East Asian Studies and Chinese BA

Course overview

China has become one of the world’s largest economies and plays a pivotal role on the world stage. China and the East Asian region are culturally, politically and economically dynamic and vital to our global understanding.

You’ll explore the culture, history, politics and economics of the region and its global interactions. You’ll combine this with intensive study to become proficient in Chinese – a major world language. We teach Chinese from beginner level, but if you already have some knowledge of the language we can accommodate you.

In your second year, you’ll study at one of our partner universities in China or Taiwan to refine your language skills and gain experience of life in a Chinese-speaking environment. Throughout the course, core language modules will build your skills in Chinese and you’ll select modules to explore the wider East Asian region, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian history, politics, economics, culture and societies.

This course, and the unique experience of living abroad, will equip you with the knowledge, skills and intercultural awareness necessary to pursue a wide range of exciting global careers.

Specialist facilities

With a variety of specialist facilities and four libraries on campus, you’ll find plenty of space for study, group work and research.

The world-class Brotherton Library is home to a wide variety of manuscripts, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. These include rare copies of magazines and unpublished letters, with materials across the range of languages that we teach. Our Chinese collection is one of the best collections of modern Chinese books in the country. Our main library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.

The Language Centre includes digital language labs, audio/video practice booths and Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The Language Zone offers excellent learning material in more than 50 languages, including online resources and advice. The Language Exchange and the Language Groups programme provide opportunities to practice with other learners and native speakers; you can also volunteer to help other learners and enhance your CV at the same time.

Our Martin Thomas Translation Labs feature state-of-the-art computing facilities for translation studies as well as Interpreter Training Suites – ideal if you’re considering a career in interpreting.

The University also hosts the Leeds Centre for New Chinese Writing, with regular visiting speakers. This means you have the unique and exciting opportunity to participate in many cultural events, such as talks, poetry readings and film screenings, and take part in competitions.

Take a look around our libraries:

Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

GCSE: 4/C in a foreign language

Other course specific tests:

If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be BBB at A Level plus grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

You’ll gain the language and professional skills to prepare you for an international career in a wide range of sectors. As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, your Chinese language competence will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines which are attractive to employers such as: 

• good research skills and the ability to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions 
• communication skills, enabling you to defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing 
• strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently or in a team 
• a deep understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours 

Leeds graduates have pursued careers across the globe and in a range of sectors including education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service and diplomacy, business and finance and the charity sector. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.