I. Program Objectives
This program aims to cultivate high-level university English teachers and researchers in foreign linguistics and applied linguistics who adhere to the Party's basic line, love their country, abide by laws and regulations, possess good professional ethics and a spirit of teamwork, actively contribute to socialist modernization, and maintain an international perspective. Students are expected to acquire a solid theoretical foundation and professional knowledge in foreign linguistics and applied linguistics, foreign literature, cross-cultural and translation studies, and country and regional studies; stay abreast of cutting-edge theoretical trends in related research fields; cultivate a rigorous and truth-seeking academic ethos; and develop the ability to conduct independent scientific research. Graduates should demonstrate a robust foundation, broad knowledge, competence in teaching and research, and proficiency in utilizing computers and the internet for academic work.
II. Research Directions
1. Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics (Linguistic theory and language studies, applied linguistics and foreign language teaching, etc.)
2. Foreign Literature (Literary theory, studies of authors and their works, etc.)
3. Cross-Cultural and Translation Studies (Cross-language and cultural studies, translation studies, etc.)
4. Country and Regional Studies (Country-specific cultural studies, regional and national history studies, etc.)
III. Duration of Study
The standard duration for master’s students is three years, with a maximum allowable period of five years (including any leave of absence).
IV. Training Methods
The program adopts a supervisor (or supervisory committee) responsibility system and combines theoretical study with scientific research. Under the guidance of the supervisor (or supervisory committee), students develop independent and innovative research abilities through self-directed learning, coursework, seminars, guided reading, and thesis writing.
Students must develop a personalized training plan within two weeks after enrollment, under the guidance of their supervisor.
A mid-term assessment and screening is generally conducted at the end of the fourth semester, after the thesis proposal defense, in accordance with the South China University of Technology School of Foreign Languages Guidelines for Mid-Term Screening and Thesis Proposal of Master’s Students.
Completion of a compulsory social practice component (1 credit) is required.
V. Credit and Course Requirements
Minimum total course credits required: 27 credits
VI. Compulsory Components
1. Social PracticeSocial practice is a mandatory component for academic master’s students, to be conducted under the guidance of their supervisor. Part-time employed master’s students may be exempted. Upon completion, students must submit the South China University of Technology Graduate Student Social Practice Assessment Form. Implementation follows the South China University of Trial Measures for Integrating Social Practice into Graduate Training (Trial).
2. Academic ActivitiesMaster’s students must attend at least 10 academic lectures or seminars during their studies, two of which must be outside their secondary discipline. For each attendance, students must complete the South China University of Technology Graduate Student Lecture Registration and Attendance Form.
3. Participation in an international academic conference where English is the working language, along with the publication of an English conference paper with South China University of Technology as the first affiliation and the student as the first author or the supervisor as the first author and the student as the second author, may be counted as equivalent to attending 5 academic lectures.
