3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Mathematics - Continue to Integrated Masters - Master of Engineering - Mechatronic Engineering (Study Abroad)

This program will prepare students for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree in a wide range of subjects, including many based at the £10m LICA building. Popular subjects include law, film studies, sociology, linguistics and politics.

Lancaster’s joint Chinese Studies and Philosophy degree is taught by the Department of Languages and Cultures in conjunction with the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion.

This Chinese Studies programme gives students the opportunity to acquire high-level language skills while gaining a thorough understanding of China's historical, cultural, social and political background in a global context. Students will learn language and culture in innovative and engaging ways. For example, students learn the Chinese language in its social and cultural context by participating in a wide range of activities through the Chinese Friendship Project. Recent activities have included a day trip to Manchester Chinatown, Chinese Food Corner, Chinese Film Night, Chinese festival celebration, and more.

In Philosophy, students will acquire an understanding of key problems in various core areas of philosophy such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and social philosophy, as well as the answers that have been offered by historic and contemporary philosophers. Students will also cultivate their own critical perspectives on philosophical problems and questions, and develop a range of methods for analysing, critically engaging with, and discussing such problems.

The first year comprises an exploration of the Chinese language and its cultural context as well as an introduction to some of the central problems in philosophy and the theories produced in response to them. Chinese may be studied at either beginner or advanced level. Alongside this, students will study a minor subject of their choice.

Building on their language skills in Year 2, students will study the culture, politics and history of the Chinese-speaking world, as well as select one module which is international in scope and promotes a comparative understanding at a global level, such as Understanding Cultures. These will be combined with Philosophy modules.

The third year - the International Placement Year - in a Chinese-speaking country will deepen students intercultural sensitivity and their command of the language. They can study at a partner university and practise their language skills in a real-world context. Staff members within the department will work with students to ensure that they are fully prepared before embarking on their placement.

In the final year, students will consolidate their Chinese language skills and study specialist culture and comparative modules and choose from a range of Philosophy modules. They will also have opportunities to combine their interests in both subjects in longer, supervised projects.

Beginners Languages

Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so students are only allowed to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at the first year module options. If students apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, their optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.