The programme focuses on studying and researching the ancient religions, languages and great texts of China.
Students will study the ‘ancient wisdom’ of China, which is of great cultural significance and is increasingly seen as relevant to contemporary concerns, such as personal and societal well-being and sustainability.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
This Programme will focus on advanced-level engagement with Classical Chinese Confucian texts and the spiritual, cultural and political values and practices that they embody.
Modules will focus on enhancing understanding of Classical Chinese and methodologies such as textual criticism, commentary, and textual analysis.
This will be followed by modules which are thematically organised around the study of key texts from within The Complete Library of the Four Branches Literature and The Essence Encyclopedia of the Four Branches of Literature. Textual study modules are thematically focused and will consider issues such as the origins and content of key texts, and the history of and developments in translation and commentary.
Research Methodology for the Study of Sinology (SICH7023) will focus on enhancing the study of Sinology and the understanding of Classical Chinese language and methodologies such as textual criticism, commentary, and textual analysis.
Confucian Classics Studies (SICH7021) will explore some of the main texts of Confucianism, and interpretations of the philosophy and the cultural impact of these texts, including The Book of I Ching, The Book of History and Three Annals of Spring and Autumn.
Interpretation of The Four Books (SICH7028) will focus on the Great Learning, the Doctrine of the Mean, the Confucian Analects, and the Book of Mencius. Readings from the Governing Principles of Ancient China (SICH7029) will focus on the Exoteric traditions of the Han version of the Songs, the Sayings of Confucius and his disciples, the Six Secret Strategic Teachings, an Essay on Government by Liu Yi, Yangzi Book on Government and On the Important List of Government.
Readings from The Compilation of Books and Writings on the Important Governing Principles (SICH7019) will focus on key Confucian texts from the Compilation including, for example, Luxuriant Dew of the Spring and Autumn Annals and The Book of Discussion on Legalism.
An additional module, namely, Classical Chinese Texts in English (SICH7004), enables students to engage in a detailed study of the reception of Confucianism in the West and particularly in the English-speaking world, and to develop translation, annotation and commentary skills on Classical Chinese texts in English.
Building on the taught part of the Programme, the Dissertation (SICH7022) element allows students to complete a detailed critical commentary of a Classical Chinese text.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
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 assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Lampeter Accommodation
Our Lampeter accommodation is based on our Lampeter Campus, meaning you are never far from what is happening on campus. We have a variety of different options open to our students which will suit all budgets.
Further information
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Each application will be considered on its own merit and based upon an interview with relevant teaching staff within the University and the Academy of Sinology.
The bilingual nature of the programme requires a degree of competency in both Chinese and English.
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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’ (皇家太學) 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.