Chinese

Modern Chinese is one of the most strategically important languages a graduate can develop today. China is the world's most populous nation, the second-largest economy, and a growing presence in global technology, trade, diplomacy and culture. Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and a deep understanding of Chinese society, history and culture equip graduates for careers at the intersection of the Chinese-speaking world and the rest of it, whether in business, diplomacy, journalism, education or research.

At the University of Leeds, this four-year full-time programme develops your Chinese language skills from foundation level through to advanced proficiency. In your first and second years you will build a firm grounding in contemporary Chinese language, and your third year takes you to either mainland China or Taiwan for a period of immersion in Chinese society, language and culture. This year abroad is a defining feature of the programme, giving you the kind of linguistic and cultural depth that classroom study alone cannot produce.

Your final year consolidates that experience, drawing on your richer understanding of Chinese society and your solid command of the language to develop the sophisticated analytical and communicative competence the degree aims to produce.

Graduates who can communicate in Chinese and understand Chinese culture are in real demand across a wide range of professional contexts. International business and trade, diplomacy and foreign affairs, journalism, translation and interpreting, financial services, academic research and education all recruit graduates with Chinese language competence. The combination of language skill and cultural knowledge the programme provides is particularly valued by organisations operating in or with Chinese markets, as well as by those engaged in policy, research and the arts.

Postgraduate study in Chinese studies, Asian studies, translation or international relations is a natural next step.