Confucian Classical Studies (Full-time) (MA)
The Confucian Classical Studies MA programme offers students a chance to explore the rich traditions of ancient Chinese texts and ideas. This course dives into the heart of China’s cultural and intellectual past, focusing on the study of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. These ancient beliefs still influence modern-day discussions about well-being, morality, and how we live together in society.
Students on this programme will develop skills in textual studies, where they will read and interpret important works from China’s past. Learning ancient Chinese languages will be a key part of this, allowing students to engage with the original writings. These studies provide a deep understanding of ancient religions and Chinese philosophy, helping students to think about how ancient ideas about life, morality, and society can still matter today.
The course is part of the Liberal Arts, which means it encourages open-minded thinking and critical thinking. Students will explore how ideas from different cultures and belief systems can work together, promoting interfaith dialogue and the sharing of multicultural values. This programme offers an exciting chance to reflect on personal beliefs, spirituality, and the Chinese moral codes that shaped society for centuries.
The aim of the programme is not only academic but also practical. By learning translation and interpretationskills, students will help to keep alive the traditions of Chinese culture and heritage. This aspect of cultural preservation ensures that these ancient teachings continue to have relevance in today¡¯s world. Through their studies, students will also gain a clear understanding of the philosophy of Ancient China, which reflects on the balance between individuals and society, as well as the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Overall, this programme prepares students for a wide range of opportunities. Whether pursuing further academic research or teaching, the Confucian Classical Studies MA equips students with knowledge that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues. It¡¯s a unique journey into the past that offers valuable insights for the present and the future.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy for learning and teaching on the Confucian Classical Studies programme centres on deep engagement with Classical Chinese texts, enhancing critical thinking, and developing advanced skills in textual analysis. Through structured modules and independent research, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and political values embedded in Confucianism and ancient Chinese literature.
Year 1
In the first year, students will focus on the foundational skills necessary for studying Classical Chinese texts. Modules will cover textual criticism, commentary, and methodologies of textual analysis, providing a framework for understanding Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Key texts such as the I Ching, The Book of History and the Three Annals of Spring and Autumn will be explored, alongside the historical impact of these works on Chinese philosophy and governance.
Year 2
The second year deepens engagement with more complex Confucian texts, including The Four Books and governing principles of Han. Students will also explore how Confucianism has been received in the West, developing skills in translation and interpretation through the study of Classical Chinese texts in English. This year prepares students to apply critical methodologies to Confucian writings, developing expertise in cultural preservation and philosophical analysis.
Students will also undertake a dissertation, where they will apply their research skills to produce a detailed critical commentary on a selected Classical Chinese text. This independent project will allow them to demonstrate their deep understanding of Chinese culture and heritage, showcasing their ability to engage critically with ancient Chinese languages and key Confucian principles
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
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(60 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You¡¯ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ¡®Overall Positivity¡¯ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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The bilingual nature of the programme requires a degree of competency in both Chinese and English.
2:2 honours?degree??
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or UWTSD recognised?equivalent.?
Admissions Advice and?Support??
For specific advice and support you can?contact our enquiries team?for more information about entry?requirements.??
English language?requirements??If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests.?We also accept other?English language tests.??
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our?English Language Requirements?and pre-sessional English Language?Courses.?
Visa and funding?requirements??
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a?visa.??
For courses of more than six months¡¯ duration you will require a Student?visa.??
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa?sponsorship.???
For full information read our?visa application and guides.????
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online?study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.??
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.?
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.??
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities?There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.??
Opportunities to Learn Welsh?
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.???
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The MA in Confucian Classical Studies will have a special appeal to students who wish to study ancient Chinese texts, develop a rich and deep knowledge of traditional Chinese Classical texts, and apply this knowledge to their own lives and others.
Students will have the opportunity to learn from the best in the subject and to study using the unique pedagogic approach derived from the ¡®Royal Great Learning¡¯ (»Ê¼ÒÌ«ŒW) educational model, which relies upon intensive textual study and reflection.
Students will study at the Academy of Sinology at UWTSD, a newly established Academy in Lampeter which focuses upon training for Sage teachers, who through example will have a real impact on society via their own daily moral practices and teaching activities.
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Possible employment roles for graduates from this programme include:
- teachers and educators in a range of settings in both China and the UK
- academic researchers in traditional texts and ancient Chinese texts
- translation work
- educational administration and policy
- ethical business and commercial ventures
- community work and initiatives
- voluntary and travel industries
- heritage conservation; archive and museum work
- corporate and personal coaches/trainers in ancient Chinese ¡®wisdom¡¯ and life skills
The expected employability skills gained by graduates from these programmes are advanced information handling and communication skills; high levels of self and project management; the practical application of high-level skills in textual analysis and interpretation.