peking university phd international relations

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2024 Application Information for International Students (Master's Degree and Ph.D. Degree)

Peking University (PKU) is a comprehensive research university with disciplines ranging from philosophy, literature, history, law, economics and education to science, engineering, medicine, management and art.

Peking University admits students on the principle of “merit-based enrollment, quality before quantity” and is dedicated to educating innovation-minded scholars with a global perspective and understanding of China. Peking University enrolls international students to study for master's and Ph.D. degrees through the "Application+Examination" method, assessing the applicant's comprehensive quality and ability.

This admissions prospectus is targeted at applicants to Yanyuan campus, Changping new Campus, School of Software and Microelectronics (Daxing campus) and Shenzhen Graduate School (Shenzhen campus). The PKU Health Science Center publishes its admissions prospectus independently.

The specific provisions are as follows:

1.  Disciplines and Majors

For specific information on different majors/subjects and language of instruction, please refer to the " Peking University 2024 Master/Doctoral Admissions Major Catalogue (International Students) ".

2. Method and Length of Study

1) The study methods for a master's degree or Ph.D. degree at Peking University are divided into full-time and part-time. For details on the learning methods of each major and focus, please refer to the " Peking University 2024 Master/Doctoral Admissions Major Catalogue (International Students) " 

2) Unless otherwise specified by the enrollment department (or project), the basic study period for master’s degree students is 2 or 3 years; the basic study period for doctoral students is 4 years; and, for doctoral students with a bachelor’s degree, the basic study period is generally 5 years.

3. Application Prerequisites

1) Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Residents of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries and are applying to Peking University as international students must present valid passport or citizenship documents dating from before April 30, 2018, along with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

Note: The exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of China reserves the right to judge whether an applicant still has Chinese nationality. If during the application period or even after the admission or registration the applicant is judged to be still holding Chinese nationality, his/her application, admission, registration or even enrollment will be nullified.

2) Applicants should be healthy, both physically and psychologically, with no criminal record, friendly to China and must abide by the laws and decrees of China.

3) Applicants for master's degree programs must have attained a bachelor's degree, and those who graduated from non-Chinese universities must hold a bachelor's degree from a university accredited by the Ministry of Education of China. (Grade skipping or joining in the middle of the course is not permitted.)

The special requirements for certain programs, such as MBA, EMBA, IMPA, etc., should be in accordance with the relevant regulations on nationwide master/doctoral admissions.

4) Applicants for doctoral programs must have attained a master's degree, and those who graduated from a non-Chinese institution must have a master's degree from an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education of China. Applicants with bachelor's degrees may apply for admission to doctoral programs in subjects of sciences and engineering.

5) The applicant's academic performance, academic level and language ability should meet the admission requirements of the major he/she is applying for.

4. Application Period

1 st Round: October 16 – December 15, 2023

2 nd Round : January 1 – January 31, 2024

Note: For details on English-taught master's programs, please refer to the respective program's application guidelines. The deadline for the English-taught doctoral program applications is February 28, 2024.

5. Application Materials

Visit the application system ( http://www.studyatpku.com) , fill in the application and upload the following documents:

1) Graduation and degree certificates and degree authentication in Chinese or English. For degree certificates in other languages, applicants are required to upload both the original copy and a notarized copy in Chinese or English. Degree diplomas awarded by overseas universities must be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSCSE) . Degree diplomas awarded by universities on the Chinese mainland must be authenticated by the Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, P. R. China (CSSD) .

Note: Applicants who graduated before 2024 must upload their degree authentication report during the application period. Applicants expected to graduate in 2024 must provide an official letter from their current university stating their expected graduation date, submit their certificate of graduation upon being pre-admitted, and present their original degree diploma upon registration.

2) Official transcripts of the applicant’s academic achievement, including courses taken and standards achieved. These must be original documents or notarized copies either in Chinese or English.

3) A personal statement (including a research plan: 1500 words for the master's degree program, 3000 words for the doctoral program).

Please click the link to download the template: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/down/shen/ru.html

4) Resume and a copy of the Commitment for Application. Please click the link to download the template for the Commitment:

https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/down/shen/ru.html

5) Two recommendation letters from professor(s) or associate professor(s) related to the applicant’s major (or equivalent professionals with relevant academic title), either in Chinese or English. Once applicants submit the application the application system will send a link to the recommenders, and the recommenders should click the link and complete the recommendation either by filling out the form online or by uploading the scanned copy of the signed letter.

Click the link to download the template: https://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/down/shen/ru.html

6) Original Chinese or English language test scores:

● For Chinese-taught programs, language test scores fulfilling the following standards are eligible for submission.

Note: Qualified HSK 7-9 level scores are also accepted.

● For English-taught programs, applicants whose mother tongue is not English are required to submit TOEFL, iBT (100 points or above) or GRE (315 points or above) scores or other certificates to prove their English language proficiency. For specific requirements, please refer to the application information of the respective English-taught programs.

Note: Some departments may require applicants to submit a certificate or evidence of Chinese language proficiency; please submit the materials in accordance with the respective requirements.

7) Information page of the valid passport (passport type must be ordinary). The passport’s date of expiry should be after December 2024.

8) Table of contents and abstracts of the applicant’s academic publications and any other original achievements in his/her field (if applicable).

9) Some departments/schools may require additional application documents.

Note: Applicants should scan the original or notarized application documents in color using a scanner. Images captured by mobile phone or camera are NOT acceptable.

6. Application Fee

The application fee for each program/major is 800 RMB.

Note: Each applicant may apply for up to two programs/majors. Applicants are required to pay the application fee online before the application deadline. Any other currency or traveler’s check will not be accepted. Applications with incomplete documents or without application fee payment will not be processed.

The application fee is NOT refundable.

7. Examination by the School/Department

The International Student Division will review the applicant's basic qualifications. After passing the review, the application materials will be forwarded to the admissions office of the respective school/department for the academic review.

The school's (department, institute, center) admissions team will organize professional expert panels for the admission. All the submitted application materials will be reviewed to assess the applicant's comprehensive capacity. A shortlist of applicants will be drawn up for the next step of examination.

The second examination round will be held in March or April 2024. The specific date and time will be decided by the respective school/department and posted on the school/department’s website. Applicants should check regularly for relevant online information to be posted.

The school's (department, institute, center) admissions expert committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the professional level and research potential of candidates in the second examination round and evaluate the candidates' ranking.

8. Admission

1) On the basis of the school's or department's examination results, the Admission Office of the Graduate School will review and make the preliminary admission list.

2) The departments/schools will publish the preliminary admission list before the end of May.

3) The pre-admitted candidates should download and print the application form and, together with other required original application documents (except for degree diploma and recommendation letters), deliver or mail the materials to the International Student Division of Peking University.

