Chinese Studies with Year Abroad,BA

This is multidisciplinary degree will develop advanced knowledge and understanding of Chinese language and culture.

You will study a core language module in each of your three years spent in Durham. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of Chinese, but a pathway is available if you already have an A level or equivalent qualification in Chinese.

You will also have the chance to choose from a selection of other modules relevant to the study of China from other departments. This includes Anthropology, Education, Government and International Affairs, Economics, and Theology and Religious Studies. In addition, you may choose to take additional language modules, including European languages, Japanese and Korean.

You will spend your third year studying the Chinese language at a university in China. This is an amazing opportunity to experience Chinese culture first-hand and to put your language learning into practice and context. 

In your final year, you will bring together all your learning and experience to write a dissertation on an aspect of Chinese studies.

Read more about our teaching and the year abroad, and hear from our students here

Immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. Develop your Chinese language skills and spend a year in China.

You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Chinese, but if you do have an A level (or equivalent) in Chinese, then you can enter the Advanced stream from Year 1.

A level offer – AAB. Grade A in History is required, if taking the History option.

Contextual offer – BBB. History is required, if taking the History option.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD. Grade A in History is required, if taking the History option.

IB Diploma score – 36 with 665 in higher level subjects. Please see above for subject requirements.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions team for more information.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

A degree in Languages and Cultures will provide you with an impressive portfolio of cultural knowledge, transferable skills and real-world experiences that is valued by employers worldwide. In particular, the year abroad which, as well as developing language abilities, can also greatly enhance your intercultural, problem-solving and communication skills.

With the UK as a whole producing fewer linguists, proficiency in languages coupled with the intellectual rigour and cultural understanding acquired during your degree will make you highly employable in a wide range of careers both in the UK and internationally. These include occupations such as interpreting, translation and teaching, media and the arts but also working across wider industry in research, administration, human resources, sales and business development, and the financial services.