3-Term Pathway - International Foundation Year in Social Sciences and Humanities - Continue to Bachelor of Arts - Geography and Economics (Placement Year)

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.

This four-year degree is provided jointly by the Department of Linguistics and English Language and the Department of Languages and Cultures. An International Placement Year gives students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture. They don’t need to have studied Chinese before as an Intensive course for beginners is offered.

In Chinese Studies, the aim is to help students become truly fluent. They’ll explore China's history, culture, politics and social background. Their English Language studies will include how the English language functions as well as traditional linguistic areas such as lexis, grammar and phonetics.

The first year comprises an exploration of the Chinese language and its cultural context, as well as a core module in English language. Alongside this, students can choose a minor subject from a list of subjects provided to them.

Building on their language skills in Year 2, students will study one Chinese oral skills module and one Chinese written skills module at the same level of proficiency. In addition, they will study the culture, politics and history of the Chinese-speaking world in more depth as well as selecting a module that is international in scope and promotes comparative understanding at a global level. Students combine these with the core English language modules of English Grammar and English Phonetics, and they will choose from a range of English language option 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 them 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. They will also select English language option modules such as Language, Culture and Thought. Students will 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.