Program Overview

MSc China in Comparative Perspective

The MSc China in Comparative Perspective programme is designed to introduce students to comparative social-science frameworks, developing their knowledge of China and the contemporary world. This programme brings together LSE's considerable multi-disciplinary expertise on China, drawing on a range of social science disciplines.

Introduction

This programme will introduce you to comparative social-science frameworks, developing your knowledge of China and the contemporary world. It brings together LSE's considerable multi-disciplinary expertise on China, drawing on a range of social science disciplines. You'll compare Chinese politics, history, society, and culture, while developing key skills such as comparative theory, critical thinking, self-directed learning, and professional communication.

Preliminary Readings

• Candea, Matei 2019. Comparison in Anthropology: The Impossible Method. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Hans Steinmüller and Stephan Feutchtwang 2017. China in Comparative Perspective. World Scientific Europe.
• Fei Xiaotong 1992 [1948]. From the Soil, the Foundations of Chinese Society: A Translation of Fei Xiaotong's Xiangtu Zhongguo, with an Introduction and Epilogue, transl. Gary Hamilton and Wang Zheng, Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Goody, Jack 2006. The Theft of History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Harrison, Henrietta 2001. China (Inventing the Nation). London: Arnold.
• Stockman, Norman 2000. Understanding Chinese Society. Cambridge: Polity.
• Spence, Jonathan D. 1991. The search for modern China. New York: Norton.
• Weber, Max 1951. The Religion of China: Confucianism and Taoism, transl. Hans H. Gerth, New York: The Free Press.
• Yan Yunxiang 2003. Private Life under Socialism. Love, Intimacy, and Family Change in a Chinese Village. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
• Zarrow, Peter 2005. China in War and Revolution,. London: Routledge.

Key Information

Study Mode / Programme Availability

• Home full-time students (12 months) Open
• Home part-time students (24 months) Open
• Overseas full-time students (12 months) Open

Academic Year

2026/27

Start Date

28 September 2026

Location

Houghton Street, London

Application Deadline

None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a social science.
• English language requirements: Higher.

Programme Content

Year 1

• The compulsory course is complemented by an optional full unit course, or two half units, from a selection in anthropology, economic history, government, international relations, and social policy.
• A further optional full unit course, or two half units, can be chosen from a broader range, many of them including China and comparisons.
• Following examinations in these three units in June, you'll write a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.
• AN447: One unit, China in Comparative Perspective
• AN498: One unit, Dissertation- MSc China in Comparative Perspective
• Courses to the value of two units from a range of options

Why Study with Us

• Discover more about our students and department.
• Student stories:
  • George Iliev, LSE alumnus, MSc China in Comparative Perspective, 2008
  • Paul Indinger, LSE alumnus, MSc China in Comparative Perspective, 2014
  • John Shen, LSE alumnus, MSc China in Comparative Perspective, 2018
  • Veronica Wang, LSE alumna, MSc China in Comparative Perspective, 2018
  • Runhua Zhao, LSE alumna, MSc China in Comparative Perspective, 2016
• Meet the department: The Department of Anthropology is world-leading and internationally renowned – rated the top anthropology department in London and second in the UK.

Your Application

• We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis.
• There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £18,300
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,400
• 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.
• Scholarships, bursaries, and loans: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Scheduled teaching normally includes three hours of lectures and three hours of seminars per week, supplemented by three academic tutorials per term in groups of three to four students.
• 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.
• Academic support: You'll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Graduate Destinations

• The programme is good preparation for research work in an academic discipline, but is also appropriate for those with career interests related to China and East Asia, for example, in business, culture, or government.
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Consultancy
  • Information, Digital Technology and Data
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Recruitment and Employment Activities

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