Chinese Studies and Geography Lancaster University

This interdisciplinary programme in Chinese Studies and Geography caters to versatile interests, fosters adaptability and opens doors to a wide range of rewarding careers.

You will graduate with a deep understanding of the complex interactions between humanity and our planetary environment, as well as expertise in the Chinese language and in-depth cultural knowledge. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to take your place in an increasingly interconnected world.

Why choose Chinese Studies and Geography at Lancaster?

• Explore the full range of human and environmental issues tackled by modern geographers, with an emphasis on human society and the impacts these systems have in the modern world

• Follow a progressional ladder on an internationally recognised language scale entering either from beginners or intermediate level and progressing to being proficient in Chinese

• Take part in optional residential field trips in the UK and overseas

• Gain essential skills in communication and geographic information systems, data generation, environmental sampling and analysis

• Learn how important global issues affect the Chinese-speaking world - from environmental challenges and climate change, to politics, health and human rights

What makes studying Geography at Lancaster interesting?

Given the pace at which our planet is changing, there has never been a more important time to study geography. Learn to make sense of the complex interactions between humanity and our planetary environment and discover how you can make a positive difference. The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus

On this course you will be introduced to human, physical and environmental geography. You will develop the skills geographers use to analyse major issues and global concerns. As you specialise, you will undertake practical work that aims to enhance your understanding of key topics while developing your analytic and research skills.

With our location near major urban centres, rivers, coasts, and the Lake District World Heritage Site, you will be able to explore beyond the campus and gain hands-on experience through fieldwork.

How is Chinese Studies taught at Lancaster?

Your journey to language proficiency and exploring the Chinese-speaking world starts here. You will acquire high-level language skills and gain an internationally recognised qualification modelled on HSK proficiency levels.

You’ll enter the course either as a complete beginner in Chinese or with some initial competency. Whatever level you begin with, you will progress to becoming proficient in the language. Spending your third year abroad in a Chinese-speaking country makes a major contribution to your command of the language, while deepening your intercultural sensitivity.

Your language learning will be further enriched by cultural studies, covering visual media, literature, art, and history, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal contexts of the Chinese-speaking world.

Expand your horizons with a year abroad

Spending up to a year abroad is an integral and assessed part of our language degrees.

Through studying, teaching or working overseas, engaging globally gives you the opportunity to improve your language proficiency, broaden your cultural knowledge and gain transferable skills that are much valued by employers.

The Global Engagement Year is compulsory for students taking Chinese, French, German or Spanish as a core language. Please note that we have a flexible approach to supporting students with specific educational needs with this year.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. This should include appropriate evidence of language ability such as A level or AS level grade B in a language other than Chinese, or GCSE grade 7/A in a foreign language. We also recommend that this includes Geography, or alternatively you should have one of the following subjects: Classics, Economics, English Literature, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content, and to have appropriate evidence of language ability.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM in a related subject but we may additionally require a supporting A level in Geography or alternative cognate subject at grade B. You will also need to have appropriate evidence of language ability.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements, and have appropriate evidence of language ability.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. This should include 6 in HL Geography or an alternative cognate subject, and should also include appropriate evidence of language ability, such as 6 in an HL language other than Chinese.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

T level in Health is accepted at Distinction, alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C. A GCSE grade 7/A in a relevant language may meet the subject requirement for this programme, if not studied to A level or equivalent.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.