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Key information
Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Campus:
Strand Campus
Duration:
Expected to be MPhil two years FT, three years PT. PhD three years FT, four-six years PT. Normal start date September but students may commence at other times by arrangement.
Overview
The Lau welcomes high quality research proposal from interested applicants. We are interested in particular in political economy, political science of contemporary China, Chinese international relations, and China and its natural environment.
Interested applicants should first of all familiarise themselves with the research interests and areas of the core academic staff members (under “Our Core Members” section on the page) at the Lau China Institute and identify a potential supervisor. Applicants should then send the following information to the identified supervisor and discuss their applications with her/him.
- CV
- A research proposal (5 page maximum) that includes the title, key research questions, the theory and contributions to the existing literature, and research design and methodology.
Applicants need in particular to think about the literature that their research is intended to speak to, ways in which it will make a contribution to existing scholarship, and the viability of any field research involved (in terms of practicality, funding, ethical clearance, etc).
The Lau China Institute currently consists of the following:
-
Academic staff: 5 (plus affiliates in a number of other departments across the College).
-
Research students: 18.
-
Partner organisations: The Institute is closely involved in the College’s key partnerships with Hong Kong University and the National University of Singapore, with both of which a joint degree may be taken, and also with Renmin University of China, which will allow possible research exchanges for postgraduate students.
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Course Details
We offer a 2 year full-time or 3 year part-time MPhil, and a 3 year full-time or 4-6 year part-time PhD, with some students registering first for the MPhil and transferring to the PhD programme after their first year. This is a prolonged research programme culminating in the presentation of a thesis, followed by an oral examination (viva voce). The thesis must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality, shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power.
Staff Research Interests
Our staff research interests, and areas of PhD supervision, include China's international relations and foreign policy, Chinese politics and development, the Chinese economy, and the social anthropology of China. [Further details]
Joint PhD programme
Exciting opportunities are available to undertake a joint PhD programme either with Hong Kong University (through the Faculty of Arts) or with the National University of Singapore (through the Department of Political Science).
Information is current, but staff members can change.
For inquires on our PhD programs, please contact our PhD Admissions Tutor: Xin Sun (xin.sun@kcl.ac.uk)
1. Application Procedure
Before applying, please visit the pages Further Information for Research Applicants and read carefully the information about our research interests, making sure that your research topic falls within one of these areas. You are welcome to contact a potential supervisor directly to discuss your research topic, and we also encourage you to contact the China Institute PhD admissions tutor with a draft research proposal before submitting a complete application through the online system. The Admissions Tutor will advise whether your research can, in principle, be carried out with us.
Our Further Information for Research Applicants pages also include details of our requirements for your final complete research proposal.
Admission for intending PhD students will initially be for the MPhil but students are expected to transfer to the PhD proper by the end of the first year, and no later than the end of the second year, on the recommendation of the departmental graduate upgrading panel.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to start their degree at beginning of the academic year in September, when the College offers a full induction programme.
2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Chinese Studies Research Checklist | ||
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Yes |
The proposal (5 pages maximum) should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the research courses page |
| Previous Academic Study | Yes |
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes |
One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Travel Plan | Yes (Joint programme only) |
If applying for the joint programme, please include the names of your supervisors from both institutions and include a completed travel plan form. |
| Other | Yes |
Please include a full CV as part of your application. For more information on the Research Proposal and CV that need to be submitted, please see the department webpages. |
3. Course Intake
No set number.
4. Joint PhDs - Application advice
Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before submitting an application in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors. Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only, ie where the student will start and finish their programme. Students should note that acceptance onto the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved. Further details, including FAQs, can be found on the King’s Worldwide web pages.
Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel plan form.
It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD programme by the end of March to begin the following September.
5. Application Closing Date
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.
- October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
- February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Study Environment
The King's China Institute offers a unique and exciting environment for the in-depth study of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. The Institute is able to draw on academic expertise in a range of disciplinary departments across the College, and supervision may be provided from within the Institute or jointly with other staff of the College.
The College libraries, the British Library and a diversity of China-focussed institutions and organisations in London make the city a resource centre for Chinese Studies which is unparalleled in Europe. Students taking the joint degree in Hong Kong or Singapore benefit from study in a Chinese-speaking environment and from excellent academic and archival resources.
Our PhD students have formed a China Study Group, which meets regularly at King's and includes research students from other universities in London.
Postgraduate training
We offer a series of dedicated seminars on PhD study at the start of each academic year focussing on issues such as planning your research and conducting fieldwork. Students can also participate in the induction and training programmes offered by the College. The China Institute hosts frequent research seminars with speakers from around the world. Where relevant, research students can also audit MSc-level lectures in the China Institute and in other departments.
Joint PhDs - Benefits of collaboration
Research in both London and either Singapore or Hong Kong allows contact with a wider range of perspectives, scholarly methods and research resources.
Joint PhDs - Subjects/specialisms available for joint study
-
Chinese History and Literature (University of Hong Kong)
- Political Science (National University of Singapore)
Student Destinations
While many graduates may go on to a university-based academic career, others may pursue careers in both the public and private sectors.
UK requirements
-
A Masters degree is usually required.
-
In exceptional circumstances only, an undergraduate degree with 1st Class or high 2:1 honours degree will be considered.
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Urbanisation, Rural Development and Social Transformations research group
A research group examining urban-rural development and its effect on the developing world.
Knowledge Production in Lusophone and Francophone Countries: exploring the epistemic terrain of peace and Security in Burundi, Cameroon, Mozambique and Senegal (1960-2018)
A research group examining knowledge production in Lusophone and Francophone countries.
