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UCC Undergraduate courses

Arts - Chinese Studies

Course Fact File
CodeSubject available through multiple programmes
Subject TitleChinese Studies
Teaching ModeFull-time
QualificationsBA (Hons)
NFQ LevelLevel 8

Course Outline

Chinese Studies combines the study of Chinese language with various disciplines to develop your interest in and knowledge of the history, culture, economy, politics, religion and philosophy of China. It will provide you with exciting opportunities in study, research and careers. 

Chinese Studies is available as a subject through the and programmes. In the BA International Degree, you study the language more intensely through the option of spending Year 3 at one of our partner universities in China.

You also have the option to take Chinese Studies as a sole subject in Year 1 and as a minor subject in Years 2 and 3.

Modules:

Year 1 Modules:

  • CH1000 An Introduction to Chinese Culture and Society (5 credits)
  • CH1001 Chinese Language (Mandarin) (10 credits)

Year 2 Modules:

Chinese Language (Mandarin);  An Introduction to Business in China;  A Continuous Revolution – China in the 20th Century; Chinese Politics & Society;  Popular Culture in East Asia

Year 3*/4 Modules:

Chinese Language;  Dissertation;  Readings in Contemporary Chinese Culture & Current Affairs;  Ethnicity, Class & Gender in China;  Sport, Culture & Chinese Society - A Comparative Study plus credits from the chosen Arts module continued from Second Arts (International)

*BA International students will spend third year studying at a University in China. They will return to complete Year 4 in UCC.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours: Lectures in UCC take place from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm, for a maximum of 15 hours per week.

Chinese language textbooks may cost around €20 each. 

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.  Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of assessment including essays/course work, Chinese language tests, Classroom presentations.

All modules must be passed with a pass mark of 40%. Every module has a different assessment. For more information, please see the Book of Modules.

Why Choose This Course

This course offers great opportunities to study in our partner universities in China for a year and to obtain work placements in China.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in: Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the USA.

Work placement: If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

What can Chinese studies graduates offer employers?

  • Communicate on a wide range of topics in Mandarin Chinese (speak, read and write in Chinese)
  • Solid academic training with excellent writing and presentation skills
  • Deep understanding of the various aspects of history and culture of China and East Asia
  • Academic expertise on East Asian economies and societies, and their embeddedness in a global context
  • Highly developed leadership and team working abilities, cross-cultural awareness and flexibility
  • Understanding of the Chinese market and the needs of the East Asian consumer
  • Thorough knowledge of the legal, cultural and entrepreneurial challenges of doing business in Asia
  • Chinese business and entrepreneurial skills informed by practical case studies of Chinese and foreign companies
  • Understanding of the political and economic environment of doing business in China.
  • Academic writing and research skills embedded in a cross-cultural and multilingual context.
  • Deep appreciation of the theory and practice of Chinese business and conflict management
  • Understand the specific cultural and organisational aspects of Chinese business
  • Interdisciplinary problem solving and highly-developed organizational skills tailored to a cross-cultural environment
  • Act as mediators, negotiators and translators in cross-cultural settings across the Sinosphere

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

  • Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
  • The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
  • See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
  • Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
  • Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

Refer to CK101 and CK108

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO. 

Mature Applicants 

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants 

Apply via the CAOSee our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process. 

Non-EU Applicants 

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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