Beijing Language and Culture University / Ionian University Joint PhD Program "Cultural Heritage studies, in Sinology and Chinese Studies, and in Translation and Interpreting Studies"
Overview
The China-Greece Joint PhD Program in Cultural Heritage studies, in Sinology and Chinese studies and in Translation and Interpreting Studies is the first joint high-level talent development project in focusing on heritage protection and cultural research connecting China and Greece. The PhD program relies on the expertise of the Laboratory for Geocultural Analyses (GEOLAB) of the Department of F.L.T.I., which is also the executing body of the UNESCO Chair on “Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage related Activities” of the Ionian University. By providing education and practice in international cultural heritage and related activities, the program aims to develop advanced all-round talents with foundational research theories and methods, a clear understanding of core concepts of cultural heritage, insights into the latest academic trends in cultural heritage conservation domestically and internationally, as well as skills in cultural heritage conservation and utilization and the ability to participate in and guide international exchanges and cooperation in cultural heritage conservation. This joint PhD studies program offers also courses in both classical and modern Chinese literature, as well as Chinese literary theory, Sinology and philosophy including a focus on Chinese Studies from a global perspective. This program provides strong academic, intellectual and talent support for the development of world cultural heritage. This joint doctoral program will be supported by the Hellenic Sinology Center, co-founded by Beijing Language and Culture University and the Ionian University. Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded PhD degrees respectively by both Beijing Language and Culture University and the Ionian University.
General structure and Enrollment
Students are generally admitted based on their Master’s degree and are enrolled as a PhD students for a minimum 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, in Sinology and Chinese studies and in 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 and future threats and challenges to cultural heritage.
Focusing on Chinese and Greek cultural and historical studies, the program conceptualizes security and sustainability issues and challenges related to heritage from the perspectives of translation 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 must be spent at Beijing Language and Culture University.
Curriculum: The program offers 240 ECTS and initially consists of one compulsory course and eleven elective courses:
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods (Compulsory course)
- Diplomacy (Elective Course)
- Intelligence History, Tradecraft and Machinery (Elective Course)
- Theory of Translation and Interpreting (Elective Course)
- Accessibility and Translation (Elective Course)
- Localization and Globalization: Creating local and global experiences (Elective Course)
- Translation and Technology (Elective Course)
- Sinology in the Western World (Elective Course)
- Comparative Approach to Chinese and Greek Philosophy (Elective Course)
- Selected Issues in Chinese Studies I (Elective Course)
- Cultural Heritage in Global Context (Elective Course)
- Selected Issues in Chinese Studies (Elective Course)
During the first year of attendance, the PhD students enrolled in the program must follow and complete the compulsory course on research and methodology and (at least) two elective courses relevant to the thematic of their dissertations.
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.
Time frames
Program Duration: Minimum 3 years to maximum 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)
Tuition Fees
- The per year tuition fee for the joint PhD program is set by the Beijing Language and Culture University and is payable to the Beijing Language and Culture University.
- The student is responsible for the tuition fee and all living expenses abroad (including round-trip international travel expenses, accommodation, meals, overseas medical insurance, communication expenses, and other living expenses), as well as passport and visa fees.
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