MA Chinese and Linguistics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Chinese and Linguistics, a joint honours degree encompassing English Language and Linguistics and Chinese. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students spend the third year studying in mainland China or Taiwan. The first year covers the foundations through modern East Asian history, literature and film in modern China, Linguistics and English Language 1A, and Linguistics and English Language 1B. The second year introduces linguistic theory, cross-linguistic variation, classical Chinese, and skills and methodologies in Chinese studies alongside preparation for the year abroad. The third year involves study abroad in mainland China or Taiwan. The fourth year expands on film and literature, politics, modern and pre-modern history, and contemporary society.
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.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 41%: 7 offers from 17 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
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: 10%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- London: 40%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 40%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- modern East Asian history
- literature and film in modern China
- Linguistics and English Language 1A - this offers a brief introduction to the study of language in general and of English in particular
- Linguistics and English Language 1B - this will help you develop the tools and knowledge needed to investigate the different subsystems of language
- linguistic theory
- cross-linguistic variation
- take at least one further course in language sciences
- begin learning classical Chinese
- take a course in skills and methodologies in Chinese studies
- learn more about East Asian history, society and culture in preparation for your year abroad
- develop your critical and analytical skills through close reading of selected texts
- further your understanding of how to use primary and secondary sources
- Student Wellbeing Service
- Student Counselling
- Student Disability and Learning Support
- University emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)
- film and literature
- politics
- modern and pre-modern history
- contemporary society
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £46,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 189 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
41% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 7 offers from 17 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Chinese and Linguistics at University of Edinburgh?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.