The School of Foreign Studies (SFS) at China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) is a dynamic academic and teaching institution renowned for its multilingual and interdisciplinary expertise, distinguished faculty, and commitment to excellence. Guided by the motto "Embracing Both Chinese and Foreign Cultures, Pursuing Virtue and Academic Excellence", SFS adheres to the principles of "Open Education, Rigorous Scholarship". Its mission is to nurture interdisciplinary talent with a solid foundation in foreign languages, a comprehensive understanding of legal systems, and strong intercultural communication skills, aligning its educational goals with national strategic priorities by integrating language and law education.
Academic Programs and Research Strengths
SFS is a vital contributor to high-level academic research and talent cultivation in foreign languages and law, with particular emphasis on forensic linguistics and T&I studies. Established as the Department of Foreign Languages in 1994 and renamed in 2002, SFS offers a robust array of academic programs:
lUndergraduate programs in English, German, and Translation.
lMaster of Arts (MA) in Foreign Languages and Literature, encompassing English, German, French, Russian, and Applied Linguistics.
lMaster of Translation and Interpreting (MTI) program.
lIn 2024, SFS launched its pioneering Doctor of Translation and Interpreting (DTI) program, which is uniquely structured around three distinct specializations: advanced legal translation for diplomacy and international affairs, expert translation of legal texts, and the provision and management of legal language services in international contexts. Each specialization reflects the program’s commitment to cultivating interdisciplinary talents to meet the growing demand for legal translation and communication expertise in global governance and cross-border legal cooperation.
SFS is organized into the following units:
Teaching and Research Institutes
· English
· German
· French
· Russian
· Translation Studies
Teaching Sections
· Undergraduate English
· Postgraduate Foreign Languages
· Spanish
Research Centers
· Center for German Studies
· Center for Legal Discourse Studies
Education Center
· Education Center for MTI and DTI
Talent Development and Educational Innovation
At the core of SFS’s educational philosophy is its distinctive “Foreign Languages + Law” interdisciplinary model. By leveraging CUPL's strengths in legal education, SFS integrates foreign language training with legal studies. In 2021, SFS introduced integrated undergraduate-to-master programs in Legal English, Legal Translation, and Legal German, achieving impressive outcomes. Notably, the English major (Legal English) was designated as a first-class undergraduate program in Beijing in 2019 and nationally in 2020, while German and Translation majors were included in Beijing’s first-class undergraduate program list in 2021.
SFS’s academic reputation is further underscored by its strong performance in national educational assessments. The discipline of Foreign Languages and Literature was ranked in the B tier in the fifth-round discipline evaluation, and the MTI program earned an A- rating. The DTI program, approved in 2024, establishes SFS as one of the eight first-batch institutions in China authorized to offer doctoral degrees in translation studies.
Faculty and Research
As of October 2024, SFS has 113 faculty and staff members, including 96 full-time teachers. Among them, 12 are full professors, 45 are associate professors, nine serve as doctoral supervisors, and 33 are master's supervisors. Over half of the faculty have interdisciplinary academic backgrounds, particularly in foreign languages and law.
SFS faculty actively contribute their expertise to government agencies, judicial institutions, and national academic associations in areas such as law and language, legal translation, and intercultural communication. They have also made significant contributions to academic research, particularly in forensic linguistics, T&I studies, and foreign language education. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, faculty members published 376 academic papers, 68 monographs, and 25 textbooks, and led 19 national and provincial-level research projects, including one major and one key project funded by the National Social Science Foundation. The School has also hosted seven major academic conferences and 92 lectures, fostering platforms for intellectual exchange and academic growth.
Highlights and Contributions
SFS's innovative approach to foreign language education reform has been recognized as a national model. Since 2012, SFS has developed a diversified foreign language curriculum that integrates general and academic English with subject-specific language training. In 2018, SFS expanded its offerings to include a multi-language foreign language curriculum, making CUPL a demonstration university for foreign language education reform under the Ministry of Education.
Graduates of SFS are highly sought after in fields such as diplomacy, foreign trade, education, law, and media. With a reputation for their international perspectives, legal expertise, and intercultural communication skills, SFS alumni are well-regarded by employers.
Vision for the Future
Building on its strong foundation, SFS is committed to advancing its academic disciplines, particularly in forensic linguistics, legal translation, and legal culture studies. The School will continue to develop innovative law + foreign language programs, promote interdisciplinary research, and cultivate high-caliber professionals equipped to contribute to China’s engagement in global governance and the advancement of the rule of law.
Contact Us
Ø Haidian Campus: 25 Xitucheng Rd., Haidian District, Beijing, China 100088
Ø Changping Campus: 27 Fuxue Rd., Changping District, Beijing, China 102249
Ø Tel: +86-10-58909458
Ø Email: zhfwy@vip.163.com
