Chinese and Spanish, 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 core language modules to improve your Spanish and develop your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in Chinese. You'll also be introduced to the culture and history of China, Spain and Latin America and take one of our Cornerstone modules, which help you bring your two subjects together. You could even try one of the other languages we offer.

All of this prepares you for your second year, when you'll study at a Chinese university to build your confidence in day-to-day communication. When you return in year three, you'll be able to refine these language skills while choosing optional modules from Chinese business to Spanish literature. At the end of the year, you'll spend a term in Spain to immerse yourself in the culture and experience the Spanish way of life.

The fourth and final year is where you take advanced language classes in both Spanish and Chinese, while enjoying even more choice in your optional modules. You could learn about specialised uses of each language in a business context, contemporary Chinese literature or Latin American cinema. You'll also have the choice to apply the skills you've gained to an extended essay or research project on a topic of your choice.

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

  including A in Spanish

  • Career opportunities

    Fluency in two major world languages - both of which are increasingly important in the political and economic spheres - will open doors to a wide range of careers both at home and abroad.

    But a Joint Honours degree in Chinese and Spanish will also equip you with important transferable skills that are attractive to all kinds of employers, such as teamwork, presentation, research, analysis, and cultural awareness. Spending time abroad will also demonstrate that you're independent and adaptable, and managing two subjects will equip you with organisational skills.

    Graduates have gone into diverse careers including business and finance, education, law, journalism, charity work, publishing and the creative industries. Others have pursued postgraduate study or specialised training in language-specific fields 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

    You'll spend the whole of year two and a term of the following year in China and Spain. It's the perfect opportunity to surround yourself with another culture while sharpening and refining your language skills every day. For many of our students, it's the highlight of their degree.

    You'll spend a year in China, studying a dedicated language course at a university in Taiwan, Beijing or Shanghai. Then you'll spend a term in Spain, studying a dedicated language course in Léon or Granada. Whatever you decide, you'll gain a new perspective and valuable experience.

    Read more about Residence Abroad in East Asian Studies

    Read more about Residence Abroad in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies