Chinese Studies, BA (Hons), with study abroad

This multidisciplinary degree develops advanced knowledge of Chinese language and culture. Students study a core language module each year, with options for beginners or those with prior qualifications like A-level Chinese. They can select modules from fields such as Anthropology, Education, Government, Economics, and Theology, alongside additional languages like Japanese or Korean. The third year involves full-time language study at a Chinese university, offering immersive cultural experience.In the final year, students complete a dissertation integrating their learning. Core modules focus on advancing language skills, while optional ones cover topics like Chinese cinema, history, and contemporary issues. Assessment includes oral, written, and listening exams for language modules, essays for others, and a year-abroad assignment, culminating in a 12,000-word dissertation.

Year 1 Core modules: Either Chinese Language 1A (for post-A level entrants) will help to consolidate and extend grammatical knowledge developed for A Level, and enhance communication skills in written and oral Chinese. Or Chinese Language 1B which will help you develop elementary level skills in Chinese speaking, listening, reading and writing. In recent years, optional modules have included: Introduction to Chinese Culture Society and Culture in China under the Ming and Qing Dynasties French Language German Language Italian Language Russian Language International Security, Interdependence and Organisation Introduction to International Relations Spanish Language Gallery 101: Designing an Art Exhibition Year 2 Core modules: Chinese Language 2A or Chinese Language 2B. To build on the Chinese language skills developed in Year 1 in all four competencies: speaking, listening, reading and writing. To prepare linguistically and culturally for the year abroad. In recent years, optional modules have included: Chinese Cinema Modern China’s Transformations Kinship and Religion Politics and Economics Classical Chinese French Language German Language Italian Language Introduction to Anime: Aesthetic, Technology, Seriality Russian Language International Organisations Spanish Language Death, Ritual and Belief Year 3 The third year is spent in China studying the language full-time at a Chinese university. Year 4 Your Dissertation, will give you valuable experience and understanding of self-directed learning and the importance of choosing appropriate methodology when approaching a research project. It will help you to expand your data collection, analysis and presentation skills, and to develop your critical faculties in relation to existing literature on your topic area. Chinese Language 4 builds on the Chinese language skills developed in your year abroad to the point where you are capable of using Chinese as a working language for employment or further study/research, and are aware of the cultural imperatives for operating in such an environment. Chinese Historical and Literary Texts develops higher level reading and translating skills based on literary and historical texts in Chinese. In recent years, optional modules have included: Anthropology, Art, and Experience Anthropological Skills for Climate Change Survival Violence and Memory Power and Governance Mass Media in China Empires and States in Early Modern Asia Special Topic on Pacific Asia Religion and Film Photography in East Asia The Work of Art: Professional Skills and Work Placement in the Visual Arts