Chinese Studies and Linguistics Lancaster University

Language is central to human behaviour, human societies and creativity. Discover how language functions and how it shapes the world around us in this interdisciplinary subject that crosses science and humanities.

You’ll graduate with expertise in the Chinese language alongside in-depth cultural knowledge and practical experience. Combining this with Linguistics - an exploration of the science of language - you’ll study how language intersects with psychology, the information sciences and forensics, gaining insight into its broader impact. You will address the most important topics in linguistic research using the very latest tools and techniques.

Why choose Chinese Studies and Linguistics at Lancaster?

• Study with the best. Linguistics at Lancaster is ranked 2nd in the world by QS 2026.

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

• Learn from experts. Our lecturers are world-leaders in fields like corpus linguistics, cognitive linguistics, discourse analysis and (forensic) speech science.

• Explore important global issues and how they affect the Chinese-speaking world such as environmental challenges and climate change, politics, health and human rights

• Consolidate your expertise in Chinese by spending year three studying or working in a Chinese-speaking country

What areas of Linguistics will I study?

In Linguistics you’ll address fundamental questions concerning the nature of language. You’ll gain a comprehensive grounding in areas such as phonetics, grammar, semantics and pragmatics before applying this knowledge to understand language use across a range of real-world contexts. Guided by our supportive and welcoming staff, you might explore a range of topics ranging from politics, law, media, medicine and technology.

You’ll explore questions such as:

• Where does language come from and what is it made of?

• How is language represented in the mind/brain and how is it related to culture and society?

• How do the world’s languages vary and how does the language you speak shape your experiences?

• How is language learned and how can it be impaired?

• How can technology be harnessed to study patterns in the way language is used and changes?

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.

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

AAB. 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.

Access to HE Diploma

Our typical entry requirement would be 36 Level 3 Credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need 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

DDD accepted alongside 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 AB plus BTEC at D. 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.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects. This should 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

Distinction overall accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability.

GCSE requirements

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.