Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
At Westminster, we'll train you to become a competent linguist and communicator, ready to enter graduate employment.
We place particular emphasis on employability, offering high-quality teaching in all languages skills alongside knowledge and understanding of contemporary cultural contexts.
This course offers you the opportunity to combine the study of Chinese with English. It will enable you to achieve proficiency in Chinese, develop linguistic and cultural knowledge of both languages, and build knowledge and understanding of linguistic, literary, and cultural studies.
Our Chinese courses are designed for beginner or intermediate entrants – intermediate entrants are students who may have obtained an A level in Chinese, or the equivalent of HSK Chinese Proficiency Test Level 3. We may need to test you to determine your entry point.
You’ll study languages, literatures and cultures in an integrated interdisciplinary way, exploring the connections between them and the broader historical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced. You’ll also consider the theoretical tools of textual, cultural, and linguistic analysis in detail.
You'll master oral and written communication, linguistic and literary knowledge, and language transfer skills, ensuring you graduate well-equipped to communicate and work in diverse cultural settings.
One of the highlights of studying languages at Westminster is the opportunity to embark on a transformative international experience. Flexible opportunities can include short fully funded field trips or summer schools, a semester spent studying abroad in the second year, and/or a year-long international experience after your second year of study.
You'll benefit from studying in the heart of a multilingual city, where over 300 languages are spoken, offering unique opportunities for linguistic exploration.
Overall, the transferable and cognitive skills gained through studying this course will equip you for lifelong personal and professional development.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn real-world language skills – our authentic teaching, which focuses on language in a cultural context, equips you for real-life situations
- Gain international experience - choose to participate in a year studying or working abroad in a Chinese-speaking country
- Practise your language skills - practise one-to-one conversation with a native speaker through the Languages Plus programme
- Study English in the heart of London – discover a historic literary city and learn from world experts in language, gender and the history of English
- Academic support – individually focused academic support through our tutorial modules ensures you'll get the most out of your course.
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, as well as independent learning, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning.
Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations, projects, and critical analysis.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
- Introducing English Language
- Introduction to the Study of Language and Culture
- The Chinese World and the Word
- Introduction to Translation (available to intermediate students)
- Language and Text
- Objects and Meaning: The Social Life of Material Culture
- The Novel
- Expressions of Chinese Culture
- History of the English Language
- Spoken Discourse Analysis
- Language in the Public Space
- Making Memory: Culture, History and Representation
- Multilingual e-Collaboration: Transposing Current Affairs
- Understanding Culture: Chinese Studies in Focus
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Chinese and English with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Arts with Honours – Chinese and English with International Experience.
- Final Year Project
- Themes in Contemporary Chinese Studies
- Issues in Culture
- Language and Power
- Reading the Present
- Studies in Literary Language
- Identities on the Move: Chinese Studies in Focus
- Multilingualism in Society: Theory and Practice
- Sex Strike: Gender and Protest
- Sexualities in Literature and Culture
- Work Placement for Humanities
Professional recognition
The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
International experience
Develop your language skills in a real-world setting with a year studying, working or volunteering abroad.
Employing humanities programme
Benefit from our tailored scheme to develop work readiness and draw attention to the wide applicability of humanities skills in working life and careers.
Boost your employability
Chinese (Mandarin) was cited as one of the top five most useful foreign languages by employers.
Source: CBI/Pearson 2019.
Career Development
Our course aims to produce graduates who have strong communication and organisational skills, are flexible, adaptable and capable of working collectively and autonomously.
The language skills gained in our course will allow you to develop the interlingual and intercultural competencies associated with an international outlook and global citizenship.
Career development skills are embedded in the course, and opportunities for part-time work, internships, placements, careers workshops, work-related learning, and more, are available to you – opening up a range of future job roles or further training options.
As part of the degree, you'll have the opportunity to spend an academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or, depending on your language level, in an approved form of employment in a Chinese-speaking country, enabling you to develop your language skills in a real-world setting.
Job Roles
The course prepares you for roles in a range of sectors including:
- Advertising, marketing or PR
- Business or finance
- Interpreting or translation
- Law
- Media and journalism
- Public sector work
- Publishing
- Teaching
Graduate Employers
Graduates from our Chinese degrees have found roles in companies including:
- Foshaugen Language and Translation
- Havering Libraries
- i-Blason
- Metropolitan Police Service
- Testronic
- Cineworld
- Deutsche Bank
- Home Office
- HSBC
- Kodak
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Siavash Bakhtiar
Lecturer
Siavash is Lecturer in French Studies at the University of Westminster. He holds an MA and a PhD in Critical Theory from the University of Nottingham. He also completed an MA and a BA in Modern Languages and Literatures from the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
Siavash teaches French language and culture modules across all undergraduate levels. His research is interdisciplinary and technology oriented. He is particularly interested in the non-human agents that constitute our everyday life. His PDH thesis aimed to establish a conversation between French philosopher Bruno Latour and the work of contemporary thinkers to articulate a critical theory about everyday life technologies. Sociologies of Education are also important parts of his research interests and public engagement activities.
Studying languages affords a better understanding the phenomenon of cultural globalisation, and its challenges.
Course Team
- Dr Paul Kendall - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Federica Mazzara - Reader in Cultural Studies
- Professor Cangbai Wang - Professor
- Dr Seagh Kehoe - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Heather Pagan - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language
- Dr Charles Denroche - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
Why study this course?
Language in practice
You'll have access to our Languages Plus programme which puts you in touch with native speakers through the Language Exchange, gives you one-to-one grammar help at the Language Clinics, and allows you to gain valuable work experience in a languages-related field.
International study
Immerse yourself in the language and improve your knowledge and understanding of the culture by participating in a year or semester studying or working in a Chinese-speaking country.
Fantastic central London location
Based in our Regent Campus in central London, you'll enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city.
Studying languages with us
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate - 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma - DMM
- BTEC Diploma - D*D
- Access - 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or Intermediate level in Chinese and we may need to test you to determine your language level.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate - 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We are ideally looking for evidence of successful language learning, formal or informal, in the applicant’s personal statement, but please note that these courses are designed for students only at Beginners or Intermediate level in Chinese and we may need to test you to determine your language level.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget for about £50 in each year for additional materials.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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