Chinese Studies BA

2025-26 entry
School of East Asian Studies

One of the world’s greatest powers with the fastest growing economy, China is a fascinating country to study. This course develops both your Chinese language skills and your understanding of Chinese culture and society. You'll also spend part of your degree studying in a Chinese-speaking society.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Why study this course?

    Voted number one

    Ranked 1st in NSS results 2023 across Asian Studies in the UK, our staff are UK leaders in supporting your studies and career goals.

    Flexible language pathways

    Our Chinese programme is one of the few in the UK that caters to different levels of Chinese-language experience, with both new entry and advanced pathways.

    Gain lived experience with a year abroad

    Apply your rapidly developing language skills in the real world, refine your critical understanding – and experience a life-changing trip.

    Find a career connected to East Asia

    An emphasis on skills development, careers and employability means your degree gives you the best foundation for a career in the region, and here in the UK.

    A photo of the Nanjing cityscape

    Understand the influence that China and Chinese-speaking people have on the world we live in, while developing a wealth of advanced language skills.

    Explore global and regional approaches to China and Chinese culture with the BA in Chinese Studies at Sheffield's School of East Asian Studies. 

    Working with spoken and written Chinese from day one, you’ll undertake intensive language study – by the time you graduate in your fourth year, you will have sophisticated language skills that allow you to follow and contribute to written and spoken discussions on events and developments across a range of subjects. 

    As your understanding grows, you’ll have the chance to study modules as wide-ranging as history, anthropology, geography and sociology, media, business, politics and urban studies. 

    You will spend a year at one of our partner universities in mainland China or Taiwan, returning to Sheffield to refine your language skills, deepen your understanding through research-led modules and complete a dissertation project of your choice supervised by world-leading researchers.

    You’ll be supported by our expert teaching staff, developing an unparalleled knowledge of the subject, gaining valuable lived experience, and contributing to world-leading research in the field.

    Advanced Chinese language pathway

    Our Advanced Chinese language pathway is one of the few programmes in the UK which allows students with prior knowledge of the Chinese language to continue their love of language learning at degree level, while exploring Chinese society with our wider Chinese studies cohort.

    The pathway follows a similar structure to the standard course, but you'll take your year abroad in mainland China or Taiwan in your second year (as opposed to your third year). This allows you to flex your language skills and immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture, sooner.

    You must have prior knowledge of Chinese language to be eligible for the advanced Chinese language pathway.

    You don't need to apply separately for the advanced Chinese language pathway. You'll be invited to take a placement test in your first week at the University, to ensure you are placed on the pathway appropriate to your language level.

    Modules

    We're revising the curriculum of this course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the modules. The information on this page gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover. There may be changes before you start. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    We'll also update the module information in due course, to reflect the new Chinese language pathways (beginners and advanced levels) available for this course.

    Title: Chinese Studies BA course structure
    UCAS code: T110
    Years: 2024, 2025
    First year

    In your first year you will begin your language learning by focusing on reading, writing, listening and speaking, working with qualified native-speaker language teachers, using specially designed course material. 

    Through our Exploring East Asia module you will be provided with essential knowledge of the East Asia region, its history, politics, geography and culture. This will give you a greater understanding of China, what shaped it and how it may develop in the future.

    Core modules:

    Exploring East Asia

    This module introduces students to the study of modern East Asia. Beginning by encouraging consideration of what the subject of East Asian Studies is, it then introduces the following key topics: East Asian Geography and Environment, History, Culture and Media, Economics and Business, and Political Relations. In parallel with this content, the module also introduces core academic skills as follows: independent, lecture and seminar study; reflective practice; critical information, digital and visual literacy; evidence and argument in academic writing, and appropriate examination techniques. These two elements provide a firm foundation of knowledge and abilities for higher level study. 

    20 credits
    Chinese Language 1A

    This module is focusing on receptive activities and written productive activities in Chinese language. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in grammar, reading, writing and translation both from and into Chinese skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to do something practical in writing. Chinese characters and sentences are introduced from the earliest stages. 

    20 credits
    Chinese Language 1B

    This module is focusing on interactive activities in Chinese. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in speaking and listening skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to communicate in Chinese through a variety of activities. 

    10 credits
    Chinese Language 2A

    This module is focusing on receptive activities and written productive activities in Chinese language. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in grammar, reading, writing and translation both from and into Chinese skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to do something practical in writing Chinese characters and sentences are introduced from the earliest stages. 

    20 credits
    Chinese Language 2B

    This module is focusing on interactive activities in Chinese. It aims to enable students to acquire basic competence in speaking and listening skills. Every week carefully designed grammar structures and vocabulary will be introduced so that students will be able to communicate in Chinese through a variety of activities. 

