Music and Chinese

Combining music and Chinese opens an unusually rich intellectual path, bringing together two disciplines that each demand serious commitment and reward it with deep insight. Music as an academic subject encompasses composition, performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory, while the study of Chinese at degree level involves language acquisition, literature, history, philosophy, and the cultures of one of the world's most influential civilisations. Together, they develop disciplined attention, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work across very different systems of thought.

This four-year, full-time programme at an institution with particular expertise in the languages, cultures, and arts of Asia and Africa gives you access to scholars with specialist knowledge in Chinese music and culture alongside rigorous training in both disciplines. You will study Mandarin Chinese to an advanced level, engaging with classical and contemporary texts, and explore the history and theory of music with an opportunity to develop your own practice and critical thinking. The foundation year at the start of the programme provides a thorough preparation for degree-level study in both subjects.

Graduates of music and Chinese combinations bring a rare blend of cultural and linguistic fluency alongside creative and analytical skills. Career destinations span the arts sector, international relations and diplomacy, translation and interpreting, cultural institutions, broadcasting and media, education, and business roles focused on China and East Asia. The language skills in particular open doors in international commerce, journalism, and non-governmental organisations.

Further postgraduate study in musicology, Chinese studies, ethnomusicology, or East Asian studies is a well-trodden path for those who wish to pursue research or academic careers.