(Full time) 2020 start
Arabic and Chinese BA
Overview
Learn two major world languages from scratch and deepen your understanding of the modern world by exploring the history and culture of the nations that speak them on this fascinating 5-year course.
You will have the opportunity to spend two years abroad, with a year in China and another in an Arabic speaking country, which will provide you with invaluable first-hand experience of the languages and let you fully immerse yourself in the cultures of the regions.
Arabic is a vital language for understanding societies in the Middle East and the Islamic world while China plays an important role on the global stage and is one of the world’s largest economies. If you’ve never studied either of the languages before, this degree will allow you to learn them from scratch. 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 alongside. We teach Chinese from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge of the subject we can normally accommodate you.
Course content
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 study one of our cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.
Arabic
You’ll spend your first year studying core modules that develop your Arabic language skills and introduce you to Arab and Islamic history. All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, when you’ll study in an Arabic-speaking country to experience the local culture. When you return, you’ll take advanced language classes and study translation, as well as choosing from options such as Arabic literature, Middle East politics and Islamic Studies.
Chinese
In your first year core modules will develop your Chinese language skills. You’ll also choose from optional modules introducing Chinese history, culture and religious traditions. Then you’ll spend a year studying in China to improve your language skills and experience the local culture, and return to advanced language classes over the next two years. You’ll also choose from optional modules from Cantonese to Sino-Japanese relations.
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
- Beginning Arabic 1 20 credits
- Beginning Arabic 2 20 credits
- Early and Medieval Islamic History 20 credits
- Basic Chinese Language 1 20 credits
- Basic Chinese Language 2 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- History and Culture of Imperial China 20 credits
- History and Culture of Early Imperial China 10 credits
- Modern China 10 credits
- Chinese Culture in the Twentieth Century 10 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
- LCS Academic Essentials 5 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Arabic Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Year Abroad in China 120 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation 20 credits
- Essential Skills in Practical Arabic 20 credits
- Chinese 2A 20 credits
- Chinese 2B 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arab Media, Politics and Society 20 credits
- Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
- Modern Middle Eastern History 20 credits
- China Since 1979 20 credits
- The Making of Modern Thailand 20 credits
- Religion in China 20 credits
Year 5
Compulsory modules
You are required to study ONE of the following Final Year Project modules.
- Advanced Skills in Arabic Language 20 credits
- Chinese 3: Advanced Skills 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Dissertation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Essay 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Translation 20 credits
- Final Year Project: Extended Translation 40 credits
- Final Year Project: Digital Documentary 40 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Arabic Stylistics 20 credits
- Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict 20 credits
- Advanced Media Arabic: Translation Skills in Text Typology 20 credits
- Modern Documentary Chinese: Society and Development 10 credits
- Contemporary Chinese Literature 10 credits
- Chinese Language for International Trade and Business 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
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge 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.
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:When 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 in a modern foreign language 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
We accept a wide range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies admissions team.
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 2019
Fees
UK/EU: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for 2019 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 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.
Tuition fees for 2020 entry
For all full-time students starting in 2020, our fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed and we expect to publish an update later in 2019.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's 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.
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
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 at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Residence abroad
This five-year course involves a year abroad both in year 2 (Arabic) and year 3 (Chinese).
In Year 2 you’ll study at an institute such as the Arabic Language Institute in Fes (ALIF), Morocco and in Year 3, you can choose to study from a selection of Chinese universities.
Read more about the Arabic residence abroad
Read more about the Chinese residence abroad