean 4, 30 Credits.
  • Intermediate Korean, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Korean, 15 Credits.

    Teaching and Learning:
    Independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars, and other classes.

    Articulation:
    Both the SOAS and SA qualifications progress to the Doctoral Degree studies in the related field.

    Similarities:
  • The SOAS the SA qualifications are offered over a period of one year's full-time study.
  • The SOAS University of London and the South African (SA) qualifications carry a weighting of 180 credits.
  • Both the SOAS and SA qualifications progress to the Doctoral Degree studies in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The SOAS qualification will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in social science or humanities subjects. In addition to degree classification, other elements of the application such as a supporting statement will be considered whereas the SA qualification requires applicants who hold an Honour's Degree in a related field.
  • The SA qualification consists of only a full dissertation and no coursework whereas the SOAS qualification consists of both the dissertation and coursework.

    Country: Hong Kong
    Institution: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Qualification Title: Master of Philosophy in Chinese Language and Literature
    Duration: Two years, full-time
    Credits: 24

    Entry Requirements:
    To gain access to the CUHK qualification, applicants must:
  • Have an Honours Degree not lower than Second Class or an average grade of not lower than "B" in languages.
  • Fulfill the English Language Proficiency Requirement by:
    > Having obtained a degree from a university in Hong Kong or taken a degree programme in which the medium of instruction was English.
    Or
    > Submitting the original score reports/certificates of one of the following tests:
    > IELTS (Academic Module): an overall result of at least 6.5.
    > TOEFL: total score of at least 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based).
    > GMAT: score for the component "Verbal" not lower than 21.
    > Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate good English skills.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The CUHK qualification provide a platform for the study of Chinese art, history, politics, film, society, international relations, literature, and more. Learners specialize by choosing either an arts and culture or social science stream, while still having the flexibility to take a wide range of China-related courses. This interdisciplinary approach prepares learners for jobs in media, business, finance, education, arts, government, or non-profit organizations.

    Upon completion of CUHK qualification, qualifying learners will be to:
  • Examine how different disciplines shape and how knowledge is produced in the field of Chinese Studies.
  • Carry out the research activities and apply research ethics in the research project.
  • Explore China from an interdisciplinary perspective and with an imaginative approach as they pursue their career paths.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of two programme streams: namely:
  • Chinese Arts and Culture (focusing on film, literature, and art history), and
  • Issues in Contemporary China (focusing on politics, society, and international relations).

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Lecture and Research Methods and Dissertation Writing, 3 Credits.
    Elective Modules:
  • Any seven courses with at least four courses within one's selected stream (CAC or ICC) as prescribed in the course list, 21 Credits. Total: 24 Credits.

    Assessment:
    The CHUK qualification is assessed through formative and summative assessment methods.
  • Master's thesis research proposal, strictly limited to 5000 words, may include the topic, research scope, organization, research methods, etc., and the bibliography is listed separately.
  • One type of academic representative work (published or unpublished) in a related major.
  • One essay in Chinese (no more than 1000 words).

    Similarities:
  • Both the CHUK and the SA qualifications are offered over a period of two-year full-time studies.
  • To gain access to the CUHK and SA qualifications, applicants must have an Honours Degree
  • The CHUK and the SA qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessment methods.

    Differences:
  • The CHUK qualification consists of course work and dissertation whereas the SA qualification consists of the full Research Dissertation and no coursework.
  • The CHUK qualification carries a weighting of 24 credits while the SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits.

    Country: Netherlands
    Institution: Leiden University
    Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
    Credits: 120 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
    Duration: two-year full-time studies.

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants are eligible to apply for the MA in Asian Studies: Chinese Studies if they have:
  • A bachelor's degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor's degree.
  • Knowledge of the nature and role of as well as the ability to analyse and report on academic inquiry in the humanities or social sciences; and
  • Completed components at bachelor's level (which may include the thesis) equivalent to at least 30 EC (or equivalent) on at least three out of these six disciplines: history, art, culture, politics, society, or economy of one or more East Asian countries or regions.
  • Fundamental knowledge of pre-modern and modern China.
  • Knowledge of sinological traditions and understanding of disciplinary-methodological issues.
  • Sufficient command of Chinese, at least 250 points from HSK Test (Level 4), 180 points from HSK Test (Level 5), or TOCFL (Level 3).

