Capital University

What you'll study

This programme combines core training in Western philosophical methods with focused study of Chinese philosophical and cultural traditions. You will study primary texts and contemporary scholarship, learning to read, interpret and compare ideas across cultural contexts.

• Foundations of philosophy: logic, ethics, epistemology and political philosophy to build analytical skills used across the degree.
• Classical Chinese thought: close study of Confucian, Daoist and pre-Qin texts such as the Analects, Mencius, Laozi and Zhuangzi, including philological and hermeneutic approaches.
• Buddhist and later traditions: Buddhist philosophy in China, Neo-Confucian developments and modern reinterpretations of classical texts.
• Chinese cultural contexts: courses in intellectual history, literature and cultural studies that situate philosophical texts within social, religious and historical settings.
• Language support: introductory and intermediate Classical or Modern Chinese language modules where available, enabling engagement with primary sources and scholarly literature.
• Comparative and applied topics: comparative ethics, philosophy of religion, environmental thought in Chinese traditions, and contemporary Chinese political and social thought.
• Research and capstone: seminars and a senior thesis or capstone project that develop independent research skills, critical argumentation and academic writing.

Structure

The degree follows a liberal-arts curriculum: a combination of general education requirements, core philosophy modules, concentration courses in Chinese philosophy and culture, language options, and electives. Students typically progress from introductory courses to specialised seminars and an independent research project in their final year.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification appropriate for undergraduate study. Admissions consider academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in philosophy and Chinese studies, and letters of recommendation. Where required, language qualifications or placement tests may determine entry to Chinese language modules. Mature applicants and those with non-traditional qualifications are welcome and evaluated on the strength of their academic profile and preparation for university-level study.

Career prospects

Graduates develop strong analytical, writing and cross-cultural communication skills valued in a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Further study: MA or PhD programmes in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies, or area studies.
• Education and research: teaching, outreach, museum or cultural-heritage roles.
• Public service and policy: government, diplomacy, and NGOs where cultural literacy and critical reasoning are important.
• Business and communications: roles in publishing, journalism, consulting, and international business that require research, translation or intercultural expertise.
• Translation and language-related work: cultural mediation, translation, and localisation for those who pursue language proficiency.

Why study at Capital University

Capital University offers a liberal-arts environment with relatively small class sizes that support close interaction with faculty and peers. The programme integrates philosophy training with area studies, allowing students to combine linguistic and textual skills with analytic methods. Students have access to the university's study-abroad and internship services to gain overseas experience and practical placements, and can tailor their degree with electives from neighbouring departments such as History, Religious Studies and Modern Languages. The curriculum is designed to prepare students both for specialised graduate study and for careers that demand cultural insight and rigorous reasoning.