Program Overview

Chinese and Thai Studies BA

Overview

The Chinese and Thai Studies BA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the languages, cultures, and histories of China and Thailand. This five-year course allows students to develop advanced language skills in both Chinese and Thai, as well as explore the cultural, political, and historical contexts of these fascinating countries.

Course Details and Modules

• Year 1 Compulsory Modules:
  • Modern China: History and Culture (20 credits)
  • Foundations of East Asia (20 credits)
• Year 1 Optional Modules:
  • Basic Chinese Language 1 (20 credits)
  • Basic Chinese Language 2 (20 credits)
  • Intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits)
  • Intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits)
  • Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies (20 credits)
  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits)
  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
• Year 2 Compulsory Modules:
  • LCS Year Abroad (120 credits)
• Year 3 Compulsory Modules:
  • LCS Year Abroad (120 credits)
• Year 4 Compulsory Modules:
  • The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits)
  • Chinese 2A (20 credits)
  • Chinese 2B (20 credits)
  • Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits)
  • Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits)
• Year 4 Optional Modules:
  • China Since 1979 (20 credits)
  • Classical Chinese (20 credits)
  • Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)
  • Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)
  • Chinese Cinema (20 credits)
• Year 5 Compulsory Modules:
  • Chinese 3: Advanced Skills (20 credits)
  • Advanced Thai Language and Culture (20 credits)
• Year 5 Optional Modules:
  • Final Year Project: Dissertation (40 credits)
  • Final Year Project: Extended Translation (40 credits)
  • Final Year Project: Digital Documentary (40 credits)
  • Religion in China (20 credits)
  • Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)
  • East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)
  • Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)
  • Advanced Chinese to English Translation (20 credits)
  • Buddhism: A Lived Tradition (20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The program is taught by expert academics through lectures, workshops, small-group seminars, and tutorials. Language skills are developed in practical and highly interactive classes. Independent learning is also a significant part of the course, allowing students to build research skills and think critically.

Assessment

Assessments are inclusive and varied, including listening, speaking, writing, and reading tests, as well as essays, exams, literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, digital projects, poster presentations, and translation projects. Detailed feedback is provided on coursework to help students track their progress.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: ABB
• Other Qualifications:
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
  • BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM
  • Cambridge Pre-U: M1, M1, M2
  • International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall including 16 at Higher Level and 4 in a foreign language at Standard Level.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level): H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
  • Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: BB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or B in Advanced Highers and AAABB in Highers, or AABBBB in Highers.
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade.

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790
• International: Ł26,500 (per year)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Chinese and Thai Studies BA program are equipped with valuable communication skills in the languages of two fast-growing countries. They also gain a real awareness of the complex and diverse cultures that make up the vibrant and powerful Asia Pacific region. This opens doors to a range of careers, including business, journalism, publishing, diplomacy, tourism, teaching, broadcasting, overseas aid work, PR, and language-based roles such as translation and interpreting.

Study Abroad

The program includes a mandatory two-year study abroad period, with one year spent in Thailand and the other in China or Taiwan. This provides students with the opportunity to develop their language skills and gain a new appreciation of both Chinese and Thai cultures.

Related Courses

• Chinese (Modern) BA
• Chinese and Japanese Studies BA
• Thai Studies BA
• East Asian Studies BA
• East Asian Studies and Chinese BA