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A degree in Chinese offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in one of the most challenging and rewarding languages while gaining deep insight into China’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary global role. Whether your interest lies in language, politics, history, translation, international relations or business, studying Chinese equips you with valuable skills and a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world.
Why Study Chinese?
Mandarin is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and one of the official languages of Singapore. With China’s growing influence in global affairs, Mandarin has become an important language for international communication. Studying Chinese develops strong linguistic ability, cross-cultural communication and analytical thinking. It enables students to access Chinese literature, media and scholarship in the original language and provides insight into China’s role in international politics, trade, technology and environmental policy. A degree in Chinese enhances global employability and cultural literacy.
What Does a Chinese Degree Involve?
A Chinese degree typically combines intensive language learning with study of Chinese society, history, literature, politics and philosophy. Students focus on spoken and written Mandarin, including character recognition, tones, grammar and sentence structure. Cultural modules may include classical Chinese literature, modern fiction and poetry, Chinese cinema, political and economic development, Confucian and Daoist thought and contemporary Chinese media. Most programmes include a year abroad, often spent studying at a university in China or Taiwan. This immersive experience is vital for building fluency and gaining first-hand experience of Chinese life and culture.
Studying Chinese in the UK
Chinese can be studied as a single honours degree or in combination with subjects such as Business, International Relations, History, Linguistics or another language. UK universities offer Chinese studies at both beginner and advanced levels, with most including a year abroad.
Higher entry requirements (AAB to A*AA): University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, SOAS University of London, Durham University
Typical entry requirements (ABB to BBB): University of Leeds, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool
Wider access and lower entry requirements (BBC to CCC or equivalent): University of Central Lancashire, University of Westminster, University of Hull, University of Westminster, Aberystwyth University
Beginners’ routes are widely available and students are not usually expected to have studied Chinese at A Level. However, a strong interest in language learning and global affairs is essential.
A Level and Equivalent Entry Requirements
Chinese degrees rarely require A Level Mandarin, though having it can support advanced entry. Most universities accept students with no prior knowledge of the language through a beginner or ab initio pathway. Strong performance in essay-based or language subjects such as English, History or Modern Languages is often preferred. A wide range of qualifications including the International Baccalaureate, BTEC and Access to HE Diplomas are accepted. Some programmes may recommend prior experience with language learning or independent study of Chinese.
What Makes a Strong Application?
Applicants should demonstrate interest in the Chinese language and culture, enthusiasm for international engagement and evidence of strong independent learning. A good personal statement might reference Chinese literature or film, self-directed language study, trips to China or Taiwan, involvement in language clubs or international events. Curiosity, resilience and a willingness to step outside one’s cultural comfort zone are important traits for success in this subject.
Studying Chinese in the European Union
In the EU, Chinese is increasingly offered in modern languages, Asian studies and international business faculties. Universities in Germany, France and the Netherlands offer Chinese programmes with a focus on language, intercultural communication, East Asian politics and trade. Institutions such as Leiden University, Freie Universität Berlin and INALCO in Paris have well-established Chinese departments. Many EU programmes include compulsory study-abroad periods in China or Taiwan and often offer dual-language pathways or combined degrees with international studies or economics.
Studying Chinese in the United States
Mandarin is one of the most commonly taught foreign languages at US universities. Institutions such as the University of California Berkeley, Columbia University, Harvard University and University of Chicago offer strong Chinese language and East Asian studies programmes. Liberal arts colleges such as Middlebury College and Pomona College are also known for language immersion. US programmes typically include courses in Chinese history, literature, linguistics, calligraphy and regional politics. Many offer study-abroad placements in mainland China or Taiwan and may be combined with degrees in international relations, business, education or technology.
Studying Chinese in Canada
Canadian universities such as the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University and York University offer Chinese language degrees or East Asian Studies programmes with Mandarin components. Students can take courses in Mandarin language and script, Chinese literature and thought, Sino-Canadian relations, and Chinese diaspora studies. Programmes often include exchange opportunities and summer language immersion in Beijing, Shanghai or Taipei.
Studying Chinese in Australia and New Zealand
Chinese is widely taught at major Australian and New Zealand universities. Institutions such as the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University and University of Auckland offer Chinese as part of language, arts or international studies degrees. Courses may focus on language acquisition, contemporary China, Chinese business communication and cross-cultural studies. Many students undertake a semester or year abroad in China or Taiwan, with universities offering partnerships for language immersion and cultural experience.
Career Opportunities for Chinese Graduates
Graduates with a degree in Chinese are highly valued in fields that require international awareness, strategic communication and language expertise. Common career paths include international business and trade, translation and interpreting, teaching and education, journalism and media, diplomacy and government service, NGOs and humanitarian work, intelligence and defence, academic research and technology and engineering sectors with a focus on Asia. Fluency in Mandarin is increasingly useful in global industries including finance, logistics, international law, tourism and energy.
Is a Chinese Degree Right for You?
If you are curious about one of the world’s most influential cultures, willing to take on the intellectual challenge of a complex language and eager to engage with global affairs at a deeper level, then studying Chinese may be the ideal path. It offers a powerful combination of language proficiency, cultural knowledge and global awareness. A Chinese degree prepares you to work across borders, contribute to international dialogue and understand the dynamics of one of the most important countries in the world today. Whether your future is in diplomacy, education, business or research, Mandarin will open doors in ways few other languages can.
