BA Modern Chinese
About this course
BA in Modern Chinese, a modern languages degree focused on Chinese language, culture, and society. Core topics include Research Methods. The programme is delivered through a partnership between Cardiff University and Beijing Normal University, featuring a final-year dissertation and two separate language pathways for students entering with or without prior Mandarin experience. The first year introduces the academic discipline through Introduction to Chinese Studies and Life in China. Year two involves credits pursued at an institution other than Cardiff University, while year three consists of Chinese Language, Business and Culture at Beijing Normal University. The final year centres on Advanced Approaches to Contemporary Chinese Culture and Society and the Final Year Dissertation. Optional modules across the degree span areas such as Mandarin Chinese Elementary, Introduction to Translation Methods, Specialised Chinese, and Sinophone Cultures: Hong Kong, Taiwan & Chinese Diasporas.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 65%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 30%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 170 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 25%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 29%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Modules
- Introduction to Chinese Studies
- Life in China
- Mandarin Chinese Upper Elementary
- Mandarin Chinese Elementary
- Chinese Skills in Focus
- Introduction to Translation Methods
- Introduction to Japanese Studies
- Credits Pursued at an Institution other than Cardiff University
- Chinese Language, Business and Culture (BNU Year 2S)
- Final Year Dissertation (BA Modern Chinese)
- Advanced Approaches to Contemporary Chinese Culture and Society
- Specialised Chinese
- Sinophone Cultures: Hong Kong, Taiwan & Chinese Diasporas
- Student Teaching Module
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Modern Chinese at Cardiff University earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £38,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Asian studies.
What do graduates of BA Modern Chinese at Cardiff University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Modern Chinese at Cardiff University?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Modern Chinese at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 127 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Modern Chinese at Cardiff University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.