Deadline: May 31, 2024

Address: Room 330, International Student Division, New Sun Student Center, Peking University. Please note on the envelope: Graduate student application materials

4) The International Student Division will issue an admission notice, visa application form (JW201/JW202) and other documents to the admitted students in late June 2024.

9. Enrollment

Admitted students will complete the registration procedures and enroll at Peking University in early September 2024. The specific time will be announced in the admission notice. All students should present their original degree certificates and submit their degree authentication as required upon registration for the enrollment qualification review. Students who fail the enrollment qualification review will be disqualified from enrollment at Peking University.

10. Tuition Fees (per year per person) and Scholarships

1) Tuition Fees: Please check the list of Tuition Fees 2024

2) Scholarships

New international students may apply for the following scholarships:

(1) Chinese Government Scholarship (Type B): tuition waiver, for-free accommodation, monthly living expenses and medical insurance provided in accordance with the regulations.

(2) Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students: tuition subsidy.

(3) Peking University Scholarship for International Students: tuition waiver, monthly living expenses, medical insurance.

Note: The evaluation of scholarships will be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations of the government and the university. For more information, please pay close attention to notices posted at http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn.

11. Visa, Medical Insurance and Accommodation

Students admitted to PKU should apply for a student visa at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in their country with the letter of admission and the JW201/202 form. International students who will study in China for over 6 months are required to obtain an "X1" visa, which will only be valid for 30 days upon arrival in China; upon arriving in China, they must come to the International Student Division and apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days in order to obtain a legal status in China.

2) Medical Insurance

The Ministry of Education of China stipulates that all international students must be medically insured throughout their entire planned period of study. Students are required to purchase the ‘Comprehensive Insurance Plan of Foreign Students’ on the day of registration. Students who do not have valid medical insurance will not be allowed to register.

3) Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided to students with scholarships that cover accommodation.

Self-funded students should find their own living accommodation on campus or off campus. Please note that students who live off campus must register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.

12. Graduation and Degree Awarding

Students who have completed all the requirements stipulated in the academic plan and passed their thesis defense upon completion of their study are permitted to graduate. After being examined and approved by the Academic Degree Assessment Committee of the university, the corresponding academic degree will be conferred.

To facilitate opportunities for those who are not proficient in the Chinese language to pursue a PKU degree, Peking University has developed several English-taught programs, some of them are in the following list.

Additional Notes:

1. For further information about the school/department to which the applicant is applying, such as the school or department's basic facilities, research, supervisors and faculty, subjects, research focus, training and grants, please refer to the website of the respective school or department.

2. Graduate students are NOT allowed to be enrolled in two or more programs/universities at the same time.

3. Applicants should actively pay close attention to the latest relevant information posted at the website or sent by the school/department he/she is applying to. Applicants must read and follow the posted instructions/deadlines in a timely way; all consequences caused by the applicant’s personal negligence and other reasons shall be borne by the applicant himself/herself solely.

4. Regarding admission to Peking University’s Health Science Center and related scholarship and financial aid, accommodation and other specific matters for medical graduate students, please refer to the respective application guidelines of the Center (https://e.bjmu.edu.cn/).

5. Issues that may arise which are not mentioned here will be handled in accordance with the relevant regulations of the university and higher authorities. If new graduate student admission policies are issued in the year 2024, Peking University will make corresponding adjustments and announce the changes in a timely way.

Contact Information

Room 330, New Sun Student Center

International Student Division

Office of International Relations

Peking University, Beijing 100871

People's Republic of China

Tel: (+86-10) 6275 1230

Fax: (+86-10) 6275 1233

Email: [email protected]

Web site: www.isd.pku.edu.cn ; www.oir.pku.edu.cn

PKU  |  OIR  |  HOME  |  中文版

© Copyright International Students Division, Office of International Relations, Peking University

Address: International Students Division, New Sun Student Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 PRC

Master’s in International Relations and Public Policy (UNSW-PKU Double Degree)

Introduction to the program.

The Master’s in International Relations and Public Policy at Peking University and the University of New South Wales is a one year postgraduate Double Master’s Degree program for international students taught in English.

About Peking University

About the program.

The double degree programme comprising the Master in Public Policy (MPP) degree from Peking University and the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIR) from the University of New South Wales will be an attractive value proposition for students of both universities. It will adopt all the aims and objectives of the two separate Master programmes.

The MPP at PKU is open to fresh university graduates as well as the experienced professionals and government officials from different countries, and is designed to train students in the field of public affairs, public administration, and public policy. The programme aims to provide them with an opportunity to develop functional expertise, strategic perspectives, and public policy management tools to operate effectively in a changing public policy environment or to understand such an environment. It will also help them to learn both the successes and failures in China’s public policy making and management, and therefore to understand more about how to manage political, economic and social development in developing countries.

The MAIR at UNSW is designed to provide an understanding of contemporary world politics. The programme emphasises the relationship between theory and practice and examines how particular theories organise and shape our view of the world. It aims to explain various influences on the behaviour of states and other international actors, and it analyses issues such as war and peace, the global economy, international organizations, and international law and diplomacy. Practically it looks at current issues of international concern such as global environmental problems, human rights, and global poverty. A number of electives examine international relations broadly, while others concentrate on specific issues, regions or countries.

Both PKU and UNSW have an excellent capacity to deliver the programmes through a strong group of specialist academics, and using a wide range of instructional techniques including real-world case studies. Skills related to policy analysis and programme evaluation are common to both programmes.

Entry Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the double degree starting at either the UNSW or the PKU must have:

• Admission to the postgraduate study either in SG-PKU or in SSIS-UNSW;
• A SG-PKU student must have a good command of the English Language
• minimum TOEFL 577 (Paper Based Test) (with at least 5.0 in TWE)
• minimum TOEFL 233 in CBT (with at least 5.0 in TWE)
• minimum TOEFL- iBT 90 (with at least 24 in Writing)
• minimum IELTS Band 6.5 ( with at least 6.0 in each of the sub-tests)

Application Deadline

Application process.

This is a double degree program and you need to get accepted by both UNSW and PKU. Please make sure to apply in advance of the deadline.

Program Start Date

PKU MPP Degree compulsory courses

• Public Policy Analysis
• Economics for Public Policy
• Chinese Politics and Public Policy
• China’s Economic Reform and Development
• Research Design and Practice I & II
• Introduction to China
• Chinese Language

The core courses in the MA (IR) degree are:

• POLS5120 Global Politics (6 UOC)
• POLS5121 International Organisations (6 UOC)
• POLS5122 IPE (6 UOC)
• POLS5125 Politics of International Law (6 UOC)

Tuition Fees

For the MPP programme, the total tuition is 80,000 RMB; for the MAIR programme, the projected total tuition will be updated annually according to the notice of UNSW.

