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Chinese Studies

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Manchester

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

You will study Chinese language throughout BA Chinese Studies. The core language teaching in Chinese enables you to develop various linguistic skills, including:

  • speaking and writing accurately;

  • understanding and analysing audio, video and written material;

  • using different registers;

  • speaking to a group with confidence;

  • translating with appropriate sensitivity.

At the same time, you can choose China-related topics in:

  • literature;

  • film;

  • cultural studies;

  • politics;

  • history;

  • linguistics;

  • economics;

  • development studies;

  • business.

You will draw on the wide range of research expertise in Chinese Studies across the Faculty of Humanities, tailoring the course according to the development of your interests.

You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge study facilities, as well as from the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.

With placement options available at partner universities in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, a compulsory third year abroad will give you an unforgettable and invaluable personal and professional experience.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
T100
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
T100
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Grades ABB. This programme is designed for students whose level of Mandarin Chinese at entry ranges from complete beginner to approximately A-level standard. It is not suitable for students whose first language is Chinese. We prefer students to offer at least one Humanities subject at A Level. Typical Contextual Offer: BBC for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, Merit plus one A Level at grade B in a Humanities related subject.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels. Applicants to Languages programmes are also required to have a minimum of GCSE grade B/6 in a modern language or in English Language.

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. Applicants offering a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact ug-languages@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DM

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National with grades Distinction, Merit plus an A level at grade A in an essay based subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - M

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade Merit plus two A levels grade BB (One of these should be in an essay based subject).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade Distinction plus two A Levels at grades BB (One of these should be in an essay based subject).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades ABBBB in Scottish Highers. Applicants offering a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact ug-languages@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DM

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM plus an additional A Level at grade A in an essay based subject.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - MM

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus two A levels at grade BB in an essay based subject.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D

In addition to any of the below, applicants will also need to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 in a modern foreign language. We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB in an essay based subject.

T Level - Not accepted

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB in academic subjects and grade A in the EAP with writing, speaking, listening and reading grade B.

Please read this in conjunction with our A-level requirements, noting any pre-requisite subjects.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: - GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or; - IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or; - An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU£26500Year 1
International£26500Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Residence abroad support

We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on household income.

You will be automatically assessed for this, based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment in the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.

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