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Chinese Studies OR Japanese Studies BA Honours

  • UCAS code: TT12
  • Full time
  • 4 years

Immerse yourself in the study of Chinese or Japanese society, culture, politics and history. Prepare yourself for a career working and interacting with organisations in East Asia.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £21000

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

This four-year degree immerses you in the study of the society, culture, politics and history of China or Japan. On this programme you'll develop your language skills in your chosen language and build an appreciation of different societies and cultures.

You'll gain an in-depth insight into how culture, cinema, history, politics and society shape the countries where your chosen language is spoken. You'll develop the knowledge and understanding you need to engage with people in their native language. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to study Korean from Stage 2.

The third year of your degree will be spent abroad, so you can develop your language skills among native speakers and experience a different culture.

You'll graduate as a confident linguist, in your chosen East Asian language, ready to embark on your career journey as a global citizen.

You will be well positioned to take advantage of exciting new career opportunities emerging from Britain's growing connections with East Asia, as China's economic and political power continues to rise alongside Japan's diplomatic importance.

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You'll study compulsory modules in Chinese or Japanese language. Alongside these, there are optional modules that look at East Asia and the world through a focus on:

  • geography
  • history
  • cultural studies
  • international film
  • politics and/or sociology

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Introduction to Chinese Culture 20
Introduction to Japanese History and Culture 20

You take 40 credits of language modules EITHER Level A OR Level B modules in your language strand (Chinese OR Japanese) shown in the optional list below.

Optional Modules Credits
Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Chinese II 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese 40
Interconnected World 20
Global Middle Ages 20
Global Ancient Histories 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese I 20
Level A (HE Entry Level) Japanese II 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese 40
Key Concepts in International Politics 20
Introduction to International Film 20
Introduction to Cultural Studies 20
Politics and Society 20

In Stage 2, you will continue to build your language skills in Chinese or Japanese. You will also be able to choose optional modules that focus on Chinese or Japanese culture, society and politics, as well as learning Korean.

Modules

Compulsory modules

If you took Level A language at Stage 1, you shall take ONE of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):

Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese (40 credits)
OR
Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese (40 credits)

If you took Level B language at Stage 1, you shall take ONE of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):
OR

Modules

Optional Modules Credits
Contemporary Chinese Society: Issues and Challenges 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Chinese 40
Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese 40
Political Geography 20
Communication in the Medieval World, from Europe to Asia: Prayer, Poetry, Pictures, and Travel 20
Famines in History 20
Ideas and Belief in premodern East Asia 20
The Aftermath of War in Europe and Asia, 1945-56 20
Contemporary Japanese Popular Culture 20
Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese 40
Level C (HE Advanced) Japanese 40
A Global History of Political Thought 20
Cities in East Asian Cinema: Culture, History and Identity 20
Reading in Translation 20
Introduction to Korean 20
Cultural Exchanges East and West 20

You spend your third year at a university in China or Japan. You’ll follow an intensive programme of language study, build relationships with native speakers and absorb the local culture.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Year Abroad Tutor Posts 100
Study Abroad 20

In Stage 4, your language studies build on the levels you have developed during your year abroad and also develop more professional skills.

You also select further optional modules to explore the cultures and histories of the countries where your chosen language is spoken.

Modules

Compulsory modules
If you took Level B language at Stage 2, you shall take one of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):
 
OR
 
If you took Level C language at Stage 2, you shall take one of the following modules (shown in the optional list below):
 
OR

Modules

Optional Modules Credits
Chinese Cultural History and Urban Development 20
China and its Peripheries: Repression, (In)stability and Conflict in the 21st Century 20
Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese 40
Historical and Cultural Interpretations of China through classics and newspaper reading 20
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Chinese for 3-year programme 40
Level D (HE Further Advanced) Chinese 40
Geopolitics 20
Violence and social transformation in China and Taiwan, 1940s-1980s 20
Buddhism and Society in Medieval Japan 20
Contemporary Japanese Animation 20
Literary and cultural expressions in contemporary Japan 20
Level C (HE Advanced) Japanese 40
Level D (Further Advanced) Japanese for 3 year programme 40
Level D (Further Advanced) Japanese 40
Dissertation 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

The majority of language modules are taught by native speakers. You also work in language laboratories and undertake self-study in our award-winning Language Resource Centre.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Dossier

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Group work

  • Portfolio submission

  • Practical sessions

  • Presentations

  • Reflective report/journal

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Research skills

You have the option of writing a dissertation in your final year. You will explore and discuss any aspect of Chinese or Japanese society in detail, while developing your research skills.

Opportunities

Year abroad

This degree includes a compulsory year abroad. You'll follow an intensive programme of language study at a university in China or Japan, while building relationships with native speakers and absorbing the local culture. 

In China, you can study in:

  • Beijing
  • Shanghai
  • Chengdu
  • Hainan Island
  • Xiamen

In Japan, you can study in:

  • Tokyo
  • Akita
  • Osaka
  • Kyoto
  • Hiroshima
  • Sapporo
  • Fukuoka

Support for year abroad

You will receive lots of help to prepare for your year abroad, including:

  • briefings covering practicalities like insurance, visas and student safety
  • a Tandem Learning Scheme, to practise conversation in your foreign language and make in-country contacts, before you travel

There are also events in your second year where you can meet students who have already done their year abroad, and Chinese and Japanese exchange students from our host universities in East Asia.

You'll be in contact with our Year Abroad team during your time abroad, and communicate with your personal tutor. You'll also write blog posts, reflecting on your linguistic, personal and professional development.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As a Modern Languages student, you'll be based at our city-centre campus, in the School of Modern Languages. We've been teaching modern languages in Newcastle for more than 100 years.

You will have access to language laboratories and the award-winning Language Resource Centre, with self-study resources for over 50 languages. You'll also have access to:

  • specialist language learning software
  • dictionaries
  • films
  • live foreign-language TV channels

Support

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.

Your future

Ability in languages is highly regarded by employers across all sectors, including industry and business. Employers value the linguistic skills and cultural awareness of graduates.

With ever more European and international connections, language skills are important and give you a real advantage in applying for a wide range of graduate jobs.

For some graduates teaching is a popular career choice, undertaking primary and secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad. Others go into jobs where their language skills are desirable, such as the media, sales, e-commerce, and areas of finance.

Make a difference

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Careers support

The School of Modern Languages works with the University’s Careers Service to run an annual Employability Week, including an opportunity to network with recent graduates.

We also collaborate on the Modern Languages careers blog, Careers Translated. The blog gives you access to a range of relevant jobs, training and work experience opportunities, as well as interviews with alumni and employers, and general advice.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 4 years

Tuition fees (per year)

21000

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

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