MSc China in Comparative Perspective

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.

Based in the Department of Anthropology, this programme enables you to tailor your studies to fit your areas of interests. You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of topics, and take courses across various LSE departments, including anthropology; economic history; government; international relations; and social policy. You’ll also write a 10,000-word dissertation on an approved topic of your choice.

As a world-leading institution in the social sciences, the School offers a dynamic and engaging research culture with a strong commitment to teaching and promoting an inclusive environment. You’ll benefit from the insights and expertise of our faculty, who carry out innovative research on the core challenges of today’s world.

The Department of Anthropology is very sociable and students, professors, and fellows often meet outside of the classroom.

Studying the MSc China in Comparative Perspective is ideal if you have career interests related to China in business, government, or cultural exchange. It also provides an excellent foundation for further research in the social sciences.

• 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 1949-1999. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.
• Zarrow, Peter 2005. China in War and Revolution, 1895-1949. London: Routledge.

You might also be interested in watching some videos selected by the department to get a better understanding of the topics covered by the programme:

• LSE Research in Mandarin: The Anthropology of China
• The Crisis of Global Modernity: Asian Traditions and a Sustainable Future
• Dr. Hans Steinmüller: The Impact of the Changing Countryside on the Chinese Middle Class
• Stephen Feuchtwang- Filial obligation and ancestor worship today

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.

The Department of Anthropology is world-leading and internationally renowned – rated the top anthropology department in the UK (Good University Guide 2024).

Our work is rooted in ethnographic research: we explore how different societies and communities work. We ask big questions about what people have in common and what makes us different – challenging traditional assumptions and ideas.

Anthropology has been taught at LSE since 1904. The department rose to prominence under Malinowski – the founder of British social anthropology. Many of the leading figures in the field have taught and/or studied at LSE. Today, we strive to work in the best radical traditions of the discipline while constantly pushing our thinking in new directions.

The department offers a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities, including a single honours degree in Social Anthropology and a joint undergraduate Anthropology and Law programme.

We have a dynamic and active research community. Long-term anthropological fieldwork is a key strength of our department. Most staff are involved in ongoing field research, in both well-established and emerging fields. Our academics also work at the intersections with other disciplines, including history, cognitive psychology and religious studies.

The department has strong international links. Leading scholars from around the world come to LSE as visiting academics. Postdoctoral fellows and PhD students also make important contributions to the department’s research.

We’re proud to welcome students from all over the world and diverse academic backgrounds to our vibrant, welcoming and inclusive department.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Department of Anthropology

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

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. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is not assessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. You are required to write a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words on an approved topic of your own choice, which is submitted in late August. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

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. Graduates of this programme have chosen a variety of careers, including as analysts, consultants, journalists, and government officials.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.