Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language)

Master (Coursework)

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Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

NIE Graduate Programmes

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With the rapid rise of China as a global economic powerhouse, there is a growing worldwide trend of an increasing number of learners seeking to master Chinese as an international language. Along with the rapid growth of such learners is a corresponding sharp increase in demand within the international market for more educators who are properly trained to teach Chinese in English-speaking regions.

Offered by Asian Languages and Cultures Department in NIE,  the Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as an International Language (MA TCIL) programme aims to train and prepare educators who are bilingual in English and Chinese to teach Chinese in countries where Chinese is not the dominant language. It is primarily targeted at educators who desire to specialise in the theory and practice of teaching Chinese as a foreign/second/international language to learners with English as their first language (CIL learners).

Curious to know what our faculty and students think about our programmes? Click here to find out!

Key programme features include:

  1. An introduction to the understanding and correct use of English as an aid to help the learners master Chinese.
  2. A combination of theory and practice, emphasising classroom training to ensure that graduates are competent in teaching Chinese in an English language teaching environment.
  3. Leverage on the prevalent Chinese textbooks used in English-speaking countries as teaching materials to highlight the pertinence of teaching.
  4. In comparison with international programmes of similar nature, there are 5 courses uniquely designed for this programme:
    - Language Code: Theory and Practice
    - Chinese-English Contrastive Analysis & Its Application
    - Global Chinese and Contemporary China
    - Critical Inquiry in TCIL
    - Professional English for TCIL Instructors
  5. Through the two courses, namely, Chinese-English Contrastive Analysis & Its Application, and Professional English for TCIL Instructors, the students' bilingualism and ability in contrastive analysis between Chinese and English language are strengthened, providing students with the competency to meet the future demands at work and daily life.
  6. Create more opportunities for students to engage in teaching jobs in regions such as America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand upon graduation.

Click here for the Chinese version. 

Applicant must possess:

  • A recognised Bachelor’s degree where the medium of instruction is Chinese or a postgraduate teacher education qualification specialising in the teaching of Chinese approved by the University.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in English, with College English Test (CET) Band 6, Test for English Majors (TEM) Band 4, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 500, or such other qualifications that are recognised by the University.

See detailed requirements for competency in English Language here.

There is generally only one intake for this programme, in January. You are advised to visit the website and look out for NIE’s announcements in May/June to confirm if the programme will be open for application at any particular intake.

Applicants who are currently working with sponsors, donors or financial institutions to fund their studies, are encouraged to submit their applications early to NIE so as not to miss out on our application period.

Applications are to be made online. Click here to sign up for an ISAAC (Integrated Student and Academic Administration System) account to apply with us. For those with an existing account, login to apply.

More information on required documents for application can be found here.

The Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language) is offered on both part-time and full-time basis. The candidature periods are as follows:

Full-time

Minimum 1 years

Maximum 2 years

Part-time

Minimum 2 years

Maximum 4 years


There are two options within this programme. The coursework for this specialisation comprises 6 specialisation elective courses plus either:

  • a dissertation OR
  • two additional courses (one specialisation elective course and MTCL910 Critical Inquiry in TCIL)

MTCL910 Critical Inquiry in TCIL is open only for applicants pursuing the degree by coursework.

You do not have to make the decision when you apply.

Specialisation Elective Courses

  • MTCL901 Language Code: Theory and Practice
  • MTCL902 Vocabulary and Grammar: Theory and Practice
  • MTCL903 Chinese-English Contrastive Analysis & Its Application
  • MTCL904 Teaching of Listening & Speaking Skills in TCIL
  • MTCL905 Teaching of Reading & Writing Skills in TCIL
  • MTCL906 Application of Information Technology in TCIL
  • MTCL907 Language Testing & Assessment in TCIL
  • MTCL908 Analysis & Development of Instructional Materials for TCIL
  • MTCL909 Global Chinese and Contemporary China
  • MTCL911 Professional English for TCIL Instructors
  • MTCL912 Early Childhood Education in TCIL: Theory and Practice
  • MTCL913 Chinese Language Education for International Schools

Download the course descriptions for the programme.

Important note for matriculated students:
Please refer to the ISAAC system for the programme structure relevant to your intake during Course Registration or consult A/P Li Jia and Mr Zhu Haibin, your programme leaders, if you need clarifications.

For tuition fees, please click here.

For programme-related matters, please consult the programme leaders,  A/P Li Jia and Mr Zhu Haibin for more information.

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