Chinese Studies
你好! (Nǐ hǎo!)
Currently Mandarin is spoken by more than 1 billion people around the world, representing about one fifth of the global population. It is one of the world's most commonly used languages, second only to English. Studies of Chinese culture and language can help you make your communication more effective and open many opportunities in a globalised world.
Learn Chinese and gain an understanding of Chinese culture and society
Living in Australia, there are many reasons to study Chinese Studies. We not only have a large Chinese population whose history in this country extends back to the 1850s – we also have many links to China economically, culturally, socially and increasingly, politically. China today is undoubtedly a key global player with enormous influence.
You’ll take a placement test to make sure you’re in the right class for your level, whether you’re a beginner or you speak Chinese at home. But you won’t just have the opportunity to learn the Chinese language – you’ll be able to focus on contextual aspects such as Chinese history, culture and politics, and analysing some of the socio-cultural issues of present-day China. You can choose from subjects on great Chinese literary classics, cinema, translation, and analysing Chinese news media. There are even opportunities to undertake study overseas.
Where can Chinese studies take you?
Your in-depth knowledge of Chinese culture and society and competency in the Chinese language can open up career prospects in a range of professions. In Chinese Studies, you’ll also have developed the skills to work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, which is an asset in any field of employment. You might apply your skills in areas such as international trade, diplomacy, teaching, multinational business, translation, or communications.
I studied at Nanjing University in China for a semester. There is nothing like going on exchange – everyone should do it! I also did an internship at the Confucius Institute, where I got to experience a bilingual office environment.
— Bridie Allen
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Chinese Studies.
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Chinese
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Chinese as a major, minor, electives or as breadth. You can master the Chinese language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages or develop advanced knowledge in Chinese Studies in Honours.
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Chinese Studies through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in a Chinese studies breadth track, master the Chinese language with a Diploma in Languages alongside your undergraduate degree, or develop advanced knowledge in Honours.
Graduate coursework
Master the Chinese language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Master of Translation and Interpreting
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Chinese Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Chinese. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Chinese Studies 1 entry point
Students with no previous knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 1.
Chinese Studies 3 entry point
Students with little previous knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 3.
Chinese Studies 5 entry point
Non background students with lower advanced knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 5.
Chinese Studies 7 entry point
Students who have a Chinese-speaking background and minimal literacy skills usually enter the progression at Chinese 7.
Chinese Studies 9 entry point
Students who have a Chinese-speaking background and limited literacy in Chinese usually enter the progression at Chinese 9.
Super Advanced Entry
This is an entry point only available as a minor and is for students who have completed secondary education in a Chinese environment.
Enhance your study of Chinese
Overseas Chinese Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Chinese Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Chinese studies with authentic work experience.
Chinese language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience Chinese first-hand by studying overseas in a Chinese speaking country for one or two semesters.