The School of Social Development and Public Policy (SSDPP) at Beijing Normal University (BNU) was established in June 2008, based upon the Institute of Social Development and Public Policy which was founded in 1999. It is one of the most internationally recognized departments at BNU.

In academic research, our school is devoted to the empirical study of social policy, ranging from medical health, community building, health of the aged, family policy and social assistance, to state capacity building and harmonious society building. We maintain close contact and cooperation with top universities and scholars worldwide. We have undertaken a large number of research programs for the Ministry of Education of PRC, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Social Sciences Foundation, Ford Foundation, World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund, Save the Children in the UK and many other institutions, with total research funding of more than 31 million yuan.

In academic education, our school has four majors: social security; social medicine and health management; non-profit organization management; and social policy. The first three programs accept Ph.D. and M.A. students; the social policy program recruits M.A. students. The social security program is one of the university’s key programs and is now accepting post-doctoral students.

Our school’s reputation for vitality and innovation is growing, as is its special influence within China and abroad.

Program Introduction

The Ford Foundation China Fellowship Program (CFP) was established in 2008. Supported by the excellent team at BNU’s School of Social Development and Public Policy, this program aims to provide opportunities for Ph.D. and M.A. study to those working at the grassroots level, to enable them to better serve their communities and improve social development after graduation.

CFP provides funding mainly for one to three years of M.A. study, and for a small number of Ph.D. programs. The Ford Foundation is aimed at spreading democratic values, eliminating poverty and inequity, improving international cooperation and enhancing human achievement. Therefore, the fellowship is granted according to the applicant’s leadership potential, social responsibility and willingness to serve local communities.

The program is intended primarily for those working in the grassroots of West China who want to pursue higher individual development goals but lack opportunities. It selects outstanding individuals and helps them to prepare for the M.A. program Attendance Examination; it also provides funding for their M.A. study at SSDPP.

General Requirements

·         Applicants should support the Party’s leadership, should be willing to serve the Socialist construction, and should abide by the laws.

·         Applicants should have shown social responsibility toward improving the development of local communities. Those with social work experiences will be given priority.

·         Applicants should have bachelor degrees or equivalent, as recognized by the country.

Admission Procedures

Each year in June, applicants can submit their application materials to the CFP Office in the SSDPP at BNU via E-mail or by regular mail. After the Office assesses each applicant’s candidacy, offers are extended to the winners of that year’s fellowships.

The winners start their study at BNU in September. They are treated as graduate students in education and administration. However before acquiring formal graduate student identity they have to pass the next year’s National M.A. Program Attendance Examination.

For application details, please visit the websites of BNU Graduate School or our school.

Cultivation Plan and Degree Conferment

There are two modes of study: full-time and part-time. The duration of the program is 2 years, with a total school time of 3 years. The courses include degree basic courses, degree major courses, optional courses and practice courses.

The program selects about 10% of its top students to study in foreign universities or institutions. Funding options are the same as those of the Chinese Government Scholarship Schemes Program by the China Scholarship Council, usually covering traveling and living expenses. Specific programs and funding will be decided upon admission (according to the standard of living of the country).

After passing the Attendance Examination, students attain formal graduate student status. After they obtain enough credits and their dissertation passes the examination of the university’s Degree Committee, M.A. degree certificates and graduation certificates are awarded.

Any student who does not pass the Attendance Examination can take the National Examination of Foreign Languages and Comprehensive Academics for Part-time Study of Applicants with Bachelor Degree Equivalents. After passing this examination and the M.A. Dissertation Defense Meeting, the student is eligible to receive an M.A. degree certificate from BNU.

Fellowship Administration

The fellowship covers all or part of the tuition, lodging and overseas study expenses. To guarantee the effectiveness of the fellowship and to encourage students in the program, the Admissions Committee and Program Office will evaluate students annually. Students usually receive funding for three years.

Contacts

E-mail: cfp@bnu.edu.cn

Tel: 010-58800366

Contact Persons: Liang Weihua, Wang Dongming

Address:

Ford Foundation China Fellowship Program---Service and Administration Office

Room A514, Main Building,

School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University

19 Xinwai St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100875, China

Please visit our website: www.ssdpp.net