History of Art and Chinese Studies MA (Hons)

You will study History of Art 1, exploring the relationship between art, power and belief.

The first part of the course addresses developments in European art from the rise of Christianity, through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, concluding with the religious upheavals of the early modern period.

The second part moves away from the Eurocentric focus of Western art to consider the wider world of visual culture, and its diverse geographies and intercultural relations.

You will also study the Chinese language:

• If you are a beginner, you will study Chinese 1, an introduction to modern spoken and written Chinese.
• If you already have some knowledge of the Chinese language, you may be eligible to enrol in a more advanced course: Chinese 2 (upper beginner) or Chinese 3 (intermediate).

We will help place you in the right course for you.

You will complete your Year 1 studies with courses that explore modern East Asian history, or literature and film in modern China. This will enable you to either:

• learn about China's changing relationship with Japan and Korea
• develop an understanding of 20th century China through two of its chief creative modes of expression

You will study History of Art 2, which begins with the 18th century and continues to the present day.

This course explores the rise of some of the art movements that often define art history as a subject, as well as the challenges these style labels now pose.

In History of Art 2, art is shown to be at the forefront of national, political and industrial change. The course concludes with the effects of globalisation and radical new conceptions of art that are current in today's world.

In your language classes, you will continue to learn modern standard Chinese and explore Chinese culture.

When choosing further courses, you can opt to:

• study pre-modern East Asian history, society and culture
• learn classical Chinese and gain research skills in Chinese Studies
• explore East Asian youth culture

You will spend Year 3 abroad, either in mainland China or Taiwan, turning classroom learning into living engagement with Chinese and East Asian culture.

This is when you will really deepen your knowledge of Chinese by speaking it daily. Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.

Coursework while abroad 

You will study at an institution of higher education in mainland China or Taiwan. This immersive learning environment will strengthen your language and cross-cultural communication skills.

In addition to the work you do for your host institution, you will also complete work for both history of art and Chinese studies.

History of art

You will write at least one independent research project on analysing art history. You will be supported by access to readings, recorded lectures and supervision by a member of staff via email and/or online meetings.

Chinese

If you intend to write your dissertation in Chinese studies in Year 4, you will begin work on your detailed proposal. You will choose your topic, and identify and evaluate the research materials you will use. These will include primary and secondary texts, some of which will be in the Chinese language.

Keeping in touch

While you are studying abroad, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.

The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your year abroad. Each language also has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.

Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:

• Student Wellbeing Service
• Student Counselling
• Student Disability and Learning Support
• University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)

Wellbeing and safety

Your wellbeing and safety abroad are our priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted (for example, following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) we will offer you alternative means of engaging with history of art and Chinese studies, enabling you to meet your learning outcomes, and preparing you for your final year.

You will choose from a wide range of specialist history of art and architectural history courses. These further your area of specialisation and develop your skills. 

You will also continue to study Chinese language, where you will focus on: 

• developing advanced skills in speaking, reading and writing 
• building on your existing translation skills

Alongside the Chinese language, you will be able to choose courses on Chinese and East Asian: 

• film and literature
• politics
• modern and pre-modern history
• contemporary society

You will write a dissertation in either history of art or Chinese studies.

This is a 10,000-word piece of original research on a topic of your choice. With guidance from a teaching staff member, you can use your dissertation: 

• to refine interests you develop from Years 1 to 3
• or, as a springboard for something completely new