Chinese and Thai Studies BA
Year of entry 2026
2025 course information- UCAS code
- TL31
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 5 years full time
- Study abroad
- Mandatory
- Typical A-level offer
- ABB
Full entry requirements - Contact
- artsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
China today constitutes almost a fifth of the global economy, and is a major centre for technological, business and cultural innovation, while Thailand has undergone a radical economic, political and social transformation in recent decades. This degree will allow you to develop both Chinese and Thai language skills to an advanced level, while discovering the cultural, political and historical context of these fascinating countries.
We teach both languages from beginners’ level, but if you have some prior knowledge we can normally accommodate you. You’ll build your skills in each language through core modules, and you’ll be introduced to the culture, history and politics of China, Thailand and the East Asian region.
A wide range of optional modules will expand your knowledge, allowing you to focus on Chinese culture, politics and society, and Thai history and religion, among others. One of the strengths of East Asian Studies at Leeds is that we have expertise spanning many diverse aspects of this fascinating region, which encompasses Northeast and Southeast Asia.
On this five-year course, you’ll spend two years abroad, with a year at a university in mainland China or Taiwan, and a year in Thailand giving you first-hand experience of the languages and cultures. You’ll have many opportunities to immerse yourself in China’s and Thailand’s rich and fascinating cultures, and you’ll be able to visit other East and Southeast Asian countries close by, such as Japan, South Korea, Burma, Laos and Cambodia.
Alongside your language modules, you’ll develop your critical thinking and research skills as you choose optional modules exploring various aspects of Chinese, Thai and East Asian Studies, ranging from literature and visual cultures through to political economy and international relations.
During the final year of your course, you’ll take advanced language modules in both languages, which use authentic materials and offer training in translation. You’ll also undertake a final-year project on a topic of your choosing, designed to showcase your knowledge and skills.
Specialist resources
With four libraries on campus, you’ll find space for study, group work and research. Our Chinese collection is one of the best collections of modern Chinese books in the country, alongside our Japanese holdings and a growing East Asian Studies and Thai collection. 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. You’ll have access to free classes and workshops so you can learn how to find resources and develop your study skills.
Our Language Zone gives you access to free learning resources, including space for personal study, language learning software, and video, audio, books and magazines. You'll also have access to our translation computer labs equipped with specialist software and our interpreter training booths to explore different career options.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course details
In your first year, you’ll take intensive language classes in both Chinese and Thai to develop your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, as well as selecting optional modules on the culture, history and politics of the East Asian region. You’ll learn both simplified and traditional Chinese characters from your first year.
In your second year, higher-level language classes will improve your spoken and written Thai and Chinese, and you’ll also explore topics such as the development of contemporary Thailand and China through core and optional modules.
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but take fewer optional modules so you can fit in both subjects.
The first two years will lay the foundations for the next two years, when you’ll gain further insight and improve your language skills by studying in China and Thailand. When you return to Leeds, you’ll have a new perspective to bring to your final yearsof study.
In your final year, you’ll refine your language skills and choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics including Buddhism, regional politics in East Asia and Chinese literature and visual cultures. You’ll also demonstrate your knowledge and skills in an independent project, such as a piece of research, a translation or a documentary on a topic of your choice.
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 |
|---|---|
| Modern China: History and Culture | 20 |
| Foundations of East Asia | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Basic Chinese Language 1 | 20 |
| Basic Chinese Language 2 | 20 |
| Intermediate Chinese (1) | 20 |
| Intermediate Chinese (2) | 20 |
| Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies | 20 |
| Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 | 20 |
| Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| LCS Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| LCS Year Abroad | 120 |
Year 4 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Making of Modern Thailand | 20 |
| Chinese 2A | 20 |
| Chinese 2B | 20 |
| Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 | 20 |
| Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 | 20 |
Year 4 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| China Since 1979 | 20 |
| Classical Chinese | 20 |
| Society and Culture of Early Modern China | 20 |
| Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World | 20 |
| Chinese Cinema | 20 |
Year 5 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chinese 3: Advanced Skills | 20 |
| Advanced Thai Language and Culture | 20 |
Year 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Final Year Project: Dissertation | 40 |
| Final Year Project: Extended Translation | 40 |
| Final Year Project: Digital Documentary | 40 |
| Religion in China | 20 |
| Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World | 20 |
| East Asia's Regional Political Economy | 20 |
| Globalising China and the Developing World | 20 |
| Advanced Chinese to English Translation | 20 |
| Buddhism: A Lived Tradition | 20 |
Year 1 compulsory modules (selection of typical options shown below)
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.
