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

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This four-year joint degree combines the study of Chinese and French languages and cultures, including the Sinophone and Francophone worlds. It offers high-level language skills alongside a thorough understanding of cultural, historical, and political contexts. The course features an immersive year abroad in Chinese- or French-speaking countries, with options to study or undertake work placements. Students learn through engaging activities, cultural modules, and language core modules aimed at CEFR levels C1-C2. The degree is highly ranked in French, Iberian, and Italian language categories and provides an excellent foundation for intercultural understanding and global communication. A variety of optional modules allow further specialization in areas like contemporary cities, translation, or gender and sexuality studies.

Why this course is highly recommended

Students are drawn to this course for its strong rankings in French and Iberian languages and for the immersive year abroad that significantly boosts language proficiency and intercultural skills. The program offers a unique blend of language learning and cultural understanding, with flexible options for study or work placements in China and France. Graduates gain transferable skills highly valued in global careers such as international business, diplomacy, translation, and academia.

Specialisation

The program specializes in the study of Chinese and French languages and cultures, with options for advanced language proficiency, cultural analysis, and intercultural skills. It includes core language modules in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, supported by optional modules in cultural topics, translation, and contemporary issues. The course allows students to focus on social and political movements, cities, film, literary traditions, or linguistic policy, depending on their interests.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Entry typically requires ABB A levels, including French, or equivalent qualifications such as IB (32 points with 6 in French HL), BTEC, or Highers with an Advanced Higher. The course also demands IELTS at 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for English proficiency. No specific GCSE requirements are listed, but overall GCSE profiles are considered.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this program develop skills applicable to careers in international business, marketing, teaching, translation, journalism, and development agencies. The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study in translation, intercultural research, or humanities. Many alumni work in government, charities, education, finance, and travel sectors worldwide, leveraging their language competence and intercultural awareness.

FAQs

What is the duration of the course?

The course lasts four years, including a year abroad.

Is the year abroad compulsory?

Yes, spending a year in a Chinese- or French-speaking country is an integral and assessed part of the degree.

What are the entry requirements?

Typically ABB at A level including French, or equivalent qualifications like IB (32 points with 6 in French HL), with English IELTS at 6.5 overall.