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
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.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
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.
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 |
Academic Skills Sessions for Stage 1 | 0 |
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.
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)
Level C (HE Advanced) Chinese (40 credits)
Modules
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
Modules
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
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:
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Assessments
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Assignments – written or fieldwork
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Coursework
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Dissertation or research project
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Dossier
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Essays
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Examinations – practical or online
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Group work
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Portfolio submission
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Practical sessions
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Presentations
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Reflective report/journal
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Reports
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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. We've been teaching 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
- films
- live foreign-language TV channels
- online or on-campus tandem schemes
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, interpersonal, intercultural and skills of language graduates.
International businesses need employees who not only speak another language but also understand the history, politics and culture of the region.
The international outlook and knowledge our students develop alongside advanced language skills will allow you to consider career options in a range of fields.Our graduates find employment in sectors such as business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking and communications.
Some work as researchers, internet consultants, United Nations translators, in local government, with community groups or in refugee support.
Many work in the digital industries or the arts. Teaching is also a popular choice, undertaking primary or secondary Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or teaching English abroad.
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 | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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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.
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.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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• explore our beautiful campus
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• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
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Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
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- 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.
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