Chinese and Russian BA

The Chinese and Russian BA is a five-year degree that allows students to learn two major world languages and deepen their understanding of the modern world by exploring the histories and cultures of the nations that speak them. Students will spend one year at a university in mainland China or Taiwan and another in a Russian-speaking country, improving their language skills and gaining first-hand experience of these cultures and societies.

Course Overview

This fascinating and varied degree equips students with the knowledge, skills, and intercultural awareness necessary to pursue a wide range of exciting global careers. Core and optional modules give students a firm grounding in both languages while studying topics that suit their interests. Students will also develop a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, enhanced communication, analytical, and cultural awareness skills.

Course Structure

The course is structured over five years, with students spending their third and fourth years abroad. The list of modules shown below represents typical modules studied and may change from time to time.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Modern China: History & Culture (20 credits): This module provides an overview of the major events and trends in the political, social, and economic history of modern China.
• What is Russia? An Introduction to Russian Studies (20 credits): This cross-disciplinary module aims to foster an understanding of Russia as a poly-cultural, poly-ethnic, and poly-linguistic space.

Year 1 Optional Modules

• Basic Chinese Language 1 or Intermediate Chinese Language 1 (20 credits)
• Basic Chinese Language 2 or Intermediate Chinese Language 2 (20 credits)
• Beginning Russian 1 and 2 or Core Russian 1 or Russian Language for Heritage Speakers (20 credits)

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

• Intermediate Chinese Language 1 or Upper-intermediate Chinese 1 (20 credits): This module provides a solid foundation in Chinese lower intermediate grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
• Intermediate Chinese Language 2 or Upper-intermediate Chinese 2 (20 credits): This module covers themes such as popular culture, social change, cultural traditions, and politics and history.
• Core Russian Language 2 or Post-beginners Russian or Russian Language for Heritage Speakers 2 (20 credits): In this module, students will practise discussion and presentation skills to encourage active verbal communication.

Year 2 Optional Modules

• Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)
• Chinese Cinema (20 credits)
• Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)
• Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)
• An Introduction to Cantonese (20 credits)
• Trauma Narratives in the Sinophone World (20 credits)
• The Sounds of Russian (20 credits)
• The Spaces of Russophone Literature (20 credits)

Year 3 and 4 Compulsory Modules

• Two Years Abroad (120 + 120 credits): Students will study abroad for two years, one year in China or Taiwan and another in a Russian-speaking country.

Year 5 Compulsory Modules

• Chinese 3: Advanced Skills (20 credits): This module emphasises the active language skills students will need to gain a deeper understanding of China.
• Core Russian Language 3 (20 credits): The module will use an integrated approach to teaching language skills in a variety of communicative situations.
• Final Year Project (40 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake one of the following projects: developing research and writing skills through a dissertation, developing research, writing, and translation skills through the completion of both a translation and a research project essay, or developing a digitised research-based podcast.

Year 5 Optional Modules

• Advanced Chinese in Context (20 credits)
• Chinese to English Translation (20 credits)
• Religion in China (20 credits)
• Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)
• East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)
• Russian Advanced Translation (20 credits)
• The Structures of Russian (20 credits)
• The Others of Russian, Soviet and Post-Soviet Culture (20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

Students will learn through a mix of seminars, lectures, workshops, group supervisions, and one-to-one supervisions, as well as independent learning supported by a rich range of resources. Tutors are passionate researchers and dedicated teachers who use a range of teaching methods to help students benefit from their expertise.

Assessment

The university is creative in its approach to assessment, always using assessment to support independent learning and ensuring assessment is fair and inclusive. A wide range of assessments is used, including essays, exams, presentations, podcasts, literature reviews, reflective logs, and group projects.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: ABB
• Other course-specific tests and qualifications are also considered, including Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, and Welsh Baccalaureate.

Fees

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

Career Opportunities

This Chinese & Russian degree allows students to gain proficiency in two major world languages, demonstrating intellectual versatility and equipping them with a wide range of skills attractive to employers. Leeds graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a range of sectors, including education, media, law, publishing, civil service, diplomacy, business, finance, and the charity sector.

Study Abroad

The course involves two periods of study abroad, one year in China or Taiwan and another in a Russian-speaking country. During their time abroad, students will have the chance to practise and develop their language skills as well as immerse themselves in the culture.

Related Courses

• Arabic and Russian BA
• Japanese and Russian BA

University of Leeds

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Overview:

The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:

• Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Biological Sciences
• Business School
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Environment
• Medicine and Health
• Social Sciences