    10 credits

    Approved modules:
    You will take one of the following modules. Each module has a humanities or social sciences focus and will look at a core text, which has played a significant role in developing an intricate, understanding of China. The content of these modules change regularly to ensure they are topical and make the best use of our staff expertise.

    History and Culture in China

    This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of China are built with the following in mind: how researchers use primary evidence such as texts, documents and/or images to understand social change; and how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: In 2022-2023 we will explore the history of twentieth-century Shanghai as seen from the grassroots.

    20 credits
    Politics, Economy and Society in China

    This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as political economy, international relations, anthropology, sociology and geography. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore core topics in contemporary China: including how Chinese society has changed; how researchers use different conceptual frameworks and types of primary evidence to understand change and its wider impact; and, how to use the different types of work published in the field and evaluate competing arguments in key debates. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    20 credits

    Guided modules
    You will take 20 credits from the following East Asian Studies modules and a list of guided modules available from other departments across the university including Philosophy, English, Music, Sociological Studies amongst others. A final guided module list is made available to new students when you select your modules as part of registration.

    History and Culture in Japan

    This module explores what it means to study Japan at university level, and considers how `area studies' research on Japan fits within disciplines such as history, comparative literature and cultural studies. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic. We will consider how studies of Japan are built, how researchers use primary evidence in text and/or images to understand change; how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: in 2022-2023 we will explore Japanese literature in the twentieth century as a frame for understanding modern Japanese history.

    20 credits
    History and Culture in Korea

    This module explores what it means to study Korea at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Korea fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of Korea are built with the following in mind: how researchers use primary evidence such as texts, documents and/or images to understand social change; and how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study. You will develop a range of ways to express this understanding via short discussion board posts and video format, plus a written essay. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic.

    20 credits
    History and Culture in China

    This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as history and cultural studies. We will consider how histories and cultural understandings of China are built with the following in mind: how researchers use primary evidence such as texts, documents and/or images to understand social change; and how to navigate key debates in a field and evaluate competing arguments. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic: In 2022-2023 we will explore the history of twentieth-century Shanghai as seen from the grassroots.

    20 credits
    Politics, Economy and Society in Japan

    This module explores what it means to study Japan at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Japan fits within disciplines such as political economy, international relations, anthropology, sociology and geography. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore core topics in contemporary Japan: including how Japanese society has changed; how researchers use different conceptual frameworks and types of primary evidence to understand change and its wider impact; and, how to use the different types of work published in the field and evaluate competing arguments in key debates. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    20 credits
    Politics, Economy and Society in Korea

    .This module explores what it means to study Korea at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on Korea fits within disciplines such as political economy, international relations, anthropology, sociology and geography. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore core topics in contemporary Korea: including how Korean society has changed; how researchers use different conceptual frameworks and types of primary evidence to understand change and its wider impact; and, how to use the different types of work published in the field and evaluate competing arguments in key debates. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore one core topic

    20 credits
    Politics, Economy and Society in China

    This module explores what it means to study China at university level, and considers how 'area studies' research on China fits within disciplines such as political economy, international relations, anthropology, sociology and geography. We will work on a combination of new and established research to explore core topics in contemporary China: including how Chinese society has changed; how researchers use different conceptual frameworks and types of primary evidence to understand change and its wider impact; and, how to use the different types of work published in the field and evaluate competing arguments in key debates. You will finish this module with a deeper understanding of our core topic and the disciplinary approaches that frame it, and a foundation in critical research and writing skills that you can apply and develop in further study.

    20 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You will undertake intensive Chinese language training in small group classes with native speaking tutors and making use of specially designed learning materials.

    To complement your language learning and ensure you gain a comprehensive understanding of the country, you will also learn about Chinese culture and society through, what we call, studies modules. These modules are taught via lectures, seminars and workshops.

    You will get the chance to learn about Chinese politics, history, media and popular culture among other topics that complement the current expertise and research interests of our staff.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    The School of East Asian Studies (SEAS) has over 50 years’ experience of researching contemporary East Asia and pioneering new methods for teaching East Asian languages.

    SEAS staff, many of whom are fluent in at least one East Asian language, are internationally renowned specialists in East Asia, and bring their expertise in various fields such as history, culture and politics, to the wide range of courses on offer.

    Right from the start, you'll be working with expert researchers and native speakers, who will help you to reach your potential.

