Welcome to the Master of China and Regional Development Studies (CRDS) Programme

China’s influence in the political and economic affairs in the Asia Pacific region as a whole has been notable. For instance, China's trademark 'One Belt, One Road Initiative' is physically connecting almost the entire Asia Pacific Region to parts of Europe and Africa with the goal of boosting trade. Also, the recent China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)—the world's largest free-trade agreement in terms of GDP signed in November 2020 is another signal of China's growing influence in the region. These policies and others have ensured that China remains a leading figure in a region which has achieved massive economic growth and global prominence. China's footprint is now prominent in numerous sectors of the economies of many other Asia Pacific countries, particularly in terms of infrastructure.

 

Students of CRDS can choose from four concentration areas (i.e. specialisation), namely:

1. Master of China and Regional Development Studies (China-Africa Studies, CAS), or
2. Master of China and Regional Development Studies (China and East Asia Studies, CES) or
3. Master of China and Regional Development Studies (Greater Bay Area Studies, GBAS) or
4. Master of China and Regional Development Studies  (for those who prefer not to specialise in either CAS, CES or GBAS)

 

Aims

The CRDS shall equip students with theoretical and empirical knowledge of political economy and socio-cultural dimensions of the relations between China and African nations, China's relations with countries in the East Asia region, as well as the internal and external relationships of the Greater Bay Area. Primarily, the CRDS aims to:

1. Introduce students to theoretical perspectives on China's regional and global engagements in East Asia and Africa;

2. Equip students with in-depth knowledge to critically analyse China's global and regional political, security, technological and economic relations in East Asia and Africa;

3. Introduce students to methodological and analytical techniques to conduct and disseminate comparative research on China-Africa relations and China and East Asia Relations; 

4. Equip students with knowledge of the sociocultural dynamics of China's relations with African countries and its neighbours in East Asia.

 

Key features of the CRDS

1. An interdisciplinary approach: CRDS includes courses and topics from disciplines such as Political Science, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Economics, and Urban Studies.
2. International teaching team: CRDS courses are delivered by world-class scholars affiliated with Lingnan University and its partners globally with vast experience in China, East Asia and African Studies.
3. Experiential learning: Students will have opportunities for field visits and participate in international conferences and seminars to expose them to current research. CRDS students will also have the opportunity to participate in international student exchange programmes (e.g., summer school at the University of Oxford).
4. Flexibility in programme curriculum: Students can choose a specialisation in CAS, CES, GBAS or even decide to enrol in courses from different CRDS concentrations depending on their interest. Applicants can opt for a full-time mode of study.

 

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