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You are viewing a course in < International Affairs & Development
Postgraduate degree

China & Globalisation MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, Two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

Our China and Globalisation MSc provides an introduction to the causes and consequences of China’s rise from comparative and global perspectives. It will equip you with the conceptual and research tools necessary for the critical analysis of China’s social, political, and economic trends, and support your understanding of Chinese public policies, business strategies and modes of international cooperation.

Key benefits

  • Offers you a theoretically informed understanding of contemporary China, focusing on the interactions of economic, political and social factors.
  • Our graduates acquire applicable, state-of-the-art knowledge on Chinese business, economy, state and society, international relations, development, investment and politics.
  • A wide range of optional modules which draw on expertise from across King’s.
  • We accept students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and previous knowledge of China and Chinese languages is not necessary.
  • You can substitute one taught module for an internship and a related written assignment where available. Our Internships Office will help in identifying suitable opportunities.

The ‘rise’ of China over the past four decades raises challenging questions about the relationships between politics and market expansion, international cooperation, business innovations, and cultural and social developments. Our programme will provide you with the conceptual and research tools to critically understand these relationships from comparative and global perspectives. Our MSc is based in the Lau China Institute and benefits from a dynamic staff strongly committed to research and education. They combine expertise in Chinese studies with specialisms in different theoretical traditions, including political science, the environment, economics, international relations, sociology and international business. The expertise of the associates of the Lau China Institute spans international law, health and medicine, film and media, and military and maritime strategies. Our programme is designed to provide you with high-quality graduate research training for a career related to China. It aims to broaden and deepen your understanding of contemporary China and familiarise you with major research methods currently used in the field of China studies. Our MSc is a platform both for further graduate work or enhancing your employment prospects. You do not need language or subject knowledge to begin this programme.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand 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.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or international equivalent).

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

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.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.

Please note that as part of the evaluation process, candidates may be invited to a remote video interview. Interviews will be conducted by the Lau China Institute academic staff.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes Please submit a one-page personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background and, if relevant, your career plans. Please include details of your previous exposure to China, e.g. through coursework on your undergraduate degree, language studies, career interests or time spent in Chinese-speaking countries.
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. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

You can typically expect to receive 15-20 hours of lectures and seminars per 15-credit module, and we will expect you to undertake 130-135 hours of independent study per module. For your dissertation, you will typically have five hours of one-to-one supervision, and you will undertake 595 hours of independent study to complete a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Location

This programme is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Our location in the heart of London gives you access to the wealth of cultural resources and institutions throughout the capital, as well as experience of life in one of the world’s most exciting and diverse cities.

Students may also take a limited number of online module options.  

Assessment

  • Essays
  • Written Examinations
  • Oral Presentations
  • Dissertation
  • Attendance
  • Class participation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. Forms of assessment may typically include:

  • Essay(s) or a written examination, class participation. Some modules may also offer writing exercises, take-home exams, oral presentations or research proposals.

  • The dissertation module will be assessed on the basis of the dissertation (12,000 words).

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take the following modules:

China and the Age of Globalisation (30 credits)
Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) (15 credits)
Dissertation: MSc China and Globalisation (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 75 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:

Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits)
Modern Chinese Political Thought: Ideology, Language and Practice (15 credits)
Doing Business in China (15 credits)
China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits)
Economic Policies and Development in Contemporary China (15 credits)
Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits)
Chinese International Investments (15 credits)
Infrastructure, Technology, and Power in the Age of Global China (15 credits)
Internship (15 credits)
  • Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from the modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL Departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department). As part of this, students are encouraged to take one practical service or leadership module from across the College, such as the Principal’s Global Leadership Award (PGLA).

If you are studying the part-time programme, you are normally advised to take taught modules to the total value of 75 credits in your first year, including the required module China and the Age of Globalisation. During your second year, you are normally advised to take Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes), your dissertation, and the remaining 30 credits of taught modules.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your choices with your personal tutor.

At King’s, all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.

Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King’s student.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

This innovative programme is designed to offer you practical and transferable skills for careers including academic research; consultancy and entrepreneurship in public services and the private sector, such as finance and investment, and media and publishing; as well as leadership roles in international organisations and NGOs.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Personal photocopies.
  • Printing programme handouts.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

The ‘rise’ of China over the past four decades raises challenging questions about the relationships between politics and market expansion, international cooperation, business innovations, and cultural and social developments. Our programme will provide you with the conceptual and research tools to critically understand these relationships from comparative and global perspectives. Our MSc is based in the Lau China Institute and benefits from a dynamic staff strongly committed to research and education. They combine expertise in Chinese studies with specialisms in different theoretical traditions, including political science, the environment, economics, international relations, sociology and international business. The expertise of the associates of the Lau China Institute spans international law, health and medicine, film and media, and military and maritime strategies. Our programme is designed to provide you with high-quality graduate research training for a career related to China. It aims to broaden and deepen your understanding of contemporary China and familiarise you with major research methods currently used in the field of China studies. Our MSc is a platform both for further graduate work or enhancing your employment prospects. You do not need language or subject knowledge to begin this programme.

Base campus

The Quad - Strand 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.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or international equivalent).

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

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.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.

Please note that as part of the evaluation process, candidates may be invited to a remote video interview. Interviews will be conducted by the Lau China Institute academic staff.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes Please submit a one-page personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background and, if relevant, your career plans. Please include details of your previous exposure to China, e.g. through coursework on your undergraduate degree, language studies, career interests or time spent in Chinese-speaking countries.
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. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

You can typically expect to receive 15-20 hours of lectures and seminars per 15-credit module, and we will expect you to undertake 130-135 hours of independent study per module. For your dissertation, you will typically have five hours of one-to-one supervision, and you will undertake 595 hours of independent study to complete a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Location

This programme is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Our location in the heart of London gives you access to the wealth of cultural resources and institutions throughout the capital, as well as experience of life in one of the world’s most exciting and diverse cities.

Students may also take a limited number of online module options.  

Assessment

  • Essays
  • Written Examinations
  • Oral Presentations
  • Dissertation
  • Attendance
  • Class participation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. Forms of assessment may typically include:

  • Essay(s) or a written examination, class participation. Some modules may also offer writing exercises, take-home exams, oral presentations or research proposals.

  • The dissertation module will be assessed on the basis of the dissertation (12,000 words).

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take the following modules:

China and the Age of Globalisation (30 credits)
Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes) (15 credits)
Dissertation: MSc China and Globalisation (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 75 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:

Contemporary Chinese Society: Change and Transformation (15 credits)
Modern Chinese Political Thought: Ideology, Language and Practice (15 credits)
Doing Business in China (15 credits)
China's International Relations, 1949-Present (15 credits)
Contemporary Chinese Politics (15 credits)
Economic Policies and Development in Contemporary China (15 credits)
Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change in China (15 credits)
Chinese International Investments (15 credits)
Infrastructure, Technology, and Power in the Age of Global China (15 credits)
Internship (15 credits)
  • Up to 15 credits of level 7 optional modules may be taken from the modules offered in the Global Institutes, or any KCL Departments outside of the Global Institutes (subject to the Programme Convenor’s email approval and the agreement of the external department). As part of this, students are encouraged to take one practical service or leadership module from across the College, such as the Principal’s Global Leadership Award (PGLA).

If you are studying the part-time programme, you are normally advised to take taught modules to the total value of 75 credits in your first year, including the required module China and the Age of Globalisation. During your second year, you are normally advised to take Introduction to Research Methods (Global Institutes), your dissertation, and the remaining 30 credits of taught modules.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your choices with your personal tutor.

At King’s, all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.

Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King’s student.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

This innovative programme is designed to offer you practical and transferable skills for careers including academic research; consultancy and entrepreneurship in public services and the private sector, such as finance and investment, and media and publishing; as well as leadership roles in international organisations and NGOs.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £14,500 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £7,250 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)

Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Personal photocopies.
  • Printing programme handouts.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.

The final application deadlines for this programme are:

· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)

· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.

Key information

Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, Two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180 / ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

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