    Assessment

    We use a range of assessment methods during your course. In the language programme you will be given regular homework assignments and take exams at the end of each semester. You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

    Our assessment methods vary across our studies modules and could include taking exams, developing a portfolio, writing essays, taking part in group projects and presentations.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • Two language pathways available: standard and advanced. For the standard language pathway no prior knowledge of Chinese is required. Prior study up to A Level may qualify you for the advanced language pathway. We offer a placement test in your first week at the University to ensure you are placed on a pathway appropriate to your language level

    • Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in a relevant EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    32
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • Two language pathways available: standard and advanced. For the standard language pathway no prior knowledge of Chinese is required. Prior study up to A Level may qualify you for the advanced language pathway. We offer a placement test in your first week at the University to ensure you are placed on a pathway appropriate to your language level

    • Evidence of interest in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) demonstrated through the personal statement is also required

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Advanced Chinese language pathway entry requirements

    If you fulfil the standard or Access Sheffield entry requirements for this course and have prior knowledge of Chinese language, whether through formal or informal study or heritage, you may be eligible for our advanced Chinese language pathway.

    Examples of prior knowledge may include:

    • A Chinese language A Level at grade B or above
    • Completion of the Mandarin Excellence programme plus further post-GCSE study
    • Other study to HSK4 (the official mainland Chinese language test)

    If you can evidence one of the criteria mentioned above, or you feel you might be eligible through other experiences, contact us and we will be happy to talk you through your options.

    We cannot accept native Mandarin speakers on the advanced Chinese language pathway.

    In your first week at the University, you'll be invited to take a placement test to determine your appropriate pathway.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Graduate careers

    School of East Asian Studies

    Studying China, Japan or Korea prepares you for a career in the world's most dynamic region. There are also many opportunities across Europe for people with skills in Asian languages and cultures.

    Our graduates work in government and diplomacy, media and the arts, non-government organisations and international business - in professions as diverse as management consultancy, accountancy, marketing, research, language teaching and translation.

    Alex Barton

    I use the language skills gained from my studies at Sheffield daily

    Alexander Barton Chinese Studies BA(Hons) graduate

    After graduating, Alexander moved to Asia for his Masters degree; he now lives in Shanghai.

    School of East Asian Studies

    50+ years' experience

    in teaching and researching East Asia

    Our courses are designed to immerse you in the languages and cultures of East Asian countries. You will be taught by native speakers in Chinese, Japanese and Korean in regular small group classes using custom-made course material.

    Our courses are based on world-leading research and taught by experts whose work influences policy and informs public debate. Most of our staff publish in their specialist field and many of them have written books for major publishers such as Oxford University Press, Routledge and Macmillan.

    The School of East Asian Studies is located in the Jessop West building, right in the heart of campus and close to the University of Sheffield tram stop. You'll visit the department to meet with your tutors and gain any support you need. Your lectures, seminars and language classes will take place in various locations across the University of Sheffield campus.

    Facilities

    Our students get to make the most of the University's facilities across campus. Explore some of the teaching, library and social spaces you'll be able to visit as an arts and humanities student.

    School of East Asian Studies

    University rankings

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report

      A top-100 university: 12th in the UK and 98th in the world
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

    Student profiles

    SEAS student Jessica Lum

    The student experience in Sheffield really did seem like one of the best offered by any university

    Jessica Lum Chinese Studies BA

    Jessica discovered Sheffield's friendly and welcoming community on her first visit, and she was impressed by the facilities available.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    Year abroad

    As part of this degree you'll spend a year studying at one of our partner universities in mainland China or Taiwan, one of the highest-ranked universities in the country.

    On your year abroad you'll continue to take intensive courses in Chinese language, building on the skills you'll learn during your time at Sheffield. Like in Sheffield, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about the culture, politics, and history of China through optional modules.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Advanced Chinese language pathway

    You don't need to apply separately for the advanced Chinese language pathway, however we advise that you reference your language level and experiences within your course application.

    You'll be invited to take a written placement test in your first week at the University, to ensure you are placed on the pathway appropriate to your language level.

    We cannot determine your pathway (standard or advanced) until you have completed the placement test.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2025-2026

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Advanced Chinese language pathway

    You don't need to apply separately for the advanced Chinese language pathway, however we advise that you reference your language level and experiences within your course application.

    You'll be invited to take a written placement test in your first week at the University, to ensure you are placed on the pathway appropriate to your language level.

    We cannot determine your pathway (standard or advanced) until you have completed the placement test.

    One of the world’s greatest powers with the fastest growing economy, China is a fascinating country to study. This course develops both your Chinese language skills and your understanding of Chinese culture and society. You'll also spend part of your degree studying in a Chinese-speaking society.

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