Chinese (Modern) BA

Course overview

By studying this course, you’ll be equipped with strong language skills and gain a deep understanding of modern China. In your first and second years, you’ll gain a firm foundation in the contemporary Chinese language, readying you for immersion in Chinese society in your third year, when you’ll live and study in either mainland China or Taiwan. Your residency will successfully prepare you for your final years of study, as you’ll have a richer understanding of Chinese culture and society, as well as a solid grasp of the language.

We emphasise the importance of embedding Chinese language studies in a firm understanding of the contexts in which the language has evolved and is used. You’ll learn this through the authentic Chinese language material that you’ll engage with during your studying and through a range of optional modules that cover topics such as Chinese society, literature and history.

Alongside gaining language skills, you’ll develop a contextual understanding of China’s influence as a major player on the world stage, including its social and cultural diversity and its complex motivations and actions. Constituting for almost a fifth of the global economy, you’ll explore the dominant cultural, political and economic significance of China. You’ll study the country’s importance as a centre for technology, business and culture.

Additional highlights

Our course is home to the internationally renowned Leeds Centre for New Chinese Writing, and you’ll benefit from the many exciting activities and events run by colleagues, including talks by leading Chinese fiction writers, translation competitions, and workshops.

Specialist facilities

The Chinese collection housed in the Brotherton Library is one of the most impressive 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. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to find resources and develop your study skills.

As well as our great library resources, our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines.

Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you are considering a career in interpreting.

Take a look around our libraries: 
Brotherton Library 
Laidlaw Library 
Edward Boyle Library 

Course details

Year 1

You’ll study core Chinese language modules that give you a thorough grounding in spoken and written Chinese, with more class hours per week in your first year than most other Chinese language programmes in the UK. You’ll also choose from modules on topics in Chinese and wider East Asian history, culture and society. These provide essential context for your language studies and a foundation for building a sophisticated understanding of China and East Asia in subsequent years. 

Year 2

You’ll build upon what you have learnt in your first year and you’ll continue studying the Chinese language to refine your skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You’ll choose from modules focusing on various aspects of Chinese and wider East Asian society, literature, politics and history, some taught entirely in English, but some working with Chinese language material. You’ll focus on important themes (such as social change, literary and visual cultures), giving you deeper insights into key questions in Chinese society and culture.

Year 3

During your residence abroad, spent in mainland China or Taiwan, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture, enhancing your language skills and gaining an inside view of the diverse ways in which Chinese people see themselves and the world. Your time will be balanced between language classes and the opportunity for you to explore your own interests and develop your broader linguistic and cultural knowledge. 

Year 4

When you return to Leeds for your final year, in addition to advanced Chinese language classes and further options that cover aspects of Chinese culture and society, you’ll apply the critical and research skills you’ve developed to produce your Final Year Project – an independently researched project on a topic of your choice, supervised by a tutor with the expertise to guide you. 

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

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 4 compulsory modules

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 1 compulsory modules

Modern China: History and Culture (20 credits) - This module provides an overview of the major events and trends in the political, social, and economic history of modern China and shows how these have been reflected in literature, cinema and other cultural forms.

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

EITHER

Basic Chinese Language 1 ( 20 credits)

Basic Chinese Language 1 ( 20 credits)

OR

Intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits)

Intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits)

Premodern East Asia (20 credits)

Modern Japan (20 credits)

Foundations of East Asia (20 credits)

Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)

Introduction to Audio-Visual Culture (20 credits)

Language: Structure and Sound (20 credits)

World Histories (20 credits)

Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application (20 credits)

Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits)

Worlds of Literature (20 credits)

Discourse, Culture and Identity (20 credits)

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

EITHER

Intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits)

Intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits)

OR

Upper-Intermediate Chinese (20 credits)

Japan's International Relations (20 credits)

The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits)

Global Korea in Context: Sociocultural and Political Dynamics (20 credits)

Classical Chinese (20 credits)

Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)

Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)

Chinese Cinema (20 credits)

China Since 1979 (20 credits)

Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)

Introduction to Cantonese (20 credits)

Contemporary East Asian Culture (20 credits)

Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World (20 credits)

Topics in Contemporary East Asian Societies (20 credits)

Japanese Cinema (20 credits)

Buddhism: A lived Tradition (20 credits)

Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature (20 credits)

Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)

Digital Communication Across Cultures (20 credits)

Year 3 compulsory module

LCS Year Abroad (120 credits) - The LCS Year Abroad is compulsory for all students on a degree programme with at least one language.

Year 4 compulsory modules (20 credits)

Chinese 3: Advanced Skills (20 credits) - This module emphasises the active language skills students will need to gain a deeper understanding of China.

Final Year Project (40 credits) - This module provides students with the opportunity to develop research and writing skills through a dissertation on a topic of their own choice, within the available fields, and refined in consultation with an academic member of staff.

Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Advanced Chinese in Context (Arts and Humanities) (20 credits)

Advanced Chinese in Context (Social Sciences) (20 credits)

Advanced Chinese to English Translation (20 credits)

Religion in China (20 credits)

Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)

Classical Chinese (20 credits)

Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)

Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)

Modern Japanese History (20 credits)

Nature and Technology in Japanese Literature and Film (20 credits)

East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)

Southeast Asia: Politics and Economy (20 credits)

Death and Religion in Japan (20 credits)

Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)

Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)

Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)

Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

Linguists into Schools (20 credits)

Learning and teaching

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 ensure inclusive assessment by making sure you are assessed in a range of ways. We test listening, speaking, writing and reading through essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations and translation projects. You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.

We offer training and support to help you prepare for assessment and to equip you with the transferable skills you’ll need for your future careers. For example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique.

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.

Alternative qualification

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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBC at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

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

A degree in Chinese equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a range of careers. Our graduates have gone on to work in the media, translation and interpreting, teaching, business, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and many other fields.

We are committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions. You’ll benefit from bespoke support and opportunities in the School and the University.

Our experts in the award-winning University Careers Centre will support you to make informed decisions about your career path, understand the opportunities available and the steps you need to take to pursue your choices. You’ll be encouraged to attend on-campus events including graduate recruitment fairs, employer networking and information sessions and meetings with our alumni.

The Union provides career-related support through the part-time job hub, student societies and other activities throughout the year. Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved in lots of activities and explore your interests. They’re also a great way to develop your skills such as team working and leadership.

At Leeds, you can access support to help you start your own business. Whether you want to learn about enterprise or become an entrepreneur, we offer award-winning specialist support.

Careers support

We regularly host employability events where you can listen to Leeds alumni talking about their careers and ask them for advice.

You’ll be guided in your career choices and prepared for life after your degree in a variety of ways. Workshops and events are organised for you by us throughout the year and focus on networking, understanding the value of your language skills, hearing from alumni about their career experiences and hosting graduate recruiters who want to hire you.

We’ll also keep you informed of other part-time and volunteering opportunities that you can fit around your studies.

This course specific high-level knowledge provides access to many careers, but you’ll also acquire a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll be a clear communicator with strong presentation skills, as well as being a critical thinker who draws your own conclusions from the information available to you.

Study abroad and work placements

You’ll spend your third year in China or Taiwan where you’ll be strengthening your language skills. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about another culture, combining intensive language classes with plenty of time to travel and explore. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their course.

You'll study at one of our partner universities, all of which have been selected for their high-quality methods of teaching and success in running Chinese language courses.

You'll have access to support and advice before, during and after your study abroad year and you’ll be able to network with returning students for first-hand advice about living overseas. You'll also have meetings with the residence abroad tutor and access to online information before you relocate.

We’ll be in touch with you during your year abroad and you’ll have support at your host institution too. On your return, we’ll ask you to share your experiences and help you to make the most of your new and improved skills and experience.