Chinese Studies - Spanish

Chinese studies combined with Spanish is a degree that opens two of the world's most significant language communities. Chinese, in its Mandarin form, is the most spoken first language in the world and the primary language of one of the most economically and culturally influential nations on earth. Spanish is spoken by over 480 million people across Europe, Latin America and beyond.

Studying both disciplines together gives you access to very different literary, cultural and historical traditions, and the analytical and linguistic flexibility to engage with each on its own terms.

At the University of St Andrews you will study Chinese studies and Spanish over four years of full-time study, with a year abroad built into the programme to provide immersive engagement in one or more of the language communities you are studying. The Chinese studies component goes well beyond language to encompass the breadth and depth of Chinese linguistic and cultural practices, including visual culture, popular culture and contemporary media alongside traditional literary and historical study. This approach reflects an understanding that engaging seriously with Chinese culture today requires more than classical knowledge.

The Spanish component develops your linguistic proficiency from the level appropriate to your entry experience alongside engagement with Spanish and Latin American literature, history and culture. The typical tariff of 184 reflects the dual linguistic and academic demands of this four-year programme at a highly selective institution.

Graduates of this kind of combined language degree are exceptionally well placed for careers in international business, diplomacy, translation and interpreting, journalism, international development, the civil service and academia. The combination of Chinese and Spanish is rare, and graduates who can operate at a high level in both languages have a particularly distinctive profile. Many go on to postgraduate study in area studies, international relations, linguistics or business, or pursue professional language qualifications.

The intercultural awareness and analytical skills developed through this programme are valued across organisations with significant international and cross-cultural dimensions.