Chinese MA (Hons) Level: Undergraduate Subject: Chinese Year of entry: 2026 Key facts UCAS Code T100 Award MA (Hons) Duration of study 4 years Delivery Full-time Study location Central Area Start date September 2026 School School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures College College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Study abroad Mandatory Placement No Open days and events Overview About the degree programme Mandarin Chinese is the world's second most widely spoken language. Its associated cultures have helped shape the contemporary world in many ways. Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer an undergraduate single honours MA programme in Chinese, teaching both language and culture.We are the only university in the UK to offer three different language entry levels to our Chinese degree programmes:ab initio - for complete beginners in the Chinese languageupper beginnerintermediateOur programme is not for native speakers, but we also welcome heritage language learners.Skills developmentStudy with us, and you will develop advanced competency in modern standard Chinese. You will gain the skills needed to use the language daily in social and professional settings, focusing on:readingwritingspeakinglisteningAs well as learning to read both simplified and traditional form characters, you will also learn to read classical Chinese. This makes our programme unique.As you progress, you will learn Chinese-English and English-Chinese translation skills.From the very start of the programme, you will also gain the core academic and research skills to develop your critical thinking in Chinese studies. Our courses explore:historyliteratureculturepoliticsinternational relationsAs well as mainland China, we consider the significance of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and their diasporas from a range of perspectives.By your final year, you will have gained the skills to produce an independent research project.Excellent resources in Edinburgh and abroadAs a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place for language learning.The University's Chinese and East Asian Studies Collection contains more than 50,000 resources, both print and digital, including over 600 Chinese films.Through Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA), there are opportunities to pair up with native Chinese speakers for language exchange and practice, and to join over 300 clubs and societies.You will spend Year 3 at a university in mainland China or Taiwan. Through this immersive experience, you will further enhance your skills in Chinese and your understanding of Chinese language and culture in their particular context. How long it takes to complete this degree programme This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in modern Standard Chinese and in Chinese Studies.In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change or widen your focus by, for example, moving onto a joint honours programme.Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of Chinese and East Asian culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics in Chinese Studies. You will also further develop your Chinese language and translation skills and write a dissertation. Programme rankings 2nd in the UK for Asian Studies in The Complete University Guide - Subject League Table 20253rd in the UK for Modern Languages in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025 Programme benefits Take the only programme of its kind in Scotland.Study over four years, including one abroad.Become fluent in a global language.Try out different subjects in your first two years.Join societies related to what you are studying.Delve into fantastic libraries and collections. Studying Chinese at Edinburgh has provided me with the most incredible opportunities of my life. As Edinburgh is such an international city, I have had many opportunities to meet and make friends with students from China and Taiwan and use my Mandarin. My language teachers are fantastic; incredibly kind and helpful. I started learning Mandarin from scratch in my first year, and because of their help, the course was not overwhelming. Small tutorial groups have made a massive difference in learning and there is a real community feel - the classroom is where I have met some of my best Uni friends. In addition, the modules about Asian culture and history have been excellent, as my lectures are all very passionate. All in all, I could not recommend the programme more! Willow Year 3, Chinese MA (Hons) Entry requirements Find your entry requirementsUse the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.Select the qualification you are studying or studied. Where you are studying or where you studied United KingdomAfghanistanAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLithuaniaLuxembourgMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanYemenZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed Qualification - Select a qualification -SQA Highers: standard requirementsSQA Highers: widening access requirementsA levels: standard requirementsA levels: widening access requirementsIB: standard requirementsIB: widening access requirementsOther UK qualificationsMature applicants (including adult returners)International qualifications by country or region United Kingdom, Fees and funding Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Chinese View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Chinese. Additional costs As long as international travel is possible, you will spend Year 3 abroad. The costs you have to pay will depend on where you decide to go, and how you spend your time.Some study placements at language schools may charge a fee, but we will normally refund you for tuition costs as long as your activity has been approved.You will be responsible for associated travel costs such as flights and visas. Some scholarship money may be available from external sources, on a competitive basis, for students studying in mainland China or Taiwan. Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.This estimate covers the costs of:accommodationfoodutility billstravel within Edinburghhealth and wellbeing costsSee a breakdown of living costs Scholarships and funding Funding information You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section. Funding Programme details What you will study Year 1 If you are a beginner, you will study Chinese 1, an introduction to modern spoken and written Chinese.If you already have some knowledge of the Chinese language (e.g. from GCSE/National 5 or higher), you may be eligible to take one of our more advanced language courses instead; Chinese 2 (upper beginner) or Chinese 3 (intermediate). We will help place you in the right course for you.Whatever your level of language learning, you will also study modern Chinese history. Classes focus on the key people, ideas and events which have helped shape the country's politics, society and culture.Option coursesYou will complete your Year 1 studies with option courses chosen from a wide range offered by the University.You can, for example, opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest range of languages of any UK university. The majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.You can also opt to study:modern East Asian history, which looks at Japan and Korea and their relationship with ChinaModern China in Literature and Film, which allows you to develop insights into topics such as women’s emancipation, revolution, and nationalismOther options include, but are not limited to, courses in:linguistics and language sciencesbusiness, economics and informaticspolitics, social policy, social anthropology and international relationsart and architectural historyhistory, classics and archaeologyCeltic and Scottish ethnologyphilosophy, divinity and law Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 2 In your language classes, you will continue to learn Modern Standard Chinese and explore Chinese culture. You will also begin to learn classical Chinese, and translation skills.You will take a course in skills and methodologies in Chinese studies to prepare you for completing independent research in your honours years. Topics covered include:referencing skillsessay and dissertation writingusing software tools and Chinese librariesWhen choosing option courses, you can opt to study classical and pre-modern East Asia, or to explore East Asian youth culture. Both of these options will help develop your understanding of Chinese history and culture in preparation for your year abroad.Alternatively, you can opt to take courses in something completely different, or to learn or continue to learn an additional language. Both Japanese and Korean are available. Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Year 3 (study abroad mandatory) You will spend Year 3 abroad, either in mainland China or Taiwan, turning classroom learning into living engagement with Chinese and East Asian culture.This is when you will really deepen your knowledge of Chinese by speaking it daily. Living abroad will also give you the wider perspective, experience and skills to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life after university.Coursework while abroadYou will study at an institution of higher education in mainland China or Taiwan. This immersive learning environment will strengthen your language and cross-cultural communication skills.In addition, you will expand your research skills through assignments on a range of topics. This will allow you to:develop your critical and analytical skills through close reading of selected textsfurther your understanding of how to use primary and secondary sourcesCompleting the assignments will also help you to begin work on your dissertation. By the end of the year, you will have submitted a detailed dissertation proposal on a topic related to Chinese studies. Previous students have chosen to write their dissertation on Chinese:historypoliticscontemporary societyliteraturevisual culture Keeping in touchWhile you are abroad as part of your programme, you are still a student at the University of Edinburgh.The Year Abroad Office and your Student Adviser, both based in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), will check in with you at key points during your time away. Additionally, each language has a dedicated Year Abroad Coordinator for any academic queries, ensuring you are all set and ready for your final year in Edinburgh.Just like any other time during your studies, you have access to all University services while you are abroad. These include our:Student Wellbeing ServiceStudent CounsellingStudent Disability and Learning SupportUniversity emergency helpline (available 24 hours a day)Wellbeing and safetyYour wellbeing and safety abroad is our first priority. If international travel is not possible or placements are disrupted, for example following travel advice from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we will offer you alternative ways to engage with your studies. These will be tailored towards supporting you to meet your learning outcomes and to prepare for your final year. Year 4 You will continue to study Modern Standard Chinese, focusing on advanced skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will also build on your existing translation skills.Alongside your language study, you will be able to choose from courses on Chinese:film and literaturepoliticsmodern and pre-modern historycontemporary societyYou will continue to develop your Chinese studies dissertation project under formal supervision with an assigned supervisor, and will submit the final version shortly before the end of your studies. Find courses The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry. You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme. Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year) Study abroad You will spend Year 3 (a minimum of 30 weeks) at an institution of higher education in mainland China or Taiwan. This is a chance for you to evolve and grow beyond Edinburgh. Our graduates have told us how much the Year Abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills.We know that you are likely to have lots of questions about your Year Abroad. We have gone into lots of detail about where you can go and what you can do under ‘Year 3’ above. You can also find out more through the University's Study and Work Away Service.What are my options for going abroad? Teaching and assessment Teaching University is a place to plan your own goals under expert guidance, study independently and in groups, and reflect upon your learning throughout your degree.Our approach to learning and teaching is active, inclusive and question-driven, so it may be different to your experiences at school. It will help you gain the skills for life after university, and we will guide you through the steps from one phase to the next.Depending on the size of your year group, and which option courses you take, your classes will typically fall into three categories:lecturestutorialsseminarsIn addition to these classes, to get the most out of your courses, you will need to read widely.We make extensive use of our audio and visual resources, and you’ll also be encouraged to use online materials.LecturesLectures are taken by all students on a course, typically at the same time. They are delivered as interactive presentations which may involve audio-visual material.Lectures are given by an experienced academic. They are designed to guide you through the background, questions and debates related to the topic you are studying.TutorialsTutorial groups are smaller. They are also led by an academic, but here the emphasis is more on what you think about the topic yourself. So, tutorials are your chance to discuss and expand upon what you have learned in a lecture.Language tutorials give you the opportunity to develop your linguistic skills in a range of real-world tasks under the supervision of an experienced language teacher.These classes typically cover skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking - all of which involve learning and applying grammar.SeminarsSeminars blend features of lectures and tutorials. Again, they are designed to encourage and enable your active participation in learning.On some courses, you will have seminars instead of lectures, especially in Year 4. Assessment You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.Coursework is generally completed throughout the year, while exams take place at the end of a teaching block.Coursework will take a range of forms to give you the opportunity to practice different skills. For example, you may be asked to:write an essay, review, blog post, opinion piece or learning journalrespond to a piece of writing, film, or other media, including through close readinggive a short talk or presentationrecord a podcast or videodesign a poster or presentation Exams will include oral exams to test your spoken language skills.Depending on where you go and what you do during your Year Abroad, Year 3 may include being assessed, in part, by a host university or other accredited institution.In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation. Support for your studies As well as the teaching staff and other staff members you will meet day-to-day, there are lots of ways to get help with your learning, including through the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD). Peer support schemes bring together students across year groups to help each other with specific study skills, topics or themes. Where you will study Study location When you are on campus, you can expect to spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area - in class, in the library, or in one of the University’s many social and support spaces.The Central Area is located on the edge of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, surrounded by lots of green space. Academic facilities The Main University Library holds academic books, journals and databases, films, newspapers and other media.The Library is also the home of the University's Centre for Research Collections which brings together:more than 400,000 rare bookssix kilometres of archives and manuscriptsthousands of works of art, historical musical instruments and other objectsThe Centre's treasures include over 100 rare and pre-1900 CE Chinese and Japanese books including a commentary on the classic Chinese text Yi Jing (Book of Changes). Written by the scholar Hu Guang c. 1413, this was printed in 1440 using block printing and was donated to the University in 1628.More broadly, our Chinese and East Asian Studies Collection contains more than 50,000 resources, both print and digital, including over 600 Chinese films.Many of the University's Special Collections are digitised and available online from our excellent Resource Centre, computing labs and dedicated study spaces in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC). Career paths and further study Career paths Skills and experienceStudying a language to degree level demonstrates that you are a good communicator, and someone open to other cultures and new ideas - what employers value as intercultural competence.Beyond the language skills you will develop on this programme, you will also gain a nuanced understanding of diverse cultures and societies.Graduating with a four-year Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh shows intellectual maturity, resilience, and flexibility.The skills you will be able to demonstrate to employers when you graduate include the ability to:understand, analyse and articulate complex issues and conceptsmanage your time to meet deadlines on different types of projectswork independently and as part of a groupOpportunities across sectorsOur programmes are an excellent primer for a range of careers, especially those that place a premium on thinking that is both disciplined and imaginative.Within the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors, previous graduates have gone on to work in:business, finance, commerce and techcommunications, marketing, advertising