Newcastle University

Chinese Studies OR Japanese Studies BA Honours
UCAS Code: TT12 (4 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

With the rise of China as an economic and political power, and the continuing economic importance of Japan, this degree offers you the chance to take advantage of the career opportunities provided by Britain’s growing political, business and cultural links with East Asia.

We offer a communicative approach to language learning, so whether you choose to study Chinese (Mandarin) or Japanese, you will learn to communicate with speakers of the language, however basically, right from the start.

Teaching and assessment

The School of Modern Languages produces high-level original research in the cultures of the contemporary societies with which it engages. This research feeds directly into our teaching, giving you the chance to really get to know the modern societies connected to your chosen languages before experiencing them first hand in the countries where they are spoken. We have particular research expertise in:

• Film Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Linguistics
• Medieval Studies

The majority of practical language modules are taught through classes led by native speakers, as well as through work in language laboratories and self-study in our Language Resource Centre. 

Assessment involves oral and language laboratory work and written examinations at the end of each Stage, as well as course work submitted during the year. During your year abroad in Stage 3 you are required to complete a personal learning record (a diary exercise consisting of three short pieces of work) and either write a project in the relevant language or submit marks from modules taken at the exchange university. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Visit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about the outstanding learning experience available to you at Newcastle University.

Year abroad

You spend your third year at a University in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing or Hainan island) or Japan (Tokyo, Akita, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka), where you follow a programme of intensive language study in your chosen language.

Depending on your language level on entry, it may be possible to undertake your year abroad during Stage 2.

School of Modern Languages

We have been teaching languages at Newcastle for over 100 years. This mark of quality and heritage is reflected in the reputation that the School holds.

Our outstanding facilities ensure that you have everything you need to support your language learning, from state-of-the-art language laboratories to an award-winning Language Resource Centre.

There are lots of opportunities within the School for you to meet new people and get involved with different activities including joining our student-run societies:

• the Anglo-Chinese Society
• the Anglo-Japanese Society
• the Modern Languages Society

Find out more about Newcastle University's School of Modern Languages on the School website.