Postgraduate courses in Chinese

The area of the Chinese language is a little more complex than many realise. It is not just as simple as studying Chinese as chinese is an umbrella term used to encompass many different dialects and languages. 

These include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka and more. There are many courses available, sometimes as Chinese courses and sometimes as the specific language under the Chinese umbrella. 

If you want to immerse yourself into the world of language and culture, we have gathered some information you may need below. You can never be too educated so why not start your journey to a postgraduate course right here!

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Coivd-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

Chinese Students

Postgraduate courses in Chinese Studies will give students the opportunity to learn about different societies such as modern and contemporary China as well as acquire a knowledge of the Chinese language at any level. Students will also have the option to gain a theoretical grounding in one area, choosing from areas such as anthropology, art, archaeology, economics, history, law, media, music and more. 

Interpreting and Translating – Chinese

Courses in interpreting and translating will give students the practical skills and experience needed to work as an interpreter or translator. These courses cover professional translation and simultaneous, consecutive and liaison interpreting in both public service and commercial settings. Students will gain skills in texts, speeches, using style guides as well as participating in workshops and debates. 

Secondary Mandarin with QTS (School Direct) PGCE

A PGCE course in Mandarin will allow you to teach Madaring in secondary education. As well as studying Madarin, you will also study a second language. Students who take these courses will be equipped to create lesson plans, develop teaching practice with placements adding up to around 120 days of practical experience. You will also develop different teaching methods and develop your skills and knowledge as a teacher. 

Other courses available include Chinese Daoist Textual Studies, Modern and Foreign Languages – French and Madarin, English-Chinese Interpreting with Translation and Translation and Business Interpreting, to name a few. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course and university to university. It is important to research your desired course in order to make sure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in a relevant area such as languages or Mandarin, for example, will generally be required but not in all courses. 

Job Options

Job options with this degree may include: 

• Lecturer
• Researcher
• Translator (Transcriber)
• Teacher
• Marketing Specialist, Business – a lot of people who have degrees in business will study a language to increase their chances of good relations with other countries and employment opportunities
• Chinese Instructor – teaching classes in Chinese/Mandarin

Potential employers

Some potential employers may include

• Universities 
• Schools
• Business Corporations
• Language centres
• Local authorities
• Media companies

Salary 

Your salary will be dependent on the career path you decide to choose. We will take a look at a few examples to give you an idea. As a lecturer in a university you may earn an average of around £40,700 a year or between £51,590 and £64,356 at senior level. If you decide to go down the path of translating, the average salary is believed to be £25,872. If you wanted to use you language degree in a business setting, the average salary of jobs in International Business are believed to be around £42,500. All figures are based on estimates are are intended to be used as a guide only. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area

• Strong writing skills
• Strong reading skills
• Excellent communication skills 
• Understand how language works
• Patience
• Persistence
• Hard working
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to work well with others
• An interest in learning and developing knowledge
• Research and analytical skills
• Ability to use ICT
• Understand cultural diversity and contemporary global issues
• Time management