Chinese Politics and Diplomacy (CPD)

School of International Relations and Public Affairs

Fudan University, China

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Fudan University, situated in Shanghai—China’s most vibrant and international metropolis—is a world-class comprehensive university. In the QS World University Rankings (2025), Fudan is ranked 39th globally, reflecting its academic excellence and international reputation. The School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) stands as a leading institution in the fields of politics and public affairs. Its Politics discipline is ranked 20^th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025), highlighting SIRPA’s global influence and academic distinction.

Chinese Politics and Diplomacy (CPD) is a two-year international master program that prepares students with theoretical toolkits, practical knowledge and analytical capacity of Chinese politics and international relations. Taught by established professors and seasoned policy experts with global vision, the program distinguishes itself by its wide array of courses, unique academic atmosphere and first-hand observation of Chinese politics and policies. Students are expected to leave the program with considerable exposure to Chinese state institutions, political culture and diplomatic practices. Upon graduation, they can pursue further training in prestigious academic programs, as well as advance careers in a wide range of public and private institutions around the globe, including national governments, international organizations, transnational corporations, think-tanks and NGOs.

Starting from 2005, CPD has established itself as one of the most prestigious English-taught graduate-level programs both at home and aboard. We accept both degree and non-degree students on a competitive basis. Throughout the decade, hundreds of international students have graduated from CPD program, who are now working as diplomats, government officials, private managers and other professionals. Besides, the program also offers a great opportunity for exchange or non-degree students to experience Chinese culture and politics.

CURRICULUM

Public Courses (10 credits required)

Political Development in Modern China (3 credits)

Chinese Society: Past and Present (3 credits)

Chinese Language I (2 credits)

Chinese Language II (2 credits)

Required Courses (12 credits required)

Research Methods for Political Science (3 credits)

Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy (3 credits)

International Politics and Theories (3 credits)

Chinese Public Administration (3 credits)

Elective Courses (12 Credits required)

Comparative Politics (3 credits)

Cross-culture Communication (2 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Global Environmental Governance (2 credits)

International Political Economy (3 credits)

International Relations in East Asia (2 credits)

Studies of China’s Foreign and Security Policies (2 credits)

China-EU Relations (3 credits)

Sino-Russian Relations and Russian Politics (3 credits)

Sino-American Relations and American Politics (3 credits)

China's Foreign Economic Policies (2 credits)

Party Politics in the Developing World (2 credits)

Political Culture and Public Opinion in Contemporary China (2 credits)

Thesis Writing (2 credits)

Risk Management in Development Process (2 credits)

Global governance (2 credits)

A Comparative Perspective on International Regions (2 credits)

Comparative East Asia Politics (2 credits)

Foreign Policy Analysis (2 credits)

Note: Although not a required course, Thesis Writing is strongly recommended for CPD students.

Degree and Requirements

1) The standard duration of the program is 2 years, students who exceed the required study period must complete the relevant university regulations for extension procedures.

2) Fulfill all curriculum requirements with passing grades.

3) Complete practical training as specified in the program.

4) To apply for the dissertation defense, students must have completed the required credits, with all courses passed and an average GPA of at least 2.5 for degree courses.

5) Complete the dissertation and pass the defense.

6) Meet all other graduation and degree requirements set by the university

APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

The program admits both degree and non-degree students.

For application procedures, please refer to the website of International Students Office of Fudan University http://iso.fudan.edu.cn/

Application Procedure

1. Log into the website (https://istudent.fudan.edu.cn/apply/#/user/login) to register and complete the application form online, upload the application documents and submit the application.

2. Pay application fee RMB 800 (Degree) online after preliminary review. Afterwards any application information cannot be modified.

Application documents should include:

Application documents:

For Degree students

(1) One original application form with the applicant’s signature and photo.

(2) One official copy of diploma from each previous college-level degree program or proof of impending graduation (for applicants in their final year of study).

(3) One official copy of transcript for each previous college-level degree program.

(4) Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member of your previous academic program (applicants who have submitted the electronic recommendation letters online should also submit originals of both two recommendation letters).

(5) Resume.

(6) Statement of purpose. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose written in English, no longer than 1,000 words, addressing the following: Preparation for pursuing the master’s program; Your future career plans; Reasons for choosing the CPD program at SIRPA; The statement must be written clearly in English and remain strictly within the word limit.

(7) Writing sample (approximately 2000 words). It can be your previous research (published or unpublished) or your future research plan, which is to show your ability of academic writing.

(8) Copy of valid passport identification page, and it should be an ordinary passport and be valid until Mar. 1st, 2027.

(9) Evidence of English language proficiency. Applicants whose native language is not English must meet one of the following English proficiency criteria:

Otherwise they should have received a bachelor's or postgraduate degree from an institution in which the official language of instruction is English and he or she was enrolled in that school for at least two years.

For non-degree students, please consult the International Exchange and Cooperation Office of SIRPA(sirpa_io@fudan.edu.cn).

Application cycles:

The CPD program offers 2 application cycles annually to accommodate applicants’ diverse preparation schedules. Applicants can submit their documents within the time frame listed below. Applicants who wish to apply for scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit their applications in the first cycle.

Degree students are admitted for fall semester only.

Non-degree students are usually admitted for both fall and spring semesters.

TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIP

Tuition

Foreign Degree student: 100,000 RMB per year (200,000 RMB for two years)

Scholarship

For students supported by Chinese government scholarship, the tuition will be waived.

Notes:

1. The applicant should apply online (https://istudent.fudan.edu.cn/apply/#/user/login) as a self-support student first.

2. Application documents for scholarship can be submitted together with admission documents.

3. First get acceptance from the University, then an applicant may have the opportunity to get the scholarship.

SIRPA provide financial support for students to participate in international academic conferences and other activities, subject to SIRPA's relevant funding policies.

Accommodation at Fudan Campus

An on-campus International Students Dormitory is available. For fee-related questions, please check the website of International Student Office for further information: http://iso.fudan.edu.cn

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program Director

Dr. Yaning Zhang (he/him)

Email: yaning_zhang@fudan.edu.cn

Address: 326 Wenke Building, 220 Handan Rd., Shanghai, China 200433

Program Website:

https://sirpa-en.fudan.edu.cn/Program/Degree_Program/MCPD_Program.htm

International Exchange and Cooperation Office of SIRPA

Email: sirpa_io@fudan.edu.cn

Tel: +86-21-55665488

Address: Room 610, Wenke Building, 220 Handan Rd., Shanghai, China 200433

Website: https://sirpa-en.fudan.edu.cn/

Please see more info provided by International Students Office (ISO), Fudan University on: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/.