Accommodation

The dormitories for international students at the main campus are located at  Shao Yuan  (勺 园). There are limited spaces on campus for international students so students can stay in private accommodation outside of the University. Many students stay in private apartments in the Wudaokou area.

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International Students Admission

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Student Admission Information

General admission requirements for international students can be found in the International students Division, Office of International Relations at Peking University:

http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/HOME/ADMISSION.htm

For more information of studying in PKU, please check the website of Peking University`s Office of International Relations:

http://www.isd.pku.edu.cn/HOME.htm

Study period and Academic Schedule

The normal period of study for each program is as follows: 4 years for undergraduate degrees, 2 years for master degrees, and 4 years for doctoral degrees. Students may, in particular cases, apply for early or delayed graduation.

For questions regarding admissions please contact

Office of Peking University`s International Students Office:

Tel: 86-10-62751230

E-mail: [email protected]

Office of International Relations of School of Economics:

Secretary of International Relations:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 86-10-62753857

Fax: 86-10-62751462

Business Hours: 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

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Peking University

International Relations

Entry Requirements

• 1. Eligibility. This program is designed only for international applicants and applicants from the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan areas of China. Foreign applicants should hold valid passports issued by their countries
• 2. Prior Degree. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of recognized standing. Applicant who has not yet graduated upon application, must get the degree before September 2019.
• 3. Language Proficiency. Applicants from non-English speaking background or who did not receive their bachelor’s degree from an English speaking university are required to provide valid English test certificates - IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 107(ibt).

Choosing Reasons MORE

Reasons from D**********

Education in advance

• 10 months ago
• Name:Da*********
• From:Ethiopia

Reasons from E************

I am choosing this univeristy because it is one of the most presit

• 3 Years ago
• Name:En***********
• From:United States

Reasons from S************

One of the most reknowned high-ranking Universities in China and the Eastern Asia. Offers a programme with a rich content and a variety of subjects, which fit well into my previous studies elsewhere. Enjoys a good reputation for its School of International Studies. Represents China, as a country which has significant ties with Russia, particulary within the chosen academic field of interest (International Security/Foreing Politics). The University has a world-wide connectivity, with an affiliation to a considerable number of international companies and organisations, which could prove helpful during an employment seeking process. The University posesses a lagre proportion of overseas students. This could be help me to get a deeper exposure to other languages and cultures across the globe.

• 7 Years ago
• Name:Sh***********
• From:Ukraine

• 1.You are highly recommended submitting applications from Sep to Nov for Spring Intake, and from Feb to Apr for Autumn Intake.

The School of International Studies at Peking University (hereinafter referred to as SIS) is inviting application for a two-year Master Program in International Relations (MIR). Students will receive intensive and rigorous training in various fields ranging from general politics, foreign affairs, to social development of contemporary China. Students are encouraged to study Mandarin in this program, but all MIR courses and theses are conducted in English. Students will be granted a master’s degree in International Relations by Peking University once all requirements are fulfilled.

" * " means necessary documents that you must provide in your application.

* 1. Photocopy of valid passport

With name, passport number & expiration date, and photo included

* 2. Passport photo

A recent passport-sized photo of the applicant

* 3. Undergraduate school transcript

Undergraduate school transcript in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.

* 4. Bachelor's degree diploma

Graduation certificate in languages other than Chinese or English should be translated into Chinese or English and be certified by notarization.

* 5. English proficiency test certificate

For example, IELTS or TOEFL, only for applicant whose native language is not English.

* 6. Two letters of recommendation

Written in English from two respectable professors. including professors' contact no, email address and handwritten signature

* 7. Personal statement

Written in English and about 800 words

8. Copy of article or papers published

* 9. letter of guarantee.

The guardian should write out his/her name, nationality, occupation and address (if an organization acts as the guardian, reference to the organization should be made clear).

10. the certified paper documents

i.e the original certified documents issued by the local Chinese Embassy officer. No matter you will be admitted or not, the materials will be kept in the university permanently.

Tips: For applicants who are in China: If you are an employee, you still need to provide employment separation certificate and your current residence permit. If you are a student, you need to provide transfer certificate, leaving certificate, certificate of attendance rate issued by previous school and your current residence permit.

CUCAS Service

CUCAS provides best service in this industry to international students. Apply through CUCAS, you will enjoy:

• • The start date has been updated to September 1, 2022 December 8, 2020
• • The service fee has been updated to 200 USD March 3, 2020
• • The tuition fee has been updated to 75000 RMB November 5, 2019
• • The content has been updated. November 5, 2019
• • The tuition fee has been updated to 29000 RMB November 5, 2019
• • The application deadline has been updated to November 28, 2019 November 5, 2019

Basic Information

Feel free to ask questions.

Tel : (86) 010-82865135

E-mail : [email protected]

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LSE-PKU Double MSc Degree in International Affairs

• Graduate taught
• Department of International History
• Application code V2IA
• Starting 2024
• Home full-time: Closed
• Overseas full-time: Closed
• Location: Beijing, Houghton Street, London

Organised jointly by LSE and Peking University  (PKU), this double master’s degree offers an outstanding opportunity for graduate students and young professionals to study the international relations of China and the Asia Pacific region, as well as the theory and history of global international relations.

You will engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research and undertake your own research-based term work and dissertation. This programme will be a good preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector, the media, politics and law.

Assessment is primarily by examination, although some courses also have an assessed course work component. The courses in London will be taught in English, while those in Beijing will be taught in Chinese or English, giving students a choice about which language they want to use for their study.

Once you successfully complete your studies at both institutions, you will be conferred Master Degree of Law and Master Degree of Sciences by PKU and LSE respectively.

All applicants apply via LSE . This includes applicants from the People’s Republic of China, and areas of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and PKU students.

  Watch the Virtual Graduate Open talk given by Master's Admissions Advisor Dr Anna Cant in November 2022

Programme details

For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements for lse-pku double msc degree in international affairs.

Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in any discipline.

Competition for places at the School is high. This means that even if you meet our minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.

If you have studied or are studying outside of the UK then have a look at our  Information for International Students  to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Assessing your application

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

All applicants apply via LSE. This includes applicants from the People's Republic of China, and areas of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and PKU students. All applications will be reviewed by a joint admissions panel.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades) - statement of academic purpose - two academic references - CV

See further information on supporting documents

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.  See our English language requirements .

Application

For 2024 entry, applications must be completed (all supporting documents received) by 10 March 2024 .

