Programme Structure
China’s growing influence on the international stage has made its role in global governance increasingly important. China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative has not only reshaped the region’s economic and trade routes but also fostered cooperation and exchanges between different countries. On the other hand, entering the post-pandemic era, the changing global geopolitical tensions and the national development plans of China provide another set of opportunities and challenges for the country. The Master of China and Regional Development Studies (CRDS) programme at Lingnan University aims to provide students with knowledge in various aspects of the relationship between China and Asian and African countries as well as a thorough understanding of both the country’s internal and external affairs and to help them to excel in this field of study and to find multi-dimensional career opportunities. Students can choose from four specialisations:
Master of China and Regional Development Studies (China-Africa Studies, CAS)
Master of China and Regional Development Studies (China and East Asia Studies, CES)
Master of China and Regional Development Studies (Greater Bay Area Studies, GBAS)
Master of China and Regional Development Studies (for those who prefer not to specialise in either CAS, CES or GBAS)
List of Courses for AY2026/27 Intake
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
| CRS 501 | China and Regional Studies: Politics, Policy, and International Development | 3 |
| CRS 516 | Theories and Approaches of International Relations: From Global to China | 3 |
| CRS 517 | Theories and Approaches of Comparative Politics: From Global to China | 3 |
| CRS 503 | Introduction to China-Africa Studies | 3 |
| CRS 504 | Global Connections and Cultural Diversity in Africa-China Relations | 3 |
| CRS 505 | International Symposium on Sino-African Studies | 3 |
| CRS 506 | China-Africa Relations: Past and Present | 3 |
| CRS 502 | Managing Globalisation: China’s Responses | 3 |
| CRS 508 | Social Development and Policy Change in Asia | 3 |
| CRS 510 | Global Finance and East Asia | 3 |
| CRS 507 | China’s Regional Development: Comparative Perspectives | 3 |
| CRS 513 | Private Enterprises in the Greater Bay Area | 3 |
| CRS 514 | Understanding the Greater Bay Area in South China: Historical, Cultural, Policy and System Perspectives | 3 |
| CRS 515 | Regional Policy Studies and Visit in the Greater Bay Area | 3 |
| CRS 509 | China and Regional Studies Project | 3 |
| CRS 511 | The Dragon and the Elephant: Comparative Perspectives on China and India | 3 |
| CRS 512 | Evolution of Early Childhood Education in China and the World | 3 |
| MIH611 | Generative AI in Education: Applications and Challenges | 3 |
*For more details, please refer to the programme leaflet.
Normal and Maximum Duration of Study
| Mode of Study | Minimum Study Period | Maximum Study Period |
| Full-Time | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Part-Time | 2 Years | 4 Years |
Medium of Instruction
All classes will be conducted in English and all written work by students should be submitted in English.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete 8 courses and obtain a minimum of 24 credits
- Achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.67
- Fulfil the University exit requirement on English language competency, if applicable; and
- Fulfil all programme and university requirements for graduation.
A student who fulfils all the requirements for graduation shall be awarded a Master of China and Regional Development Studies degree with one of the following classifications:
Classification Minimum Cumulative G.P.A. Distinction 3.50 Pass 2.67 - Students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in China and Regional Development Studies if they complete any four courses or more with a minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.33 and do not continue in the programme. Acceptance of an intermediate award implies an intention not to complete the final award.