Foundations of East Asia (20 credits) - The module will provide an introduction to the geography of and the cultural, political and social diversity of the countries that comprise East Asia.
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
EITHER:
Basic Chinese Language 1 (20 credits)
Basic Chinese Language 2 (20 credits)
OR
Intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits)
Intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits)
EITHER
Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits)
Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
OR
Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)
Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
Year 2 compulsory modules
The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits) - You'll examine key contemporary debates on the interpretation of historical processes and events through analyses of Thai films and a variety of different texts
Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits) - This module will involve reading and discussing Thai newspaper and magazine articles.
Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits) - This module will be delivered principally in Thai. Students will read and discuss Thai newspaper and magazine articles, and watch Thai-language documentary programmes.
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
EITHER:
Intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits)
Intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits)
OR
Chinese 2A (20 credits)
Chinese 2B (20 credits)
China Since 1979 (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)
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 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 5 compulsory module
Chinese 3: Advanced Skills (20 credits) - This module emphasises the active language skills students will need to gain a deeper understanding of China.
Advanced Thai Language and Culture (20 credits) - The module will be completely held in Thai and involve intensive and extensive reading and discussion of a range of materials in Thai.
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 5 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
Religion in China (20 credits)
Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)
East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)
Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)
Advanced Chinese to English Translation (20 credits)
Buddhism: A Lived Tradition (20 credits)
Learning and teaching
Your lecturers are all experts in their fields, so you’ll benefit from their knowledge in lectures, workshops, small-group seminars and tutorials. You’ll build your language skills in practical and highly interactive classes, and as you progress, some modules may be taught in your target languages.
Independent learning is also a major part of the course, allowing you to build your research skills and think critically about the information you find. The University Library runs comprehensive training programmes to help you make the most of our resources.
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 all our students are assessed in a range of ways. Listening, speaking, writing and reading are all tested, and our range of assessments includes essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations and translation projects. We offer training and support in these areas to equip you with the transferable skills you will need for your future careers – for example, we run extra classes on skills such as public speaking, structuring essays and exam technique that you’ll be able to attend throughout your time at Leeds.
You’ll regularly receive detailed feedback on your coursework, helping you to keep track of your progress.
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.
We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Alternative qualification
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. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. This course has additional subject specific requirements. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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
BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade.
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 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.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
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 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 and Thai will give you valuable communication skills in the languages of two fast-growing countries which are increasingly important on the global stage. You’ll also have a real awareness of the complex and diverse cultures that make up the vibrant and powerful Asia Pacific region.
That will open a number of doors into a range of different careers, both within East Asia 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 around the world, working in business, journalism, publishing, diplomacy, tourism, teaching, broadcasting, overseas aid work, PR and language-based roles such as translation and interpreting.
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 also offer 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.
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.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
You'll spend two years abroad studying a dedicated language course for non-native speakers at one of our partner institutions in each country. Of course, you’ll also have plenty of time to travel and explore China, Thailand and other parts of the East Asian region.
You’ll spend a year studying at an institution such as Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and a year at a university in China or Taiwan.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your language skills and gain a new appreciation of both Chinese and Thai cultures. It can also really enhance your CV. For many of our students, it’s the highlight of their degree.
Read more about the Thai residence abroad
Read more about the Chinese residence abroad
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.