Global (Anti)corruption Studies research group
A research group examining corruption and anticorruption in the Global South.
Cities, Climate and Capital in the Greater Indian Ocean World
A research group examining cities, climate, and capital in the Greater Indian Ocean world.
Authoritarianism and populism research group
Examining the rise and effects of authoritarianism and populism.
Indo-Pacific research group
Examining the geo-political strategy of the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with other states.
1. Application Procedure
Before applying, please visit the pages Further Information for Research Applicants and read carefully the information about our research interests, making sure that your research topic falls within one of these areas. You are welcome to contact a potential supervisor directly to discuss your research topic, and we also encourage you to contact the China Institute PhD admissions tutor with a draft research proposal before submitting a complete application through the online system. The Admissions Tutor will advise whether your research can, in principle, be carried out with us.
Our Further Information for Research Applicants pages also include details of our requirements for your final complete research proposal.
Admission for intending PhD students will initially be for the MPhil but students are expected to transfer to the PhD proper by the end of the first year, and no later than the end of the second year, on the recommendation of the departmental graduate upgrading panel.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to start their degree at beginning of the academic year in September, when the College offers a full induction programme.
2. Personal Statement and Supporting Information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Chinese Studies Research Checklist | ||
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Yes |
The proposal (5 pages maximum) should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the research courses page |
| Previous Academic Study | Yes |
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes |
One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Travel Plan | Yes (Joint programme only) |
If applying for the joint programme, please include the names of your supervisors from both institutions and include a completed travel plan form. |
| Other | Yes |
Please include a full CV as part of your application. For more information on the Research Proposal and CV that need to be submitted, please see the department webpages. |
3. Course Intake
No set number.
4. Joint PhDs - Application advice
Applicants for the Joint PhD programme must contact the relevant departments at both universities before submitting an application in order to discuss the suitability of their topic for the joint programme and to locate potential supervisors. Applications should initially be submitted to the proposed home institution only, ie where the student will start and finish their programme. Students should note that acceptance onto the programme may take slightly longer than for single-institution PhDs because of the additional steps involved. Further details, including FAQs, can be found on the King’s Worldwide web pages.
Applicants who choose King’s as their home institution should apply through the online system, selecting the appropriate Joint PhD option from the drop-down list. In addition to the standard supporting documentation, applicants should submit a Travel Plan form indicating how they intend to divide their time between the two partner institutions. Students must spend a specified amount of time in each institution, details of which can be found in the ‘Notes’ section of the Travel plan form.
It is recommended that students submit applications for the Joint PhD programme by the end of March to begin the following September.
5. Application Closing Date
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.
- October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
- February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£6,936 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
International Tuition Fees 2024/25
Full time tuition fees:
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£26,070 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £13,035 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£7,500 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
Full time tuition fees:
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies with University of Hong Kong)
£28,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Political Science and Chinese Studies with National University of Singapore)
Part time tuition fees: £14,000 per year (MPhil/PhD, Chinese Studies)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Study Environment
The King's China Institute offers a unique and exciting environment for the in-depth study of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. The Institute is able to draw on academic expertise in a range of disciplinary departments across the College, and supervision may be provided from within the Institute or jointly with other staff of the College.
The College libraries, the British Library and a diversity of China-focussed institutions and organisations in London make the city a resource centre for Chinese Studies which is unparalleled in Europe. Students taking the joint degree in Hong Kong or Singapore benefit from study in a Chinese-speaking environment and from excellent academic and archival resources.
Our PhD students have formed a China Study Group, which meets regularly at King's and includes research students from other universities in London.
Postgraduate training
We offer a series of dedicated seminars on PhD study at the start of each academic year focussing on issues such as planning your research and conducting fieldwork. Students can also participate in the induction and training programmes offered by the College. The China Institute hosts frequent research seminars with speakers from around the world. Where relevant, research students can also audit MSc-level lectures in the China Institute and in other departments.
Joint PhDs - Benefits of collaboration
Research in both London and either Singapore or Hong Kong allows contact with a wider range of perspectives, scholarly methods and research resources.
Joint PhDs - Subjects/specialisms available for joint study
-
Chinese History and Literature (University of Hong Kong)
- Political Science (National University of Singapore)
Student Destinations
While many graduates may go on to a university-based academic career, others may pursue careers in both the public and private sectors.
UK requirements
-
A Masters degree is usually required.
-
In exceptional circumstances only, an undergraduate degree with 1st Class or high 2:1 honours degree will be considered.
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Urbanisation, Rural Development and Social Transformations research group
A research group examining urban-rural development and its effect on the developing world.
Knowledge Production in Lusophone and Francophone Countries: exploring the epistemic terrain of peace and Security in Burundi, Cameroon, Mozambique and Senegal (1960-2018)
A research group examining knowledge production in Lusophone and Francophone countries.
Global (Anti)corruption Studies research group
A research group examining corruption and anticorruption in the Global South.
Cities, Climate and Capital in the Greater Indian Ocean World
A research group examining cities, climate, and capital in the Greater Indian Ocean world.
Authoritarianism and populism research group
Examining the rise and effects of authoritarianism and populism.
Indo-Pacific research group
Examining the geo-political strategy of the Indo-Pacific and its relationship with other states.
Key information
Award:
MPhil
PhD
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Campus:
Strand Campus
Duration:
Expected to be MPhil two years FT, three years PT. PhD three years FT, four-six years PT. Normal start date September but students may commence at other times by arrangement.
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For more information regarding our courses please contact us using the details below
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