1. Applicants from the Mainland of the People's Republic of China (including those who received a bachelor's degree overseas) should attend the National Entrance Examination for Postgraduate Students in China (考研) or apply with the recommendation eligibility (推荐免试) to the School of International Studies at PKU. Please pay attention to our notice here  and here .  Applicants need to choose the major International Relations (Contemporary International Relations) “国际关系专业，现当代国际关系方向”, and indicate this programme specifically in both online and hard copy versions of the application, as well as on the cover of the application package posted to the designated admissions office.

2. Applicants holding identity cards from Macau, Hong Kong, or Taiwan must pre-register with PKU Graduate School online . Please see more information here . Applicants need to choose the major International Relations (Contemporary International Relations) “国际关系专业，现当代国际关系方向”, and indicate this programme specifically in both online and hard copy versions of the application, as well as on the cover of the application package posted to the designated admissions office. Please send soft copies of documents required by PKU Graduate School to [email protected] .

Note: Applicants who hold both foreign passports and identity cards from Macau, Hong Kong or Taiwan must apply for this programme, enter mainland China and register at PKU with Macau, Hong Kong or Taiwan identification.

*Residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan who have emigrated to other countries and are applying for Peking University as international students must present valid passports or citizenship documents dating before 30 April 2018, along with proof of cancellation of Chinese nationality.

Offer acceptance

All students who intend to take up their offer should contact PKU via email [email protected] to confirm their acceptance of a place on the programme.

All non-PRC students, upon accepting the offer, must go to the PKU online application (pre-registration) system fill in the PKU form, pay the pre-registration fee online by 12:00 midnight 31 March 2024 (Beijing time). Project code: SIS-LSE 2024

Then follow these steps:

• Please post a hardcopy of the pre-registration form with signature and 3 copies of a passport size photo to Ms. TONG Tianyu, Program Officer, B101, School of International Studies, Peking University, No.5 Yiheyuan Road, 100871, Beijing China. Tel:86-10-62759199. Unless otherwise notified, PKU needs to receive this package by 15 April 2024.

• Please send soft copies of the documents below to [email protected] by 15 April 2024.

- PKU Pre-registration form (in PDF) 

- A passport size photo in white background 

- Personal statement 

- Transcript 

- English test report* 

- Passport page with name 

- Bachelor diploma or certificate of study/enrolment (For those expecting to graduate in the summer of 2024) 

-  Two recommendation letters (please ask your referees to send their letters of recommendation directly to [email protected] ) 

All applicants should keep their ID consistent in the whole process.

If you fail to complete the above mentioned registration with PKU and mail the required documents before the deadline, you will not be able to enroll in PKU for the year of 2024.

Important - For this programme dual citizenship means you have a full passport of another country, aside from the passport, residence permit or identity card for the Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.

Student visa

If you are a non-EU, non-EEA or Swiss national, you will need a student visa. In order that you are able to apply for a visa, the LSE will issue you with a 'Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies' (CAS) number and statement after year one of the double degree. You will not be able to begin the visa application process until you receive this information. CAS numbers and statements will be issued by LSE and sent to you ONLY after Peking University has forwarded a Progression List to LSE, confirming names of students who have successfully completed year one of the course and have satisfied all progression requirements. The Progression List is forwarded to LSE around mid-July of year one of the programme. Further details on all aspects of the visa application process will accompany the CAS.

Data sharing Double degrees and certain other degrees and scholarships require that LSE shares personal data with another university or partner. In our agreements we will use the School’s standard data sharing template for universities and partners in the  EU and EEA  and in an  adequate country .  Standard contract clauses  will be used for any other country. If you have any questions about this or how your personal data will be treated by LSE, please contact the Data Protection Officer, Rachael Maguire, via  [email protected]  or check our  Student Privacy Notice .

Fees and funding

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme.

The fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Tuition fees 2024/25 for LSE-PKU Double MSc Degree in International Affairs

Home students, first year (provisional): RMB 8,000 Yuan at PKU Overseas students, first year (provisional): RMB 95,000 Yuan at PKU Home students, second year (provisional): £28,584 (2025/26 at LSE) Overseas students, second year (provisional): £28,584 (2025/26 at LSE)

The Table of Fees shows the latest tuition amounts for all programmes offered by the School.

For this programme, the tuition fee is the same for all students regardless of their fee status. However any financial support you are eligible for will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. LSE assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a  fee reduction  of around 10 per cent of the fee. As this is a double degree, this applies only to the year spent at LSE.

Scholarships and other funding

The School recognises that the  cost of living in London  may be higher than in your home town or country, and we provide generous scholarships each year to home and overseas students.

Funding for the first year, at PKU

Non-PRC students can apply to the Chinese Government Scholarship programme for year one study at PKU. Applications must be submitted via the Chinese Embassy of the student’s country of origin. The CGS will provide awardees with a monthly living stipend and assistance with accommodation arrangements. The PKU tuition fee will be partly covered by the CGS (students are expected to make up for the difference by other means). 

All students are eligible to be awarded designated scholarships or financial aid based on their overall performance during year one at PKU. Since 2014, students who met the requirement were awarded RMB 2,000-10,000 respectively depending on different types of scholarship or financial aid.

Funding for the second year, at LSE

This programme is eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . You must apply for these needs-based awards from LSE, during your first year of study. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. Funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 25 April 2024 .

In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.  Find out more about financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans

Further information

Fees and funding opportunities

Information for international students

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students . 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page). 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page.

Programme structure and courses

The first year is spent at Peking University, with a focus on public policy and administration in China and the Asia Pacific region. The second year is spent at LSE includes a range of compulsory and optional courses, as well as completing a research-based dissertation.

The courses in London will be taught in English, while those in Beijing will be taught in Chinese or English, giving students a choice about which language they want to use for their studies.

First year, at Peking University

At Peking University, you will take a compulsory course on Thesis Writing and complete your first year with a dissertation. If you are a non-Chinese student, you are required to take a compulsory Chinese Language Course offered by the PKU Chinese Language Centre in the first semester and a compulsory course on Chinese Politics and Diplomacy in the second semester.

Chinese mainland students are required to take a foreign language course, and the following courses: "The Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era" AND "Marxism and Social Science Methodology" or "Introduction to Dialectics of Nature".

Students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are required to take a foreign language course and a compulsory course on "Chinese Politics and Diplomacy" in the second semester.

Required electives and free electives courses

You can select required electives and free electives among the wide variety on offer in the School of International Studies . All students must obtain 6 credits for required electives and 6 credits for free electives. Extra credits obtained from required electives can be substituted for credits of free electives. Chinese students need to complete at least 6 credits fro free electives taught in English. All courses are 3 credits, except one, which is 2 credits. Learn more about which core and elective courses are available at PKU .

