Chinese Studies

About the course

China is one of the world’s great civilisations with a rich cultural heritage providing the backdrop to a dynamic contemporary society. In our programmes you will learn the Chinese language and study Chinese culture from a variety of different perspectives. Individual modules examine China’s history, society, religion and literature, both in ancient and in modern times.

You have the choice between our 3-year Chinese Studies Single Honours (SH) programme and one of our Joint Honours (JH) combinations. While Single Honours students have to complete a challenging language programme in Mandarin and take a variety of modules relating to Chinese history and culture, Joint Honours students can decide whether they want to focus on language study or choose a greater number of thematic modules instead.

The course does not require prior experience in China or of the Chinese language.

BA Chinese Studies SH

Year	Language Modules	Thematic Modules	Study/Research Skills	Total Credits
1	Basic Chinese 1+2 (40 credits)	60 credits	20 credits	120
2	Intermediate Chinese 1+2 (40 credits)	60 credits (incl. Classical Chinese)	20 credits	120
3	Advanced Chinese 1+2 (40 credits)	40 credits	40 credits Dissertation	120

Joint Honours Programmes

BA Chinese Studies and Anthropology - TL16
BA Chinese Studies and English - TQ13
BA Chinese Studies and Medieval Studies - TV11
BA Chinese Studies and Philosophy - TV1M
BA Chinese Studies and Religious Studies - TV16

Joint Honours students take 60 credits per year in Chinese Studies:

Language pathway: 40 credits language + 20 credits Subject specific modules

Civilisation pathway: 60 credits thematic modules (with option to take Basic Chinese 1)

Thematic modules (each worth 20 credits; selection)

Introduction to Chinese Culture
History and Civilisation of Traditional China
From Empire to Nation: Modern History of China
Yangsheng and Daoist Body Philosophy
Religion, State and Society in China
Chinese Stories of the Supernatural
Independent research dissertation

Semester Abroad

As part of your 3-year degree scheme, you will have the opportunity to spend the second semester of Year 2 in Beijing. All students in their final year further have the opportunity to apply for one-year scholarships for the time after graduation.

What do I need to read Chinese Studies?

Entry is based on individual merit and the department will consider each application individually and carefully. Key requirements are:

An enquiring mind and an interest in viewpoints
other than your own
An ability to think for yourself
A flair for languages (esp. for Single Honours
and Joint Honours Language pathway)

Career opportunities

Teaching
Business
Tourism
Translation/Interpreting
Non-governmental organisations
Media

Further information

The Confucius Institute at Trinity Saint David, the first to be established in Wales in 2007, enhances the Chinese Studies degree schemes through a summer camp (1 Year), workshops (Taijiquan, Calligraphy), cultural events (film nights, Chinese corner), scholarships and its Chinese Language Proficiency (HSK) Testing Centre. Visit us on:

http://www.trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk/en/confuciusinstitute/