Chinese Studies and German Studies BA (Hons)

Lancaster University

This four-year joint degree combines the study of the languages and cultures of China and Germany and the Sinophone and German-speaking worlds. It includes a year’s international placement in Chinese- or German-speaking countries or split between the two. The degree provides the opportunity to acquire both high-level language skills and a thorough understanding of the sensitivities of Chinese and German cultures and societies within a global context.

You will learn language and culture in innovative and engaging ways. For example, students learn the Chinese language in its social and cultural context by participating in a wide range of activities through the Chinese Friendship Project. Recent activities have included a day trip to Manchester Chinatown, Chinese Food Corner, Chinese Film Night, Chinese festival celebration, and more.

Besides studying the core language modules, you will also choose from a broad range of specialist cultural, historical and political modules that provide comparative insight into relevant countries in global contexts.

In addition to language modules, in year one you will also select one module from other related subjects.

In the second year, you will continue to take Chinese and German language modules (an oral and a written module for each language), as well as the core modules 'Shaping Contemporary China' and 'Shaping Contemporary German-speaking Europe'. You will be able to choose two optional modules.

Your third year will be spent studying or working in Chinese- and/or German-speaking countries. The year abroad is an immersive experience that gives you the opportunity to greatly improve your language proficiency while deepening your intercultural awareness. You can study at a partner academic institution or conduct a work placement. As a joint major student, you can spend your time in a German- or Chinese-speaking country, or split the year between the two.

When you return to Lancaster for your final year, you will continue to develop your core Chinese and German language oral and written skills, combining this with a further choice of specialist courses. If you are interested in exploring a particular topic in depth, perhaps a subject you have studied previously in the course, you could take a dissertation module.

The language modules are designed so that you can attain CEFR levels C1-C2 (equivalent to HSK5-6) upon successful completion of the degree.

The optional modules offered will vary from year to year depending on availability and areas of expertise of staff.

Beginners Languages

Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.