The College of Hakka Studies, established in August 2003, is the world’s first institute of its kind. The college is aimed to study the basic nature of Hakka culture and to provide all factors required for the preservation, promotion, and sustainable development of Hakka culture. The college emphasizes the use of research methodology in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and values harmony in cultural diversity. It hopes to promote the study of “Hakkaology” around the world and to develop an interdisciplinary Hakkaology. It believes that contemporary Hakkaology should be based on the foundation of humanities and social science and be reflected in other Hakka-related academic disciplines, including politics, economics, culture and society, linguistics, and laws and regulations. Based on its philosophy in education and research, the college is characterized by:

        I. The enrichment of Taiwan-based Hakka studies and in-depth studies of Hakka language, literature, history, society, culture, politics, economics, laws and regulations, in the hope of becoming the most distinguishing local institution of higher education;

        II. Proactive communications with international Hakkaology research communities, aiming for becoming the most influential institute of Hakka studies in the world; and

 

       III. Interdisciplinary integration and development of talents with global perspectives who see the promotion of Hakka culture as their own mission.

        The College of Hakka Studies currently has comprehensive programs in two academic divisions: the Department of Hakka Language and Social Sciences and the Graduate Institute of Law and Government.

 

       The Department of Hakka Language and Social Sciences was established in August 2013. It incorporates Master Program in Hakka Social and Cultural Studies (established in 2003), Master Program in Hakka Language and Literature (established in 2004), Master Program in Hakka Political Economy (established in 2004), The Executive Master Program in Hakka Studies (established in 2006), and Ph.D. Program in Hakka Studies (established in 2011). All programs at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels are centered on Hakka ethnicity and stress the development of research professionals.

        The Graduate Institute of Law and Government was established in August 2006. It is the first graduate institute in Taiwan that integrates the disciplines of law and the disciplines of government. It is also the first independent graduate institute established by National Central University after it relocates to Taiwan. The Graduate Institute of Law and Government accentuates professional ethics, research methodologies, and practical training. It aims to foster modern-day outstanding talents in the fields of law and government through interdisciplinary integration and cross-industry social dialogue.