BA (Hons) in Chinese Studies and Film, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

Lancaster’s joint Chinese Studies and Film degree offers a unique blend of language learning and cinematic exploration. You will develop Chinese language skills from beginner level and gain a deep understanding of China’s historical, cultural, social, and political backgrounds within a global context. Simultaneously, you'll study cinema’s aesthetic, social, and political significance, tracing its development from its origins to its role as an influential art form today. The course includes practical film-making opportunities, with students producing digital films throughout the years and engaging in supervised projects. The first year introduces Chinese language and culture alongside Film Studies, with a minor subject option. Year two builds on your language skills, cultural understanding, and offers a comparative global perspective. Year three involves an international placement abroad, which enhances language proficiency and intercultural sensitivity. The final year consolidates language skills, explores cultural and comparative modules, and offers opportunities for longer projects that combine both subjects.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course stands out for its combination of language acquisition and film studies, providing students with high-level language skills alongside a thorough understanding of Chinese culture and cinema. The international placement year abroad is a vital component, offering real-world language practice and intercultural experience. The course’s strong interdisciplinary approach helps develop transferable skills such as critical analysis, intercultural literacy, and practical filmmaking—skills highly valued in global careers. Additionally, the university’s high rankings in Iberian, French, and Italian language studies reflect its quality in language education. The program’s flexibility, hands-on film-making opportunities, and global perspective make it an excellent choice for students interested in China, media, and cultural studies.

Specialisation

The course combines Chinese Studies and Film, focusing on developing language proficiency in Chinese while examining the cultural, historical, and social aspects of China. In Film Studies, students explore cinema’s history, aesthetic, and societal impact, alongside practical film production skills. The programme emphasizes intercultural understanding, with a significant international placement year abroad, where students can work or study in Chinese-speaking environments. In the final year, students deepen their language and cultural knowledge, select specialised modules, and combine their interests through longer projects that integrate both subjects.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should typically meet ABB A-level requirements, including evidence of language learning ability either through a B grade in a language other than Chinese at A-level or a GCSE grade 7/A. Alternative qualifications such as the Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, IB, Scottish Highers, T Levels, and others are also accepted with appropriate language evidence. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component is required. The course involves a four-year full-time study, including a compulsory international placement year abroad in a Chinese-speaking country.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this course can pursue careers in fields such as translation, teaching, diplomacy, international business, media, and creative industries. The language skills and cultural knowledge gained are highly valued in the civil service, arts, journalism, and e-commerce sectors worldwide. Film graduates are well-positioned for roles in TV, film production, advertising, media, arts administration, and management. Many alumni also continue their education with postgraduate degrees, especially in translation, languages, or film studies. The program’s interdisciplinary skills in analysis, communication, and intercultural understanding open diverse professional pathways globally.

FAQs

Is the international placement year compulsory?

Yes, the international placement year abroad in a Chinese-speaking country is a mandatory part of the course for Chinese Studies students.

What practical film-making opportunities are provided?

Students have the chance to produce short digital films throughout the course, work with top production equipment, and showcase their work at annual exhibitions.