Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Your first year will involve intensive Chinese language tuition to prepare you for your year abroad, as well as introducing you to the political, social and economic landscape of the Asia Pacific region more broadly. Then you'll spend a year studying at a Chinese university, where you will be surrounded by Chinese culture and where you'll improve and sharpen your language skills.

When you return to Leeds, you'll still take language classes to refine your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as choosing from a range of optional modules so that some focus on China specifically, while others allow you to explore the region more broadly. Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are just some of the countries you may come across.

All of this continues into your final year, when you will also work on Chinese translation and composition so you can explore your career options. You can also choose to put the research and critical skills you have developed into practice by submitting and independently researched dissertation.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese equips you with an appreciation of the cultures and communities in one of the world's most vibrant and rapidly growing regions. It also gives you command over a major world language which continues to increase in importance.

    But it also equips you with a range of transferable skills: teamwork, presentation, independent research and critical thinking. You'll be able to form your own opinions from the evidence in front of you and communicate them clearly.

    It's no surprise that graduates have gone into a wide range of careers. Many are working in Asia Pacific, while recent graduates have moved into careers in business, journalism, tourism publishing, diplomacy, teaching, aid work, the media, and language-specific roles in translation and interpreting.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    You'll spend your second year at a partner university in China - a fantastic opportunity to surround yourself with Chinese culture, build your language skills and meet new people. For many of our students, it's the real highlight of their degree.

    You can choose to study in Shanghai or Beijing in mainland China, or in Taipei, Taiwan. Either way, you'll benefit from further language classes, but you'll still have plenty of opportunities to travel and explore the region.

    Read more about the Residence Abroad in East Asian Studies

  • Related courses

    Asia Pacific Studies and Japanese BA
    Asia Pacific Studies and Thai Studies BA