Chinese Studies - Persian

Chinese studies combined with Persian brings together two of the most culturally significant and historically deep language traditions in the world. Chinese, in its Mandarin form, is the primary language of China, one of the most populous and economically influential nations, and serves as a significant language across East and Southeast Asia. Persian is the language of Iran and has historically been a prestige literary and administrative language across Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, with a continuous literary tradition of extraordinary richness stretching back over a thousand years.

Studying both opens access to two very different civilisations, each with immense historical depth and significant contemporary relevance.

At the University of St Andrews you will study Chinese studies and Persian over four years of full-time study, with a year abroad built into the programme to provide immersive engagement with the language communities you are studying. The Chinese studies component goes beyond traditional models of language and literature to include visual and popular culture, giving you a rounded understanding of Chinese society in both its historical and contemporary dimensions. The Persian strand develops language proficiency alongside literary and cultural study across the rich history of Persian-language civilisation.

The typical tariff of 184 reflects the intellectual and linguistic demands of a dual-language programme at a highly selective institution.

Graduates with expertise in both Chinese and Persian are exceptionally rare, and that rarity translates into a distinctive professional profile. Career opportunities span diplomacy, international relations, intelligence and foreign affairs, translation and interpreting, academia, journalism, international development, cultural organisations and business with significant operations in China or the Persian-speaking world. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in area studies, international relations, linguistics or comparative literature.

The intercultural intelligence and linguistic capability developed through this programme are particularly valued in roles that require genuine deep engagement with both East Asian and Middle Eastern contexts.