On April 17, 2023, Dr. Ronald Po, Associate Professor in the Department of International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Program Director of the PKU–LSE Double Master’s in International Affairs, visited the School of International Studies (SIS), Peking University, for academic and student exchange activities.

In the morning, Dr. Po, together with Dr. He Jiani, Assistant Professor at SIS and Program Director of the PKU–LSE Double Master’s on the PKU side, co-hosted the 2023/2024 program information session. More than ten students from PKU and other universities attended. The session introduced the program’s features, application process, study and campus life, and career prospects. Both professors also addressed students’ questions in detail and encouraged interested applicants to apply. The discussion was lively and engaging, helping students gain a clearer understanding of the program.

In the afternoon, Dr. Po met with current first-year students of the 2023 cohort to learn about their study and life experiences at PKU. He provided an in-depth introduction to LSE’s curriculum design, dissertation requirements, and academic expectations, while addressing students’ concerns regarding academic life in London. Following the discussion, he delivered an academic lecture titled In Pursuit of Coastal Stability: The Cartographers and Their Sea Charts in the Qing Dynasty, 1644–1839. Students reported that the talk was highly inspiring and expressed their excitement about starting their second year at LSE. Dr. He Jiani chaired and participated in the events.

Later that day, Associate Dean Dong Zhaohua joined Dr. Po and Dr. He for a meeting to review the history of the PKU–LSE Double Master’s in International Affairs program, discuss future development, and explore ways to further deepen academic exchange and cooperation between the two institutions.

Jointly established in 2006, the PKU–LSE Double Master’s in International Affairs enrolls students worldwide, with a focus on international politics, international relations, diplomacy, international political economy, and world history. The program aims to cultivate professionals with both academic expertise and a global vision. Graduates have gone on to careers in international organizations, government agencies, universities, think tanks, financial institutions, media, and NGOs, while some have pursued doctoral studies.

Written by: Tong Tianyu
Photos by: Chen Fang
Reviewed by: Dong Zhaohua, He Jiani