(Full time) 2020 start
Asia Pacific Studies and Chinese BA
Overview
China has become one of the world’s largest economies, and plays an increasingly pivotal role on the world stage. This degree will allow you to become proficient in Chinese – a major world language – as well as gaining an insight into life in China and the broader Asia Pacific region.
You will combine intensive language study with area studies, so you can build your awareness of the politics, history and culture of this huge and diverse region. You’ll also spend a year studying at one of our partner universities, so you gain first-hand experience of life in China.
Core modules will build your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and introduce you to key issues in the study of Chinese society, while you can also select from optional modules to explore the wider Asia Pacific region, covering topics from Japanese literature to Korean society and Thai history.
Specialist resources
Leeds has excellent library facilities for Asia Pacific Studies, and the University Library runs a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
With over fifty years of acquisitions, the Chinese collection housed in the beautiful Brotherton Library is one of the best collections of modern Chinese books in the country. The University Library also has impressive holdings of books in English about China, backed up by a wide range of digital materials.
For language study, you’ll have access to our fully equipped Language Centre, with digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL).
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 and Thailand 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. You can also put the language, research and critical skills you have developed into practice by working on an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choosing. Together these can help you consider your career options.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Basic Chinese Language 1 20 credits
- Basic Chinese Language 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- China in East Asian History 20 credits
- Modern China: History and Culture 20 credits
- Foundations of East Asia 20 credits
- Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits
- World Histories 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Year Abroad in China 120 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Chinese 2A 20 credits
- Chinese 2B 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- China Since 1979 20 credits
- Japan's International Relations 20 credits
- The Making of Modern Thailand 20 credits
- Classics of Chinese Literature and Thought 20 credits
- Energy Security: Global and Asian Perspectives 20 credits
- South East Asia in the Global Context 20 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Chinese 3: Advanced Skills 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Essay 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Disssertation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Translation 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Japanese Literature in Translation: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan 20 credits
- Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China 20 credits
- East Asia's Regional Political Economy 20 credits
- Sino-Japanese Relations: Past and Present 20 credits
- Buddhism: A Lived Tradition 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials are all among the teaching and learning methods we use to help you benefit from the expertise of our tutors. However, independent study is also crucial – in reading to prepare for classes and seminars, you’ll develop your essential analytical and research skills.
Assessment
We also use different methods to assess your progress. Exams and essays are usually the main elements, but oral presentations and group work may also be assessed depending on the modules you choose. A wealth of support is available: we run extra classes throughout your time at Leeds on issues such as essay structure, public speaking and exam technique.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Grade 4/C in a foreign language at GCSE is required. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
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BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M1
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International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level and 4 in a foreign language at Standard Level.
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 77%
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £19,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
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
Residence abroad
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’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