Dissertation

Dissertation and Oral Defence: students complete the first year programme by writing and defending a dissertation on a topic relevant to their studies. The dissertation can be written in English or in Chinese.

Progression to Year 2

In order to successfully progress to year 2 at LSE, students must obtain 20 (18+2 for the language course) credits and complete their dissertations at Peking University. N.B.: Even though it is compulsory to complete a dissertation at PKU, the PKU dissertation does not carry any credits.

Students will progress to Year 2 at LSE upon meeting the following standards:

Students are required to achieve minimum pass grades in all courses and dissertation as formulated by PKU for this Programme.

Failure to achieve pass in any courses (including the dissertation) will lead to retaking the courses and re-sitting the exams in the following year.

In addition to passing all PKU required exams to progress to year 2, students are required to pass their PKU dissertation defence before 15th July, which is the date when the progression list is sent to LSE. Students who fail to pass the thesis defence will  NOT  progress to the second year study at LSE. As per PKU regulations for graduate students are that all the study and assignments should be completed within two academic years. If a student cannot meet this requirement and needs to defer graduation due to delay in thesis defence, they must formally request an extension by submitting the extension application form to the University.

PRC students who cannot achieve the English language proficiency qualifications required by the LSE for this Programme by 15th July of year 1 will not be allowed to progress to year 2 and consequently drop off from the programme. Students in their year 1 at PKU will receive visa invitations to the UK (including the CAS code) and information on registration at LSE once LSE has received the progression list from SIS/PKU in mid-July. This list contains the names of students who are qualified for progression to year 2 at LSE.

Second year, at LSE

LSE-PKU students in their year 1 at PKU will receive visa invitations to the UK (including the CAS code) and information regarding registration at LSE only after LSE has received the progression list from SIS/PKU in mid-July. This list will have the names of students who have successfully passed all required exams at PKU to qualify for progression to year 2 at LSE.

At LSE, students take core courses in both the International Relations and the International History Departments, take a third course from the wide range of options offered by the two Departments, and complete the programme with a research dissertation on a relevant topic in the history of international affairs. Course assessment is by assessed coursework (in some courses) and by a final exam.

Core course

Crisis Decision-Making in War and Peace 1914-2003 - Examines the history of international relations from the First World War to the Iraq War.

Optional courses

Find out which optional courses to the value of two units are available

Watch videos about the International History courses

Watch videos about the International Relations courses

Dissertation - An independent research project of up to 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.

Please note that courses listed for study both at PKU and the LSE are subject to availability. More information on courses and their availability can be found in the programme regulations .

Dissertation at LSE

This component of the degree reflects our belief that Masters level history students should be willing to engage in detailed historical research. In preparing this piece of work, students are provided with guidance about how to choose an appropriate topic, how to identify and locate the necessary sources, and how to write up their research findings. This is done through a combination of departmental workshops and discussions between individual students and their dissertation supervisor. But ultimately the dissertation is a test of the research abilities and writing skills of each individual student.

While in London, students preparing dissertations can take advantage of numerous world-class research libraries and archives. These include the National Archives (formerly the Public Record Office), the British Library , the libraries of specialised schools of the University of London such as the Institute for Historical Research , the School of Oriental and African Studies , and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies , and the LSE's own library, the British Library of Political and Economic Sciences . The LSE's archive also contains much valuable research material, as do the collections of the Imperial War Museum , the Warburg Institute and many others.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant  School Calendar page.  

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the  updated graduate course and programme information page.

Teaching and assessment

Contact hours and independent study.

At LSE you will take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar  within the Teaching section of each  course guide . 

You are also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research. 

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide . 

Asssessment

The courses in London will be taught in English, while those in Beijing will be taught in Chinese or English, giving you a choice about which language you want to use for your study. All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It is designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Assessment is primarily by examination, although some courses also have an assessed course work component. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant  course guide . 

To successfully progress to the second year at the LSE, you must obtain 22 credits and finish a dissertation in year one at Peking University. Please note that while its completion is compulsory, the PKU dissertation does not carry any credits. To progress to the second year you must also achieve minimum pass grades in all courses and the dissertation defence before 15th July.

Failure to achieve pass in any courses (including the dissertation) will lead to retaking the courses and re-sitting the exams in the following year. Students who have failed the defence in July will have another chance to defend their thesis either by September 10 of the same year or by 15 July of the following year. In the latter case, the student will not be allowed to progress to LSE in the second year. In case of a second failure to defend the thesis, the student will drop off from the programme.

PRC students who cannot achieve LSE’s required English language proficiency qualifications required by 15th July of the first year will not be allowed to progress to the second year. Students who qualify for progression for the second year at LSE will be included on a progression list sent from PKU to LSE in mid-July. These students will then receive information about applying for their visa and registration at LSE.

Upon successful completion of studies at both institutions, students will be conferred Master Degree of Law and Master Degree of Sciences by PKU and LSE respectively.

Academic support

At PKU, you will select an academic advisor who will provide supervision and guidance on your courses, research and thesis writing. Your advisor will be available if you have any questions about your studies and life in Beijing and at Peking University. The School of International Studies also has an academic advisor who oversees the double degree programme. The academic advisor is always happy to help if you have any questions or concerns about the programme. The Office for International Programmes at the School and our programme officer are also available to meet students and assist with administrative affairs.

At LSE, you will be assigned an academic mentor who will be available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns. You will meet the mentor to discuss any aspect of your life. The mentor is the first point of contact if you have any worries about your time in London and at LSE. The Department also has a Masters Programme Tutor, who oversees the Graduate programme and he is also available to meet students. Graduates can also approach the Postgraduate and Research Programme Manager, Mrs Nayna Bhatti . Finally, there are graduate representatives on School committees and the Graduate Staff-Student Committee and we value their input. The Department of International History at LSE is committed to the idea that graduate teaching should be done in small groups. In order to meet this commitment, and to ensure that students can work with their teachers in an environment where real dialogue and interchange is possible, the number taking some courses does have to be controlled. This means that it becomes very important to indicate in advance to the Department what options the incoming students wish to take.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE.  LSE LIFE  is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s  Disability and Wellbeing Service  provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Student support and resources

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small, there are a range of people you can speak to who will be happy to help.  

Department librarians   – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  – they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries.

Class teachers and seminar leaders  – they will be able to assist with queries relating to specific courses. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service  – they are experts in long-term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as  student counselling,  a  peer support scheme  and arranging  exam adjustments.  They run groups and workshops.  

IT help  – support is available 24 hours a day to assist with all your technology queries.   

LSE Faith Centre  – this is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.   

Language Centre  – the Centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in nine languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication; and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers  ­ – with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library   –   founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and is a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE  – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom; offers one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision; and provides drop-in sessions for academic and personal support. (See ‘Teaching and assessment’). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)  – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding.  

