Chinese and Russian B BA
Year of entry 2023
2024 course information- UCAS code
- RTR1
- Start date
- September 2023
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 5 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Mandatory
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Learn two major world languages and deepen your understanding of China and Russia, their culture, history, and their important roles on the world stage.
We teach Chinese and Russian from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language we can normally accommodate you.
Through core and optional modules, you’ll learn both languages while gaining knowledge of Russia, China and East Asia more broadly. You’ll develop language skills in Chinese while exploring the society and culture of one of the world’s major economic powers, and build your proficiency in Russian while exploring its rich culture and history.
In this five-year degree you’ll spend two years abroad, with a year in China and a year in a Russian-speaking country, improving your language skills and gaining first-hand experience.
Specialist facilities
The world class Brotherton Library holds a wide variety of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
You’ll also 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.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course details
In your first year you’ll study core modules to develop your spoken and written Chinese and Russian, and choose optional modules which introduce you to the history and cultures of the Russia, China, and the wider Asia Pacific region. You’ll learn both simplified and traditional Chinese characters from your first year.
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.
You’ll spend your second and third years abroad, studying for a year in mainland China or Taiwan (subject to travel restrictions) and a year in a Russian-speaking country. You’ll take language classes at a university or language institute, and immerse yourself in local culture.
After developing your skills and gaining insight into local culture, you’ll return to Leeds in year four to study advanced language classes and topics such as Russian literature, linguistics, contemporary East Asian culture, or Japanese cinema.
In your final year you’ll refine your language skills, choose optional modules that interest you, and develop your knowledge though an independent research project, translation or documentary on a topic of your choosing.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Basic Chinese Language 1 | 20 |
| Basic Chinese Language 2 | 20 |
| Beginning Russian 1 | 20 |
| Beginning Russian 2 | 20 |
| What is Russia? An Introduction to Russian Studies | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| China in East Asian History | 20 |
| Modern China: History and Culture | 20 |
| Modern Japan: History and International Politics | 20 |
| Japanese History and Society | 20 |
| Foundations of East Asia | 20 |
| Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia | 20 |
| Introduction to East Asian Religions | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad in China | 120 |
| Russian Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Year Abroad in China | 120 |
| Russian Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 4 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chinese 2A | 20 |
| Chinese 2B | 20 |
| Core Russian Language 2 | 20 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| China Since 1979 | 20 |
| The Making of Modern Thailand | 20 |
| Society and Culture of Early Modern China | 20 |
| Japanese Literature in Translation: Gender and Sexuality in Modern Japan | 20 |
| Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China | 20 |
| East Asia's Regional Political Economy | 20 |
| Towards the Future: Skills in Context | 20 |
| Linguists into Schools | 20 |
| Black Europe | 20 |
| Applied Russian Language 2 | 20 |
Year 5 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chinese 3: Advanced Skills | 20 |
| Core Russian Language 3 | 20 |
| Final Year Project | 40 |
Year 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Classics of Chinese Literature and Thought | 20 |
| Religion in China | 20 |
| Modern Documentary Chinese: Politics and Law | 10 |
| Chinese Language for International Trade and Business | 20 |
| Japanese Cinema in the World | 20 |
| Religion and Violence | 20 |
| Contemporary World Literature | 20 |
| Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present | 20 |
| Russian Advanced Translation | 20 |
| Gender and Sexuality in Russia | 20 |
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. You’ll also build your language skills in practical classes, and as you progress, some modules may be taught in your target languages.
Independent study is central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year 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
A-level: ABB
GCSE: Grade 4/C in a foreign language
Other course specific tests:
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M1, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level and 4 in a foreign language at Standard Level
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
Fees
UK: £9,250 (per year)
International: £22,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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.
Scholarships and 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.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. 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 2024
This course is taught by
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
Contact us
School of Languages, Cultures and Societies Undergraduate Admissions
Email: artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
In this degree you’ll become proficient in both Russian and Chinese, and experience studying abroad. During your course you’ll develop a range of skills across disciplines that employers are looking for.
You’ll have highly developed research skills, and you’ll be able to communicate your ideas effectively. Through your experience studying abroad you’ll 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 Russian-speaking countries and China. As a result, our graduates have pursued careers in diverse fields such as translation and interpreting, education, journalism, business, law and civil and diplomatic services.
Careers support
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.
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 about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
This five-year course involves two periods of study abroad in years two and three.
You'll spend a year studying at a Chinese university and you’ll spend a year studying Russian language and culture in a Russian-speaking country.
Read more about the Residence abroad in China
Read more about the Residence Abroad in Russia