Beijing Language and Culture University / Ionian University
CHASE Joint PhD Program "Cultural Heritage studies, in Sinology and Chinese Studies, and in Translation and Interpreting Studies" 

General structure and Enrollment

Students are generally admitted based on their Master’s degree and are enrolled as PhD students for a minimum of three years before you hand in your PhD thesis. Each academic semester the PhD students have to write a progress report on their work. 

The program plans to enroll 10 students, both domestic and international, in 2025.

About the Program

The Joint PhD Program in Cultural Heritage Studies, Sinology and Chinese Studies, and Translation and Interpreting Studies aims to conduct interdisciplinary research on world cultural heritage protection and sustainability through social science research methods from the perspectives of linguistics and communication studies. It focuses on the current challenges and future threats to tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Focusing on Chinese and Greek cultural studies, the program conceptualizes security and sustainability issues and challenges related to heritage from the perspectives of translation, interpreting, and cross-cultural studies; redefining the research field and subjects of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, it offers novel insights into world cultural heritage research.

Sinology is the study of the Chinese language, culture, and society. The Chinese symbol for sinology is 汉学 hànxué. The Chinese word consists of the characters 汉 hàn, which in this case refers to the Han dynasty [206 BC-220 AD] and its research tradition, and the character 学 xué, which means studies. In other words, studies in the research tradition of the Han dynasty.

Mode of Study

The program adopts a "1+2" and/or "1.5+1.5" mode of study, with students spending a set amount of time at both universities for study and research. The first year of the PhD program is forseen to be spent at Beijing Language and Culture University.

Curriculum: The program’s academic structure follows a combination of research and coursework (in the early phase) to support the candidate’s research progress. The total workload is designed to correspond to the expected credits/learning hours of a doctoral program (approximately 240 ECTS over 3-4 years).

By the end of their enrollment, they have to publish at least one academic paper in a SCOPUS journal and participate with a paper in at least two scientific conferences; the respective regulations on doctoral studies of both universities are to be considered.

All courses offered during the PhD period are taught in English. Academic papers and PhD dissertations are to be written in English, with abstracts in both Greek and Chinese.

Each student must defend his/her dissertation in English before a joint seven-member examination committee. The co-supervisors of the joint PhD program—one from each university— decide whether students might need additional training.

Supervisory Team: Students will be supervised by two supervisors appointed by the two collaborating universities of the joint PhD program, respectively.

Research Support: Both universities provide professional learning platforms, sound research environment, and sufficient academic resources for the students of the joint PhD program.

Timeframes

Program Duration: Minimum 3 years to a maximum of 5 years ; upon request, extensions can be granted by the respective universities provided the supervisors’ consent.

Mode of Study: Full-time on campus (Beijing, China and Corfu, Greece)