Chinese and Economics, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

In your first year you'll take intensive language classes to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Chinese alongside core modules in economic theory and history. You'll also improve your mathematical skills and choose from optional modules exploring Chinese history and the religious traditions of East Asia.

Ultimately this year will equip you with language skills and cultural understanding as preparation for the following year, when you'll study at a Chinese university. You'll come back with improved Chinese skills, a new perspective and insight into life in China, which you can bring to the rest of your studies.

Over the final two years of your degree, you'll take advanced language classes and continue to explore topics such as macroeconomics and microeconomics. But you'll also benefit from a diverse selection of optional modules in both subjects - from Chinese business, fiction and drama to Japanese international relations, via environmental economics and international trade. You'll also demonstrate the research and analytical skills you've acquired in your own independent research project.

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: AAB

  excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking

  GCSE: 7/A in Mathematics and 4/C in a foreign language

  • Career opportunities

    A Joint Honours degree in Chinese and Economics will equip you with fluency in a major world language, as well as cultural awareness and an in-depth understanding of economic issues around the world. All of this can open doors to a wide range of careers in the UK, East Asia and elsewhere.

    You'll also have a very broad base of transferable skills. You'll be numerate with analytical, research and teamwork skills, as well as being an excellent communicator. Juggling two subjects will allow you to gain organisational skills, and spending a year abroad will demonstrate that you're independent, confident and adaptable.

    This means that graduates are very attractive to employers. They've gone on to work in business and finance, the civil service, management, law, journalism, the media and education. Others have gone onto postgraduate training or specialised training in language-based roles such as 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

    After your first year you'll have the opportunity to spend a year studying at a university in either mainland China or Taiwan.

    You'll take language courses provided by our partner universities, a great opportunity to improve your spoken and written Chinese. But for many, it's the highlight of their course because of the opportunity it gives them to be surrounded by Chinese culture and get a real sense of life in the country.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in East Asian Studies