The MSc China in Comparative Perspective programme brings together LSE’s considerable multi-disciplinary expertise on China. The programme is based in the Department of Anthropology but draws on a range of social science disciplines. This enables our students to examine China’s politics, international relations, economic history, society and culture from a variety of perspectives.

The programme will help you to understand China in a comparative and historical framework. You’ll compare and contrast China with India, countries of modern Europe as well as other appropriate comparator countries.

The programme is flexible and enables you to shape your studies to your own needs and interests. All students will take our China in Comparative Perspective course. This course covers topics such as China's imperial bureaucracy, Chinese religion and the great divergence debate. It also explores current issues such as urban life, the family, the rule of law, and contentious politics.

You’ll be able to choose form a wide range of optional courses that suit your personal academic interests. Our list of optional courses include the disciplines of anthropology, economic history, government, international relations, and social policy. Additionally, you will write a dissertation on a comparative topic of your choice: in previous years, students have written about topics ranging from regional policy, to socialist governance, and linguistic nationalism.

This programme is an ideal preparation if you have career interests related to China in business, government, or cultural exchange. It also provides an excellent foundation for further research. Upon completion, our students will be equipped for PhD level study in anthropology, economic history, government, international relations or social policy.

The Department of Anthropology at LSE offers you a dynamic and engaged research culture. We have a strong commitment to teaching and to promoting an inclusive environment. We combine innovative research in the unfolding contemporary world with maintenance of the core anthropological traditions. The Department is decidedly international and our students - who have diverse academic backgrounds - come from all over the world.  

The Department runs a large number of special events and the weekly research seminar on anthropological theory. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend all departmental seminars and events.