Chinese Studies
Mandarin Chinese is spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world today. It is also a language with a long history, rich cultural heritage and one
that is increasingly important in global business and international relations.
Chinese Studies at UNSW
At UNSW, Chinese Studies encompasses the study of Chinese language and communication as well as culture and civilisation. The program provides students with sound language skills as a basis for their future careers, irrespective of whether they start as complete beginners or with background knowledge. Advanced students have a wide selection of high specialised professional language courses. In addition, they can also study Chinese History, Politics, Philosophy and business-related subjects to provide greater breadth. UNSW has the largest Chinese Studies student enrolment in Australia.
Download the Chinese Studies Information Brochure (PDF) (1 Mb)
Careers
A background in Chinese Studies is useful in many areas of professional specialisation, from commerce and the business sector to tourism, the media and the public service sector.
International Opportunities
Students are encouraged to spend some time in China during their studies. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program in China. UNSW exchange partners in the region include:
- Fudan University
- Peking University
- Tsinghua University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong
The School of International Studies has an annual summer intensive program in China and partnership arrangements with major Chinese universities. The short term summer language program is run at Yunnan Normal University (YNU), Kunming, Yunnan Province. This is a great opportunity for students to learn the Chinese language, travel and experience the diverse cultures of the Yunnan ethnic minorities.
Program Information
Do I need previous Chinese study?
Chinese language may be studied at Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced levels. Chinese is also offered at a Professional Studies level, for students with high language proficiency who have a high school education in Chinese language undertaken in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan. The main criteria for studying at the most appropriate level are your knowledge of Chinese characters (simplified and traditional) and speaking ability, including background knowledge of a Chinese dialect.
Which degrees can I study Chinese in?
Chinese can be studied as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Arts or you can combine it with other areas of study, for example:
- Major within the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economics
- Stream within the four-year Bachelor of International Studies
- Minor in the Bachelor of Science
- Elective courses for most degrees
Another option is to enrol in the Diploma of Languages which may be taken concurrently with another degree program at UNSW. It offers an ideal opportunity to acquire an additional language for professional purposes. Honours and postgraduate study are also available.
Program Coordinator: Dr Ping Wang
View Chinese Studies options in the UNSW Handbook
Resources
- Study Abroad in Yunnan, China (PDF) (139 Kb)
2012 Courses
View course descriptions and course outlines.
