Modern Chinese

Our 4-year Modern Chinese (BA) programme is delivered through an exciting partnership between Cardiff University and Beijing Normal University, that enables you to develop and enhance your knowledge of the Chinese language – achieving advanced linguistics skills - and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. You’ll also have the opportunity to study the social, political, historical, and cultural contexts in China.

During the degree, you’ll foster translation skills, gain professional experience, and develop high-level communication and critical thinking skills.

An integral part of this programme is the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the Chinese language and culture by spending 2 years living in Beijing. This cultural and linguistic experience will be further enhanced through studying for 2 years at one of China’s premier, double first universities, Beijing Normal University. During your time at Beijing Normal, you will have the opportunity to be taught by expert, native speakers and embrace the experience of studying within a Chinese culture and in the Chinese higher education system. Beyond your academic development, your time at Beijing Normal University will build resilience and independence.

We run 2 language pathways. Those with an A level or equivalent competence in Mandarin Chinese language will take our Upper Elementary pathway. Those with limited or no knowledge of Mandarin Chinese language take our Elementary pathway.

On completion of this programme, you’ll be a confident and independent user of Mandarin Chinese language, able to speak and write fluently and accurately, and read, understand, and analyse complex texts in Mandarin Chinese and in English with assurance.

It’s important to remember that studying Mandarin Chinese is not just about the language itself, it involves the integrated study of language, culture, and society. Our BA Modern Chinese programme offers challenging and stimulating modules with a strong emphasis on cultural diversity and celebrates cultural and linguistic mobility.

Languages open doors to a variety of career paths and our aim is for you to become a ‘global citizen’ who thinks critically, understands cultural diversity, and a wealth of transferable skills.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Dual Degree
Receive a degree from both Cardiff University and Beijing Normal University.

Immersion in Chinese life
Spend 2 years in China to achieve advanced fluency in Mandarin Chinese and explore Chinese history and modern-day Chinese culture.

Professional development
Undertake professional practice opportunities to support your employability and work skills.

A dynamic experience
Learn from native and near-native speakers, with blended learning and digital technologies embedded in teaching and learning activities.

Skills for the future
A structured skills programme embeds academic, transferable and employability skills from the beginning.

Extra-curricular activities
A vibrant programme of events – such as language cafes and student societies - supports your language learning and immersion into the culture.