Chinese Studies
Welcome to Chinese Studies at Newcastle!
Discover Chinese at Newcastle University
Newcastle was the first university to pioneer a dual-entry system. This means that you can start your Chinese language course from scratch, or with an A Level qualification (or equivalent).
We offer a range of undergraduate degree programmes that allow you to study the Chinese language, society and culture. Choose our single honours degree in Chinese Studies, or opt to study the Chinese language alongside other subjects.
We are a close-knit community where students are truly encouraged to thrive.
You can find lots of information about undergraduate study below. We also offer courses for postgraduate students including Master's degrees and PhDs.
Explore our undergraduate degrees
You can choose to study Chinese on one of our undergraduate degree programmes:
- Chinese Studies BA Honours
- Modern Languages BA Honours
- Modern Languages and Business Studies BA Honours
- Modern Languages and International Relations BA Honours
- Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours
- Modern Languages, Translation and Interpreting BA Honours
Each course page above gives examples of our modules with lots of options across our degrees.
You can also study Chinese as part of a degree offered by a different School within the University.
Graduate stories
I have such fond memories of my time in China and experiences I will carry for a lifetime!
Optional Year Abroad
What you might do
Chinese Studies students at Newcastle University can study for a semester or a full year at partner universities across China and Taiwan — from Beijing and Shanghai to Xiamen, Chengdu, and Taipei. This immersive experience enhances both your language skills and cultural understanding.
Where you might go
We have exchange links with the following universities in mainland China and Taiwan:
- Beijing Language and Culture University (Beijing)
- East China Normal University (Shanghai)
- Sichuan University (Chengdu)
- Xiamen University (Xiamen)
- National Taiwan Normal University (Taipei)
We keep our exchange partner information as up to date as possible, but sometimes changes happen at short notice.
Your learning journey
You can find up-to-date module information on each degree programme webpage. Examples of Chinese language course modules have covered:
- anthropology
- film and media
- heritage
- history
- literature
- politics and political thought
- sociology
Our advanced Chinese language course develops practical skills for the professional world. The curriculum covers:
- business terminology
- translation and interpreting practice
- training in how to write CVs and formal letters
Why study Chinese at Newcastle University?
Internationally renowned East Asian experts
Based in the School of Modern Languages, our team of East Asia experts is internationally renowned. The team also co-teaches and conducts PhD supervisions with colleagues in other Schools. This introduces further exciting specialisms in the culture, politics, and history of China.
Our experts often disseminate their research, influencing government and the NGO sector.
Teaching quality
Newcastle University is a great place to study the Chinese language. Our global ranking position demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence and student experience.
Extra-curricular activities
We offer extra-curricular activities to foster intercultural exchange during your Chinese degree. Our student-run Anglo-Chinese Society brings our Chinese course students and exchange students together. The society also organises exciting events year-round.
The Chinese Independent Film Archive (CIFA) regularly organises screenings and exhibitions. It also often hosts notable filmmakers.
We also have a thriving Chinatown in Newcastle, based on and around Stowell Street.
Tandem language learning partnerships can be arranged through our state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre. These partnerships are very popular among our students, providing a great way to further enhance your language skills.
At Newcastle University, we house one of the UK’s Confucius Institutes (CI). The institute promotes Chinese language and culture to local schools through intercultural events. Guest speakers are often invited to Newcastle to speak on a range of fascinating Chinese topics.
Newcastle students can take the HSK (Chinese language proficiency) test via the institute. The CI also offers a variety of funding opportunities, including scholarships to support full- and part-time study.