Modern Chinese

Modern Chinese, by which this programme means contemporary Mandarin, is the most widely spoken language in the world by number of native speakers, and the ability to use it fluently opens access to one of the world's major economies, a literary and cultural tradition spanning thousands of years, and a society that is playing an increasingly central role in global affairs. Learning Chinese as a foreign language is a genuinely demanding undertaking: the writing system, the tonal nature of spoken Mandarin, and the structural differences from European languages all require sustained effort and disciplined study. The reward is a capability that very few graduates from UK universities possess.

Cardiff University's four-year full-time Modern Chinese programme is designed to take you from foundational level to genuine advanced competence. You will study the language systematically, covering spoken Mandarin, reading, writing in simplified and traditional characters, and the grammatical structures that underpin them, while engaging with contemporary Chinese society, politics, culture, literature, and history alongside your language development. The four-year structure gives sufficient time for the language to take real hold, and the programme is designed for students who are beginning Mandarin without prior formal study as well as those with some background.

You will be taught by staff with research expertise in Chinese studies, and the curriculum reflects both scholarly rigour and an awareness of the practical contexts in which language skills will be used.

A typical tariff of 136 points reflects the programme's academic demands. You will develop the ability to engage with Chinese media, literature, and public discourse, and to communicate confidently in both formal and informal contexts.

Graduates with Mandarin proficiency are sought in international business, diplomacy, government, journalism, translation, consultancy, and finance. The rarity of the skill in the UK market is a significant advantage, and postgraduate study in Chinese studies, international relations, or business is a common next step.