Course structure
The BA Single Honours Chinese is a four-year degree programme. It is structured in such a way that you will acquire over successive years high-level language competencies and the skills to become an independent and critical thinker, equipped for professional employment.
In each year of the programme you will study 120 credits. Your third year will be spent studying in China or a Mandarin Chinese speaking country.
Year one contains a 40-credit core Chinese language module and a 20 credit modules introducing you to Chinese history, society and culture from a global perspective. Students will choose an additional 40 credits, choosing from modules which explore Chinese cinema, the culture of daily life in contemporary China, translation or cultural studies.
In year two, you study 30 credits of Chinese language and a 30 credit transnational module. You will also be able to choose an additional 60 credits, ranging from modules that explore Chinese cinema, the culture of daily life in contemporary China, translation, cultural studies or study the world and language of business in China.
In year four, you will build on the broad base of knowledge and skills you have developed to follow specialised research-led dissertation work (30 credits), taught and/or supervised by cutting-edge research staff, working on the culture, politics and history of China. You will also study 30 credits Chinese language, building on your study abroad, in addition to 60 credits of optional modules.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
In year one we run a beginner’s pathway for students with limited or no knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. The first year of this programme provides a thorough foundation in the grammar of the language for those students on the beginner’s pathway, and develops the linguistic skills for post A-level students on the advanced pathway.
You will also study a non-language module which introduces you to the development of China as a nation, exploring what it has symbolised for different groups at different moments in history. It also explores China’s exchanges with the world, enabling you to explore China’s role beyond the national borders. Studies in these areas will enable you to develop a good understanding of intercultural awareness, and the highly-prized ability to mediate between cultures.
Students will choose an additional 40 credits, choosing from modules which explore Chinese cinema, the culture of daily life in contemporary China, translation or cultural studies.
Year two
The language elements of year two build on the work undertaken in year one, and prepare you for your year abroad.
In addition to 30 credits Mandarin Chinese language, you will study 30 credits looking at China in a transnational context. This will introduce you to key approaches, methodologies and critical tools which you can apply to an in-depth study of your target culture, looking at a range of topics such as culture, history and politics. You will also study Business Chinese and Specialised Translation from Chinese into English.
Outside of your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to take part in our highly-praised Student Mentoring Scheme, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government. Pupils in selected secondary schools are mentored by our specially-trained undergraduate students who go into schools to mentor pupils in small groups of two or three over a period of five weeks.
You may also choose to take part in the Student Language Ambassador (SLA) scheme, acting as advocates for language learning. Following specific training, as an SLA you may get the opportunity to speak publicly at events, sharing your personal experience of language learning. You may take part in a range of activities, such as language taster sessions, presenting and promoting the year abroad, supporting School language days and events, or promoting modern languages at career fairs or open days.
Year three: Sandwich year
Your third year will be spent in China or another Mandarin Chinese-speaking country. The year will enable you to develop your language skills, deepen your understanding of the Chinese culture and develop your independence, resourcefulness and resilience.
Whilst in China, you will also have the opportunity to undertake take an ‘internship’ in an arts institution. The purpose of the internship is to further develop your linguistic skills, both oral and written. You will also be required to compile a diary, to collect research data for essays and the dissertation in the final year of your studies. The ‘internship’ is one day per week throughout the year or an accumulated few weeks during holiday periods.
The internship is not paid. The scheme is supported and monitored by the partner universities which include: Beijing Normal University, Wuhan University, Shanghai Jiaotong University and Shanghai Arts Research Institute. The internship process is monitored by both the partner university coordinator and the home university project leader. No matter what you choose, the year abroad is a great opportunity for you to improve your understanding of the language, immerse yourself in another culture, and gain international study or work experience.
Progression to the Year Abroad in China is dependent on the Chinese embassy successfully approving your visa application. Further information on the process of applying for a visa to study in China can be found on the UK Chinese Embassy website.
Support and guidance to prepare you for applying for your visa and your Year Abroad will be provided by the School of Modern Languages in Year 2 of your programme of study.
Year four
When we welcome you back to Cardiff in your final year, you will continue to develop your research skills, studying a 30 credit dissertation on China (in English) and 30 credits of Mandarin Chinese language, in addition to 60 credits of optional modules. You will also have the opportunity to build on the broad base of knowledge and skills you have developed to study an area of research expertise in the School, through taught modules and/or a dissertation.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in our very popular teaching module, an accredited module where you will build on study and workshops at the University to undertake a teaching placement at one of our partner schools in the area.