and public relationseducation, outreach, advocacy and trainingjournalism, broadcasting and medialeisure, tourism and travelpolitics, policy work, diplomacy, civil service and lawpublishing, culture, heritage and the artsresearch, development, consultancy and venture accelerationtranslating and interpretingLocal and global opportunitiesWith increasing migration in response to changing global dynamics, there is demand for our graduates in Scotland, the UK and abroad.Wherever you are based in the world, the ability to communicate in another major language, and to understand the cultures to which it opens doors, will make you stand out.If you are keen to work abroad, it’s good to know that over one billion people worldwide speak Modern Standard Chinese and many countries, including Scotland, have strategic links with China.Increasing numbers of Chinese-speaking graduates are recruited by companies based in East Asia, a powerful player in the global economy. Careers Service Throughout your time with us, we will encourage you to identify and hone your employability skills.Through the University's excellent Careers Service, you can:get careers advice tailored towards Chinesebook one-to-one appointments and practice interviewsaccess a range of online resourcesattend events and themed fairs such as the Creative and Cultural Careers Festivalget help finding work while you study and for around two years after you graduate The Careers Service is also a partner in Life After LLC, a panel event where you can draw inspiration from recent graduates of programmes in literatures, languages and cultures.Visit the Careers Service website Further study The enhanced research skills you will develop on a four-year programme, particularly in your honours years, are a valuable asset if you wish to continue studying at postgraduate level.At the University of Edinburgh, we typically offer:a Masters by Research programme in Chinesetaught masters programmes in:East Asian Studies (with the option to specialise in Chinese studies)Comparative LiteratureIntermedialityTranslation StudiesAny of our masters degrees, whether research-based or taught, is a good foundation for a PhD, but is equally of value as a stand-alone qualification. Graduate profiles Be inspired by our alumni in literatures, languages and cultures Applying How to apply You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.Guidance on applying through UCAS What you need to apply As part of your application, you will need:your academic qualificationsa personal statementevidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)a reference How we select If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.How we select applicants When to apply 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.Search degrees that are open on the UCAS websiteKey application dates and deadlines After you apply After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:How to submit your qualificationsAttend an offer holder eventReceiving our decisionAccepting your offerAfter you’ve accepted your offerIf you have a disability and need more support at university Applying as an international student As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS. Find out more about applying through UCAS Visas and immigration If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme. Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. Applying for a visa Agents An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact. Find contact details for an education agent Life at Edinburgh What our students say I think what makes Edinburgh special is that there is so much to do whatever your interests are! Whether you enjoy hiking, relaxing in a café, socialising with friends, or literally anything else, you will never run out of options here. Minju Kim LLC graduate (2024) In her final year studying languages at Edinburgh, Minju served as the Undergraduate Representative for the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. Together with Programme Representatives for Chinese Studies, Undergraduate Representatives are your voice in the university - sharing your feedback to continually improve the student experience for everyone. Their roles are supported by the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA). Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.University accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs The Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) supports more than 300 student-led societies and clubs, and promotes opportunities with local charities through its volunteering centre.From acting to dancing, making friends in language cafes to campaigning on global issues, these student-led groups offer lots of ways to explore your subjects, interests and talents socially. There are also opportunities to pair up with native speakers for language exchange and practice.You can also attend film screenings and an Asian Studies seminar series that features visiting speakers from around the world. This will bring you closer to students of Japanese and Korean.SocietiesSports clubs The city of Edinburgh Edinburgh is a world-leading festival city filled with cinemas, theatres, galleries, libraries and collections.The city's resources for studying literatures, languages and cultures are exceptional, and its world cinema scene is particularly strong.Many national collections are located close to the University's Central Area, making them easy to access between classes. Highlights include the:National Library of ScotlandNational Museum of ScotlandNational Galleries of ScotlandThe city has a thriving East Asian cultural scene and excellent links with China.Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities to daily life, including: sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include:a student counselling servicea health centre (doctor's surgery)support if you're living in University accommodationdedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentHealth and wellbeing support services Contact and events