Chinese (Modern)

By studying this course, you’ll be equipped with strong language skills and gain a deep understanding of modern China. In your first year, you’ll gain a firm foundation in the contemporary Chinese language, readying you for immersion in Chinese society in your second year, when you’ll live and study in either mainland China or Taiwan. Your residency will successfully prepare you for your upper years of study, as you’ll have a richer understanding of Chinese culture and society, as well as a solid grasp of the language.

We emphasise the importance of embedding Chinese language studies in a firm understanding of the contexts in which the language has evolved and is used. You’ll learn this through the authentic Chinese language material that you’ll engage with during your studying and through a range of optional modules that cover topics such as Chinese society, literature and history.

Alongside gaining language skills, you’ll develop a contextual understanding of China’s influence as a major player on the world stage, including its social and cultural diversity and its complex motivations and actions. Constituting for almost a fifth of the global economy, you’ll explore the dominant cultural, political and economic significance of China. You’ll study the country’s importance as a centre for technology, business and culture.

Additional highlights
Our course is home to the internationally renowned Leeds Centre for New Chinese Writing, and you’ll benefit from the many exciting activities and events run by colleagues, including talks by leading Chinese fiction writers, translation competitions, and workshops.