Program Overview

Teaching Chinese in a Global Context, MSc

Introduction

The MSc in Teaching Chinese in a Global Context provides the essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience to teach Chinese to speakers of other languages (TCSOL) in various international contexts. Open to students from any academic background, with (near-)native proficiency in Mandarin, it combines linguistic and pedagogical theories, intercultural communication, and hands-on teaching practice. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in Chinese language education, curriculum development, educational consultancy or further academic study, including doctoral research.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

The MSc in Teaching Chinese in a Global Context is designed to develop skilled, reflective, and culturally aware Chinese language educators for today’s global classroom. Combining academic rigour with practical training, the programme equips students to teach Chinese to speakers of other languages (TCSOL) across various international educational settings.

This MSc is ideal for individuals who:

• Are currently teaching Chinese and seeking a formal qualification to support career progression
• Have a background in education or language teaching and want to specialise in TCSOL
• Come from Chinese-speaking communities in the UK or abroad and aim to build a professional teaching career
• Hold a degree in Chinese studies and seek to develop pedagogical skills for a career in education

The programme also suits those not pursuing teaching but who:

• Are interested in careers in education policy, cultural institutions, or international organisations where Chinese skills are an asset
• Plan to pursue doctoral research in language education, linguistics, or related fields

What You'll Study

Semester 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • LN5057 A Pedagogical Chinese Grammar for TCSOL Teachers (I) (15 credits)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
  • Critical Skills: Reading and Engagement (PD50C2)
  • Research Methods for Professional Learning (ED505S)
• Optional Courses:
  • One of the following:
    • LN5062 Understanding Sociolinguistics (15 credit points)
    • LN5063 Advanced Chinese for TCSOL Teachers (15 credit points)

Semester 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • LN5561 TCSOL: Practice and Reflection (15 credits)
  • LN5557 A Pedagogical Chinese Grammar for TCSOL Teachers (II) (15 credits)
• Optional Courses:
  • Two of the following:
    • LN5510 Intercultural Communication (15 credits)
    • LN5559 Deconstructing Myths about Language (15 credits)
    • BU5579 Internationalisation (15 credits)

Semester 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • LN5963 Dissertation for Teaching Chinese in a Global Context (60 credits)

Fee Information

• Scholarships: All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.
• Related Programmes: You may also be interested in the following related postgraduate degree programmes.
  • TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

How You'll Study

• Learning Methods:
  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Peer Learning
  • Research
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
• Assessment Methods: We assess through coursework, written and oral examinations, research projects in the form of a portfolio or dissertation and school placements.

Why Study Teaching Chinese in a Global Context?

• Become a globally minded language educator equipped to teach Chinese in diverse cultural and educational settings.
• Blend theory with practice through teaching placements, school visits, and hands-on professional development.
• Gain deep expertise in Chinese language pedagogy, curriculum design, and modern assessment strategies.
• Develop as a researcher, ready to contribute original insights to the growing field of Chinese language education.
• Build cross-cultural communication skills essential for success in international educational environments.
• Prepare for further academic pursuits, including PhD study in linguistics, education, or language teaching.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: 2:2 or above, or equivalent degree
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

Graduates will be well-prepared for careers as Chinese language teachers in international schools, universities, and language institutes. They may also pursue roles in curriculum development, educational consultancy, cultural exchange programmes, or continue into doctoral research in language education or applied linguistics.

Our Experts

Benefit from the expertise of a highly qualified teaching team with specialisations in linguistics, language pedagogy, intercultural communication, and research methods. Staff bring extensive academic and practical experience in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL), offering valuable insights in pedagogical grammar, sociolinguistics, and intercultural competence.

Programme Leader: Dr Zhu Zhu

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change.