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is designed to give learners a broad understanding of China, as well as the contextual knowledge to comment on issues from other vantage points, for example, western Europe, for both specialist and general audiences. Native speakers are strongly advised to apply for the Research Master's programme in Asian Studies or the specialisations History, Arts and Culture or Politics, Society and Economy.

    The objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to:
  • Design and execute a research project
  • Academic writing and publishing
  • Gain an understanding of disciplinary thinking, concepts, terminology, and methodology as dictated by the regional-disciplinary specialization and acquire the skills to carry out independent and academic-quality research.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules, two semesters at Shandong University in Jinan, China, and an MA thesis.

    First-year:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Advanced Mandarin: Listening and Speaking 1, 5 Credits.
  • Advanced Mandarin: Reading and Writing 1, 5 Credits.
  • The Visual and Material Culture of Exchange in Asia and Europe, 1500-1800, 10 Credits.
  • Art and Power in Asia, 15 Credits.
  • Comparative Asian Linguistics, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Readings in Classical Chinese, 5 Credits.
  • China's International Political Economy, 10 Credits.
  • The Politics of Digital East Asia, 10 Credits.
  • Topics in Modern Chinese History, 10 Credits.
  • Confucianism in Context, 10 Credits.
  • China's New Workers and the Politics of Culture, 10 Credits.
  • Sexualities and Genders in Modern East Asia, 10 Credits.
  • Critical Approaches to Heritage Studies, 5 Credits.
  • Lives on the Margins: Korean Peninsula Migration and Identity, 15 Credits.
  • Cultural Heritage in East Asia: Dealing with the past in present and future, 10 Credits.
  • Material Culture, Memory, and Commemoration along the Silk Roads in Central Asia, 10 Credits.
  • Year in China A, 30 Credits.

    Second year:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Year in China B, 30 Credits.
  • MA Thesis Asian Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Mandarin: Listening and Speaking 3, 5 Credits.
  • Advanced Mandarin: Reading and Writing 3, 5 Credits.
  • Approaches to East Asian Cinema, 5 Credits.
  • The Politics of Destruction: Targeting World Heritage, 10 Credits.
  • Creativity and Culture in Contemporary China, 10 Credits.
  • Sinographics: Chinese writing and writing Chinese, 10 Credits.
  • China and Global Cyberspace, 10 Credits.
  • Topics in Chinese Art History, Things and Paths: Approaches to Chinese Art and Material Culture, 10 Credits.
  • Topical Readings in Historical and Literary Chinese Texts, 10 Credits.
  • The Past in the Present: Nation-building in Modern China, 10 Credits.
  • The Past in the Present: Nation-building in Modern, 5 Credits.
  • Democratizing Histories, 10 Credits.
  • Culture and Conquest: The Impact of the Mongols and their Descendants, 10 Credits.

    Assessment:
    The LU SA qualifications are assessed by means of formative and summative assessment methods.
    For the LU qualification, half of the qualification's final term is reserved for writing the thesis. The thesis must demonstrate the Learner's ability independently to prepare written reports of good quality. The thesis is based on original research and makes substantial use of primary material. The use of primary and/or secondary Asian-language material is required. However, no more than one-third of the total thesis shall consist of translations into English, unless the supervisor has given prior permission. The thesis should also provide ample evidence of the learner's grasp of the relevant specialist scholarly literature and the ability of the Learner to make an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is written in English and up to 15,000 words in length, including footnotes and a bibliography. The MA thesis submission procedure works with a two-deadline system.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Leiden University (LU) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two-year full-time studies.
  • Applicants are eligible to apply for the LU and SA qualifications if they have completed bachelor's degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic bachelor's degree.
  • Both LU and SA qualifications aim to enhance Chinese language proficiency.

    Differences:
  • The LU qualification carries a weighting of 120 ECTS whereas the SA qualification carries a weighting of 180 credits.
  • The LU qualification requires a bachelor's degree and language proficiency for admission requirements whereas the SA qualification requires an Honour's Degree.
  • The LU qualification combines content courses with intensive and advanced language training, outstanding teaching, and world-class resources to bring learners the only qualification of its calibre offered in the Netherlands. The qualification comprises core courses, two semesters at Shandong University in Jinan, China, and an MA thesis while the SA qualification consists of a pure research thesis and no coursework. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in African Languages, NQF Level 8.
  • Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and African Languages, NQF Level 8.
  • Master of Arts in English, NQF Level 8.
  • Master of Arts in English Language Studies, NQF Level8.
  • Master of Arts in French, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Language Practice, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Literature and Language Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Language Practice, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.