Chinese (Modern), BA, University of Leeds

Course content

Core modules in your first year will give you a firm foundation in basic Chinese language skills, while your choice of optional modules will allow you to explore different areas of Chinese culture - such as cinema and the history of Imperial China - and the wider Asia Pacific, such as East Asian religious traditions or Japanese cultural history.

You'll then build on these skills by spending a year at a university in China, immersing yourself in the local culture to get a sense of life in the country. It will give you a new perspective on your studies for when you return to Leeds, combining advanced language study with an even broader range of cultural modules.

Throughout this, you will be developing valuable critical and research skills - and in your final year, you'll be able to put these into practice in your 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 Chinese will give you valuable communication skills in one of the world's most highly sought languages, as well as deep cultural awareness. That will open a number of doors into a range of different careers, both within China and around the world.

    However, it will also equip you with valuable transferable skills that are highly sought by all kinds of employers. You'll be able to work independently and research topics thoroughly, critically reflecting on what you have found and drawing your own conclusions - which you'll then be able to clearly present and defend.

    As a result, graduates have gone into a range of careers in business, journalism, publishing, diplomacy, tourism, teaching, broadcasting, overseas aid work, PR and language-based roles such as translation and interpreting. They work around the world, throughout China, Hong Kong and Taiwan but also across East Asia, the UK, Europe and the United States.

    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 Taiwan or mainland China.

    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

  • Related courses

    Asia Pacific Studies BA
    Asia Pacific Studies (International) BA
    Chinese and East Asian Religions and Cultures BA
    Chinese and Spanish BA
    East Asian Religions and Cultures BA