PhD Academy   – this is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice   – this   offers discounted private dental services to LSE students.  

St Philips Medical Centre  – based in Pethwick-Lawrence House, the Centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients.

Student Services Centre  – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advisers   – we have a  Deputy Head of Student Services (Advice and Policy)  and an  Adviser to Women Students  who can help with academic and pastoral matters.

Programme Director

Dr Roham Alvandi

Associate Professor Department of International History

Student life

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in  extracurricular activities . From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one  campus  in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think  London is a fantastic student city , find out about  key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners . Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about  London on a budget . 

Student stories

Student profiles.

Marcus Chee

READ PROFILE>

Class profile

• experience a full academic programme in both China and Europe
• take courses in both the International Relations Department and the Department of International History at LSE
• combine an empirical and a theoretical approach to contemporary international affairs
• study in small seminar groups of no more than 15 students
• engage at an advanced level with the latest academic research and undertake your own research-based term work and dissertations

Graduate destinations

The programme provides an excellent preparation for careers in academia, business or consulting, government or international agencies, the media, politics and law.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

At PKU, the department, alongside the Student Career Centre, International Student Division and the Alumni Association organise a job fair for our students. Students are encouraged to actively participate in various career planning and job guidance activities to strengthen competitiveness. Read more

At LSE, the department is committed to supporting students' options after graduation in the world of work or futher studies by organising a careers programme tailored specifically to International History students with the help of LSE Careers . Also, many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the  support available to students through LSE Careers .

Find out what some MSc International Affairs students have been doing since graduating

Why study with us

Studying international affairs at peking university.

For just over a century, Peking University has been the centre of research within China and remains China's top institution of higher learning. Students of the LSE-PKU programme engage in intense study of Chinese politics, history, and economics with a staff that is highly regarded amongst Chinese and international academics. The environment surrounding campus offers students ample locations for quiet study. Whether it is on the campus greens, the library, or in one of the many cafes located just outside of campus.

In the Peking University public lecture series, students can meet and learn from the world's greatest minds and political figures. Recent lectures have included Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, New York Times' military correspondent, Michael Gordon, and historian Akira Iriye, Harvard Professor of international history.

Finding information with Beijing is rarely a problem. Students of the PKU-LSE program will study at the Peking University School of International Studies (SIS) . To assist student research within the program, a portion of the library at SIS is designated specifically for the literature of the LSE-PKU program. In addition, the general Peking University library is the top university library in China. However, in the unlikely case that the resources at these libraries is not suitable, students are also allowed to use the National Library in the centre of Beijing in addition to the online resources of the London School of Economics.

As a student of the Double Degree Program, you will have access to two libraries of PKU, the SIS library and the PKU library. You can find your course readings, books and journals on international relations at the SIS library. The PKU library has considerable English collections on all the subjects of humanities and social sciences. Most of these are in the reading room of humanities and social sciences, the second floor. The reading room of the American Studies Center (5th floor) also has many books on International Relations and American politics.  You can borrow approximately 20 books from the two libraries. Do not forget to bring your PKU student ID card when you visit the libraries. The PKU library also subscribes many databases and electronic journals. However, if you live off campus at PKU it is difficult to use them. The LSE e-library is also available for electronic resources. If you require further resources, the National Library of China is not far from campus.

Public lectures

As the most prestigious academic institution in China, PKU holds many lectures everyday. Most of the speakers are scholars, senior officials, and business elites. Some lectures are given in English by speakers from overseas. However, the PKU website does not have an English webpage with lectures information.

Housing in Beijing depends greatly on the needs and preferences of the individual. The two options available for international students are on campus residences and private residences.

The residences at Peking University offer several choices for international students and differing price ranges. The quality of life within the residence depends on the cost of the room or suite you occupy per day. Students have the option of living in three residential scenarios: 1, a single room attached to either a larger common area that includes a kitchen, sitting room, and bathroom with two other residents; 2, a single room attached to a smaller common room with a kitchen and bathroom with one other resident; or, 3, a twin room that has a shared bathroom and kitchen with an entire floor.

Students who decide to live on campus find that there are many advantages to living at Peking University. The Peking University residences are slightly cheaper than private residences. Students often say that living close to lecture halls and the library afford them sufficient time to study. It is easier to get involved with campus events and activities, societies, clubs, and sports. Finally, living on campus in international student housing gives students the opportunity to experience the most beautiful and famous university in China and immerse themselves in the mix of international students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.

Students who decide to live off campus find that they are closer to events and activities outside of campus, and gain a better perspective of what living in China is actually like. Beijing is increasingly becoming an international city and the foundation for future commerce, travel, and Chinese culture. Students can find fantastic apartments throughout the city that fit a student's budget.

Often times, these apartments are more spacious and contain many conveniences that on campus housing do not have. Most Peking University students live in Huaqingjiayuan-Wudaokou, a lively neighbourhood in the Haidan District. Most international students prefer Huaqingjiauan - Wudaokou because of its proximity to major subway stations and Peking University. Wudaokou is a short 30-minute walk from the West Gate of Peking University and taxis, and buses run back and forth from Wudaokou regularly. Rent runs tends to be around 3,000 - 4,000 RMB per month for a 1 person flat and 5,000-6,000 RMB for 2 to 3 person flats. If students are interested in living off campus, it would be best to consult the Time Out Beijing Website before coming to Beijing.

Another good website is The Beijinger . It is also suggested that if a student is not proficient in Mandarin, it would be best to have an interpreter to explain the terms of agreement associated with letting a private residence. The terms and conditions of renting an apartment may require detailed explanation as foreign students may not be familiar with Chinese contract law.

Social life and extra-curricular activities

Living in China opens a vast opportunity to experience the culture, interact with people, and travel throughout Asia. Previous LSE-PKU students have noted that the cohesion and interplay between students of international affairs and the rich international exposure they can receive has had a great influence on their lives while living in Beijing.

On a daily basis, students can engage in Chinese cultural traditions as well as the activities of their home country due to the mix of students and expatriates that call Beijing home. Peking University has many clubs and organizations that combine fun and personal growth. Clubs and organizations are a great way to make friends and practice Mandarin in real life situations.

Students of the program have been highly successful in obtaining internships, both paid and unpaid in business, multinational organizations, and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, students have used their time in Beijing to conduct personal research on development, poverty and the environment.

Travel within Asia is a preferred past time of students during holiday breaks. Popular destination points include: the Himalayas, the Silk Road, North and Southeast Asia, and many other destinations within China. In the words of one student: "It is a place of both cohesion and contradiction. It is a dynamic country that falls under one time zone, and yet every experience and interaction for me remains timeless."

The Wikitravel gives advice on food, nightlife and shopping at Wudaokou ( 五道口), which is an excellent area for bars and restaurants, and is right next to the PKU campus.

The  Beijinger is also a useful resource.

Beijing is home to many branches of the banks you may already use in your home countries. Deutchesbank, Citibank, and HSBC have several branches scattered around the city. This allows students to keep track of their spending while skipping out on the fees that would have accumulated with other card issuers.

There are branches of each of these banks within walking distance from campus. Other students recommend Bank of China as there is a branch right outside the southwest gate of campus and setting up an account is easy. A Bank of China account may have additional benefits when it comes to paying tuition.

Public transportation from Peking University to the city centre has never been problematic, but it surely brings one closer to Beijing's 15 million citizens. The Beijing subway has recently been expanded to accommodate the city's growing population and make the city more accessible for foreign visitors.

This is expansion includes a stop just outside of the Peking University campus (soon to be completed). The subway, however, may feel claustrophobic at times. To get away from this experience, taxis are an excellent alternative and in China they fit a student's budget.

Beijing International Airport is only an hour away from campus by taxi and has daily flights to nearly all destinations in the world. Beijing Daxing International Airport has been in operation since 2019.

This is a great advantage for students travelling back to their home countries or visiting other destinations around the world. That taxi fare from Peking University to the Airport will cost about 100 RMB.

China is known for it's vast cuisine. So much so that a common greeting in China is: "Have you eaten?" The cafeterias on campus serve a wide variety of food, not only from various parts of China, but also from many different countries around the world. One could quite easily enjoy a different cuisine every night of the week.

The on campus food tends to be rather inexpensive, but that could be said of most restaurants throughout China in general. In the neighbourhoods surrounding Peking University there are many restaurants to choose from and all at reasonable prices. Eating out in Beijing for students tends to be the norm rather than the exception due to how inexpensive it is.

The  Wikitravel website gives advice food, nightlife and shopping at Wudaokou ( 五道口), which is an excellent area for bars and restaurants, and is right next to the PKU campus.

Studying International Affairs at LSE

The LSE was founded in 1895 originally as an institute of higher education for graduate students. The Department of International History , where students will be based, reflects this tradition and takes its responsibility for graduate teaching and research supervision very seriously. We admit nearly as many masters students as undergraduates, with a critical mass of graduates usually numbering over 150 in a year. Consequently our graduates never feel on the margins of the department or an after-thought which often can be the case at some other London institutions geared more for undergraduate teaching. We have one of the most cosmopolitan graduate communities in London and for international history in the UK and it is therefore one of the most vibrant and dynamic. You will have use of our library , famous for being the best university library in London. In addition, we have an IT network and training facilities that are acknowledged to be leading the field.

LSE History rankings

The Department of International History has consistently performed well in the QS World University Rankings . In the QS World University History Subject Table for 2021, History at LSE ranked 5th overall in the world for the second year running, ahead of Columbia, Stanford, Berkeley and Princeton. In the UK and in  Europe, History at LSE continues to rank third, behind Oxford and Cambridge, but ahead of King's College London, UCL and Edinburgh.

Research in the Department

The department offers a number of established and well-respected taught programmes which give students a range of core and specialist topics, the latter enabling our staff to teach topics which form their current research projects (which also saves you money as you don't have to buy the book later on!). While on the subject of research, the department is divided into five research clusters covering a wide range of subjects taught in the Department. We have our own blog, LSE International History Blog , where students and non-LSE historians contribute historically-informed perspectives on contemporary affairs. We also have our own podcast, Our Histories , with each episode devoted to the research conducted by one of our faculty members.

LSE and departmental events

Graduate students in the Department of International History have a research seminar with guest speakers and there are guest lectures. We organise a weekend away at Cumberland Lodge , Great Windsor Park once a year. This is designed to enable graduates to get to know each other better and to develop their ideas about a particular topic. Additionally throughout the year, students can take advantage of the great LSE tradition of inviting famous (and infamous) figures from the world of politics, business, media and international affairs. Please see the Department's Public Lectures and Events for a good range of history events hosted by us during the academic year as well as the  LSE Public Lectures and Events . This helps make the LSE a particularly fertile and exciting place to be studying international history. There is an almost bewildering range of societies and clubs engaging with international politics, single issues, the 'third world', social justice problems or just dedicated to sport, music, dance and a whole range of pursuits which we lecturers haven't got a clue about. We highly recommend our students join the LSE Student Union History Society . We have a gym and squash courts on site and one of the largest student shops on campus. There is also a large student bookshop owned by Waterstone's selling new and used books.

We are very fortunate at the LSE in being so centrally located in the capital. We are in walking distance of the British Library, Covent Garden, the Royal Courts of Justice, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the West End theatres as well as Trafalgar Square, the Barbican, Buckingham Palace, River Thames and the London Eye. Much of our graduate accommodation is located in prime real-estate sites in central London. Our graduate students can take advantage of all the intellectual resources that this capital is home to, including the National Archives south of the river at Kew and the world's largest newspaper archive in North London. Not surprisingly our students are able to produce dissertations of the highest quality benefiting from such easy access to a range of primary sources and people willing to help.

Preliminary reading

General reading

• Antony Best, Jussi Hanhimaki, Joe Maiolo, and Kirsten Schulze,  International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond  (Routledge, 2014 3 rd  edition)

Subject specific recommendations

• Mark Mazower,  Dark Continent: Europe's Twentieth Century  (1999)
• Jeremy Friedman,  Shadow Cold War: The Sino-Soviet Competition for the Third World  (2015).
• Elizabeth Economy,  The Third Revolution: Xi Jinping and the New Chinese State  (2019).
• Hazel V Carby,  Imperial Intimacies: A Tale of Two Islands  (Verso 2019)
• Kristina Spohr,  Post Wall, Post Square, How Bush, Gorbachev, Kohl, and Deng Shaped the World after 1989  (YUP, 2020)
• O. A. Westad,  The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times  (2011)
• Desmond Dinan, ed,  Origins and Evolution of the European Union  (OUP, 2014) (for HY411)
• David van Reybrouck  Congo: The Epic History of a People  (2014 edn)
• Nelson Mandela,  Conversations with Myself  (2010)

Programme and admissions enquiries

With questions related to your application or the admissions process, please check our admissions frequently asked questions  page.

If you have any queries which are not answered on the website, please contact the department's Graduate Admissions Advisor .

Dr Anna Cant Assistant Professor in International History Email

Find out more about LSE

Discover more about being an LSE student - meet us in a city near you, visit our campus or experience LSE from home. 

Experience LSE from home

Webinars, videos, student blogs and student video diaries will help you gain an insight into what it's like to study at LSE for those that aren't able to make it to our campus.  Experience LSE from home . 

Come on a guided campus tour, attend an undergraduate open day, drop into our office or go on a self-guided tour.  Find out about opportunities to visit LSE . 

LSE visits you

Student Marketing, Recruitment and Study Abroad travels throughout the UK and around the world to meet with prospective students. We visit schools, attend education fairs and also hold Destination LSE events: pre-departure events for offer holders.  Find details on LSE's upcoming visits . 

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Home > Academics > International and National Dual Degrees > Dual degree with Peking University

Dual degree with Peking University

Two-Year Dual-Degree

Programme in English

France & China

Peking University at a glance

Peking University is a comprehensive and national key university. The campus, known as "Yan Yuan" (the garden of Yanï), is situated at Haidian District in the western suburb of Beijing, with a total area of 274 hectares. It stands near to the Yuanmingyuan Garden and the Summer Palace.

The university has effectively combined research on important scientific subjects with the training of personnel with a high level of specialized knowledge and professional skill as demanded by the country's socialist modernization. 

Peking University has become a center for teaching and research and a university of a new type, embracing diverse branches of learning such as basic and applied sciences, social sciences and the humanities, and sciences of medicine, management, and education. Its aim is to rank among the world's best universities in the future.

Peking University’s School of International Studies (SIS) is the first such school founded in China. It is an important teaching and research platform devoted to the training of specialized talents in international studies, international political economy and diplomacy. 

A high standard collaboration

The Sciences Po-PKU Dual Master’s Degree is a collaborative program on general international studies and is multidisciplinary by nature, covering political science, international political economy, and emerging subjects like energy and environment in international studies. It emphasizes multicultural perspectives on global security and developmental issues and provides a unique opportunity for students to study international affairs at Paris in Europe and Beijing in Asia.

The training stresses the links between public and private decision making on one side and their multiple determinants on the other side : (i) state of scientific and technical knowledge that govern evaluation processes, (ii) representations of social issues and positioning of the civil society, (iii) economic and legal tools for governance practices.

Programme Overview

The dual degree Sciences Po–Peking University is a two-year academic program. Students spend their first year studying at Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), Sciences Po, where they choose between the 7 specialised masters offered in international affairs. In the second year, students join the School of International Studies (SIS) at Peking University to study a Master of International Relations with an emphasis on security and development issues and a regional focus on China and the Asia-Pacific region.

Students remain enrolled in both institutions for both years; they will therefore benefit from all the students’ services (free access to library, student unions, career services…). 

Year 1 at Sciences Po

During the first year of the Dual Degree, students may join one of the  seven Master's programs  offered by the Paris School of International Affairs

Dual degree students have to complete the required courses related to their chosen Master at PSIA. In addition, during their first year at PSIA, dual degree students are encouraged to take one course within the concentration “Asian Studies” (unless they have already opted for such concentration).

For more information on the Dual Degree structure at PSIA please  visit the website .

Year 2 at Peking University

During the second year of the dual degree, students join the School of International Studies at Peking University (SIS-PKU).

At Peking University the students will write a thesis. 

According to Peking University’s requirement, the students should submit a dissertation and perform oral defense of the dissertation by the end of Semester 4. 

At Peking University, while Chinese students will take French language classes, international students will take Chinese language classes.

Final graduation will rely on the validation by the student of both years of the programme. Therefore, students will get a temporary graduation in July at Sciences Po, while the final graduation is upon the completion of all required studies at Peking University in the second year.

Application

All Candidates to the dual degree apply through Sciences Po’s website, regardless of nationality. For more information .

This application is specific to the dual degree program and is not transferable to other programs at either institution. Students who wish to be considered for admission to other Sciences Po or PKU programs must fulfil all relevant application requirements for those programs. 

Documents submitted for the application should be in English or accompanied by a translation. Also the referee form and the personal statement are to be completed in English.

Applicants do not have to be already enrolled at Sciences Po or PKU to apply to the dual degree. 

Eligibility

The dual degree is open to all candidates worldwide. 

Note: Applicants holding the nationality of the People's Republic of China (PRC), including students who are already studying at an overseas university (i.e. outside of China), must either have the recommendation eligibility to the SIS or pass the National Entrance Examination for Postgraduate students in China. For further information about the Examination and about the application process please contact Ms. Liu Lu. 

Applicants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan must meet the application eligibility of PKU Graduate Student . Besides applying online through Sciences Po’s website before January 15, 2023 , applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan also need to apply online through PKU’s website . For PKU online application, applicants need to indicate applying to this program in Chinese in both online and hard copy of application materials, as well as on the cover of application materials posted to designated office. Please contact Ms. Hu Jinzi at  [email protected]

For international applications, online pre-registration steps with PKU are needed after receiving the joint offer from the program. Applicants with offers need to fill out the registration form, make the registration fees and submit the online registration. A hard copy with photos will be needed to send to PKU by post. Detailed information will be sent to admitted students. 

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Students must pay the tuition fees applicable in their host institution (Sciences Po for Year 1 and Peking University for Year 2).

For more information on tuition fees:

• Tuition fees at Sciences Po
• For English information on the payment of the tuition fees (currency and procedure), please check with Ms. Hu Jinzi

For more information on financial aid:

• Financial aid at Sciences Po
• Peking University offers 1 scholarship to one international student for the year 2. For further information, please check with Ms. Hu Jinzi
• During the first year the international students can also apply to the Chinese Government Scholarship program for Year 2. Information is provided by the Chinese Scholarship Council and the Chinese Embassy of the student’s country of origin.

Degree Conferral

Upon successful completion of studies at both institutions, students will be conferred a Master degree from Sciences Po and a Master Degree of Law from PKU.

Graduates from the program have been employed all over the world in a wide variety of international organizations, multinational corporations, public entities, and the media sector. Many students have also progressed to doctoral research.

Testimonials from our Graduates

• Inès, Wealth Management Associate, Hexagone Capital, Shangaï
• Boyun, Investment Officer, Asian Investment Infrastructure Bank

At Sciences Po:

• For questions regarding admission procedures (application, scholarship, requirements, etc.)
• For further queries, please contact  Huayin Liu - Sciences Po Representatives in China or [email protected]
• PSIA: please contact the academic advisor for the Master you are applying to and/or  Catarina Laranjeira , Assistant Dean for Admissions, Paris School of International Affairs

Peking University :

• Ms. Hu Jinzi at School of International Studies, Peking University, 100871 Beijing China
• Ph.: 8610-6275-9615 (Tel) 
• Fax: 8610-6275-8954 (Fax)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sis.pku.edu.cn
• http://www.sis.pku.edu.cn/InternationalExchange85/InternationalAdmissions56/64389.htm

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