Chinese, MA (Hons)

Mandarin Chinese is the world's second most spoken language. Its associated cultures have helped shape the contemporary world in many ways.Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer an undergraduate single honours MA programme in Chinese.As well as mainland China, our programme considers the significance of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and their diasporas from a range of perspectives.While we specialise in teaching students with little or no prior knowledge of the language, we can also accommodate students who already have some experience of studying Chinese. Skills developmentStudy with us, and you will develop advanced competency in the Chinese language. You will gain reading, writing, speaking, listening and translation skills in modern standard Chinese to an advanced level.As well as learning to read both simplified and traditional form characters, you will also learn to read classical Chinese. This makes our programme unique. As you progress, you will learn Chinese-English and English-Chinese translation skills.From the very start of the programme, we will also equip you with the core academic and research skills you will need to make the most of your degree. These skills will allow you to develop your own informed understandings of the broad field of Chinese studies and of China's place in East Asia and globally. By your final year, you will have gained the skills to produce an independent research project.You will gain specialist knowledge on mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and associated diasporas in pre-modern, modern and contemporary contexts. Courses explore history, literature, culture, politics and international relations.Study abroadYou will spend Year 3 at a university in mainland China or Taiwan. This will provide you with an immersive cultural and language experience through which you can further enhance your Chinese skills and your understanding of the language in its particular context.