Programme Introduction

Master of China and Regional Development Studies (CRDS) is an advanced comparative area study which aims to equip students with the knowledge and research skills to examine the multifaceted dimensions of theoretical and empirical debates surrounding China's responses to globalization and its engagements with African countries as well as its neighboring countries in the Asia and Pacific region.

Students enrolling in the CRDS programme can select one of the current three areas of concentration or specialization, namely, China-Africa Studies (CAS), China and East Asia Studies (CES) and Greater Bay Area Studies (GBAS). However, students can also opt for no specialization by taking four elective courses from the three concentration areas.

The CRDS program is designed to offer opportunities for those aspiring to understand China's relations with other regions and pursue careers in this sub-field of international relations.

Aims of the CRDS

Introduce students to theoretical perspectives on China's regional and global engagements in East Asia and Africa.
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.
Introduce students to methodological and analytical techniques to conduct and disseminate comparative research on China-Africa relations and China and East Asia Relations; and
Equip students with knowledge of the sociocultural dynamics of China's relations with African countries and its neighbours in East Asia.

Intended Learning Outcomes of the CRDS

Graduates from the CRDS programme will be able to:

Explain the theories underpinning China's relations with East Asia and African countries, and analyze its approaches and influence across political, economic, technological, territorial, and security domains
Critically synthesise and evaluate media or official reports, governmental and non-governmental policy statements, and academic literature on foreign policy and involving China and East Asian countries and China and Africa relations;Explain the theories underpinning China's relations with East Asia and African countries, and analyze its approaches and influence across political, economic, technological, territorial, and security domains
Appraise the role and implications of sociocultural practices on China's relations with nations in East Asia and Africa; Use appropriate methods to research China's relations with Africa and East Asian countries.