(Full time) 2022 start
Chinese and Portuguese BA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Study Chinese and Portuguese from beginner level and explore rich and varied cultures across the world.
You'll develop advanced skills in these two languages and gain an insight into the history, politics and cultures of China and Portuguese-speaking countries. A combination of core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in the languages while you study the topics that suit your interests, including film and literature in the Portuguese-speaking world, modern Chinese history and East Asian religions.
You'll spend a year abroad in China and a further term in a Portuguese-speaking country, giving you the opportunity to put your language skills into practice and gain first-hand experience of the local culture.
We teach Portuguese and Chinese from beginner level, but if you already have some knowledge of either subject we can normally accommodate you.
Specialist facilities
As well as our great library resources, you’ll have access to the Language Zone – the University language resource centre – with books, DVDs, magazines, audio/ video resources and language learning software. To practise your speaking skills, you can participate in language groups with other students or a language exchange with a native speaker.
If you think you might consider a career in interpreting, there’s also our Electronic Resource Information Centre, which offers specialised computing facilities for translation studies and Interpreter Training Suites.
You’ll also benefit from all facilities in the Camões Institute, which is the cultural institute of the Portuguese government and is located on our campus.
Course content
In the first year, core modules will develop your skills across reading, writing, listening and speaking in both languages. You'll also be able to choose from optional modules focusing on cultural, political, religious and historical contexts which are of interest to you.
You'll spend your second year studying abroad at a partner university in China which will include tuition in Chinese language. As well as language classes you can attend classes on different aspects of Chinese culture.
In your third year, you'll enhance your core skills in both languages with opportunities to specialise further in the topics that interest you through optional modules. You'll then spend a semester in a Portuguese-speaking country where you can choose to undertake a study or work placement.
In your final year you’ll apply your knowledge and skills to a final year research project, either a dissertation, translation or digital documentary. You'll refine your advanced language skills and also have the flexibility to choose from optional modules such as Chinese literature, Latin American media, or practical Chinese translation.
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
- Introduction to Brazil, Portugal and Portuguese Speaking Africa 20 credits
- Portuguese Language for Beginners 1A 20 credits
- Portuguese Language for Beginners 1B 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 Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20 credits
- Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Year Abroad in China 120 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Chinese 2A 20 credits
- Chinese 2C 10 credits
- Portuguese Language Skills 15 credits
- Spanish/Portuguese Term Abroad 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- China Since 1979 20 credits
- Chinese Cinema 20 credits
- Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World 20 credits
- Topics in Contemporary Asia Pacific Societies 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
- Film and Literature in the Portuguese-speaking World 15 credits
- Culture and Society in the Portuguese-Speaking World 15 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Chinese 3: Advanced Skills 20 credits
- Advanced Portuguese Language 20 credits
- Final Year Project 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Modern Documentary Chinese: Politics and Law 10 credits
- Modern Documentary Chinese: Society and Development 10 credits
- Chinese Literature 1912 - 1949 10 credits
- Classical Chinese 20 credits
- Practical Chinese-English Translation 10 credits
- Religion and Violence 20 credits
- Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents 20 credits
- Decolonial Approaches 20 credits
- Social Movements across Cultures 20 credits
- Linguists into Schools 20 credits
- New Media in Latin America 20 credits
- Urban Realities and Representations in the Portuguese Speaking World 20 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: ABB
GCSE: Grade 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.
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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 at GCSE in a foreign language is required. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required.
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BTEC
BTEC: DDM.
Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
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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 Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
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 or 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: 75%.
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
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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.
Read our guidance about applying.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £20,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
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
In this degree, you’ll become proficient in two major world languages, and experience studying and living abroad. You’ll develop a range of skills across disciplines that employers are actively looking for.
You’ll have strong research skills, and you’ll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You’ll be able to communicate your views clearly, and have an understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.
Your knowledge and experience will open up a broad range of career choices and opportunities to connect with people across major world regions. Our graduates have pursued careers in diverse fields such as translation and interpreting, education, journalism, business, law and civil and diplomatic services.
Postgraduate study in languages at Leeds or elsewhere provides an opportunity to continue to learn and prepare for a PhD and a career in academia.
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.
During your time abroad, you’ll study for a year at a Chinese university and also spend a term abroad in a Portuguese-speaking country on a dedicated Portuguese course for learners of the language.
You’ll have the chance to develop and practise your language skills while immersing yourself in different cultures.
Read more about the Chinese residence abroad
Read more about the Portuguese residence abroad