Chinese Studies
About this course
MA (joint degree) in Chinese Studies, a Chinese and History of Art degree focusing on linguistic and cultural practices in China, incorporating visual and popular cultures alongside textual study. The programme is delivered through a four-year full-time structure. The first year introduces foundational skills through modules such as Beginners Chinese Language 1, Beginners Chinese Language 2, Chinese Language and Textual Practices 1, Chinese Language and Textual Practices 2, and Ancient Origins, Modern Worlds. The second year continues language acquisition and cultural exploration with modules including Chinese Language and Textual Practices 3, Chinese Language and Textual Practices 4, Intermediate Chinese Language 1, and Intermediate Chinese Language 2. Subsequent unassigned years offer advanced study through options such as Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 1, Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 2, Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 3, Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 4, Creating China 1: Nation, Modernization, Contestation, Creating China 2: Revolution, Opening-up, Clamping-down, Modern Chinese Science Fiction, Poverty in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Culture, Constructing Gender in Chinese Literature, Youth and Education in Republican China, Post-socialist Attitude: Literature and Rebellion in post 1990-China, Pearl River Cultures: Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau, The Reception and Reinvention of the Past in Modern China, and Visualizing Sinophone Culture.
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
Single honours degrees in Chinese Studies are not currently offered at St Andrews. Chinese Studies can only be studied as part of a joint programme. To see the qualifications you will need, please refer to the entry requirements for the other subject in your chosen combination.
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What students say
Based on about 56 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 99%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 97%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East of England: 5%
- London: 35%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 10%
- Scotland: 35%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 87%
- Baccalaureate: 6%
- A degree: 5%
- Other qualifications: 2%
Modules
- Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 1 : you will study more complex texts and be able to recognise and have working knowledge of 1,800 to 2,300 characters
- Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 2 : you will study more complex texts and be able to recognise and have a working knowledge of 2,300 to 2,600 characters
- Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 3 : you will be able to speak, read and write at a high level, use 2,900 to 3,300 characters and comprehend academic texts
- Chinese Language, Texts and Cultural Practices 4 : you will be able to speak, read and write at a high level, use 3,200 to 3,600 characters and understand sophisticated academic texts
- Creating China 1: Nation, Modernization, Contestation
- Creating China 2: Revolution, Opening-up, Clamping-down
- Modern Chinese Science Fiction
- Poverty in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Culture
- Constructing Gender in Chinese Literature
- Youth and Education in Republican China
- Post-socialist Attitude: Literature and Rebellion in post 1990-China
- Pearl River Cultures: Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macau
- The Reception and Reinvention of the Past in Modern China
- Visualizing Sinophone Culture
- Ancient Origins, Modern Worlds
- Beginners Chinese Language 1
- Beginners Chinese Language 2
- Chinese Language and Textual Practices 1
- Chinese Language and Textual Practices 2
- Chinese Language and Textual Practices 3
- Chinese Language and Textual Practices 4
- Intermediate Chinese Language 1
- Intermediate Chinese Language 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £39,000. The £31,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Asian studies.
What do graduates of Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews?
The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
Does Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Chinese Studies at University of St Andrews?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.