Institute for Chinese Studies
The Institute for Chinese Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin is one of the largest scientific centers for China-related research in Germany. Our teaching and research topics focus on modern and contemporary China. In various courses, students acquire profound knowledge regarding China's politics, economy, society and history, and receive an excellent training in modern Chinese language.
Excellent and interdisciplinary research: The Institute for Chinese Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin specializes in social and economic research and history. The research areas at the institute are as follows:
- Politics and economy
- History
- Digital China
- Society
- Chinese Linguistics and Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL)
- Literature and visual culture
- Religion
- Environment
Research-oriented and innovative teaching: The Institute attaches great importance to connect research and teaching. Students receive comprehensive as well as China-specific theoretical and methodological training essential to the future China expert. Teachers undergo continuous staff development at the Competence Center for Higher Education Didactics at Freie Universität Berlin. Due to innovative teaching methods and research-oriented teaching, students benefit directly from the diversity and quality of research carried out by the Institute's scholars.
International exchange and networks: The Institute for Chinese Studies cooperates with renowned universities and research institutes in Germany and abroad. Places for short- and long-term stays at China’s most prestigious universities are regularly available to our students, some of which are equipped with scholarships. As one of its six strategic partner universities, Freie Universität Berlin maintains a particularly close relationship with Peking University.
Location Berlin: The city of Berlin is extremely attractive for students in Chinese Studies. Due to numerous research centers, political institutions, think tanks, start-ups, consulting agencies, museums, media companies and other company branches, there are many opportunities for internships and initial professional experiences for young China scholars.