BA CHINA STUDIES
September 2025
Full time
Three or four years
Not Available
Suzhou
XJTLU undergraduate students earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally respected University of Liverpool degree.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate from the BA China Studies programme, you will have:
- an advanced level of proficiency in both English and modern standard Chinese
- a strong understanding of humanities and social science theories
- an in-depth understanding of Chinese history and contemporary China’s society, culture, political and economic development
China is undoubtedly one of the most important countries in the world. No matter what career you pursue, having in-depth knowledge of China will be a tremendous asset. The BA China Studies provides comprehensive skills to understand contemporary China.
Dr Miguel Hidalgo Martinez
Programme director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.
Core Modules
Chinese Civilization: Thinkers and Ideas
China’s History: 1027 BCE-1927 AD
China: Society and Development
Twentieth Century China
Optional Modules
Introduction to Chinese Literature
Doing Business in China
Aesthetics, Art and Design in China
Critical Thinking For China Studies
Modern Chinese in Socio-historical Perspective
Classical Chinese 1
Core Modules
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature
China: culture, language and communication
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 8
Chinese Language 9 &10
Classical Chinese 2
Teaching Chinese as an International Language
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Pedagogical Chinese Grammar
English Language and Study Skills III for Humanities and Social Sciences
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
Optional Modules
International China
China and Asia
China: Social stratification and change
China: Family and society
Professional Skills For China Studies
Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature
China: Entrepreneurship and Development
China: Regional Development
China: culture, language and communication
Research Methods For China Studies
Classical Chinese 2
Modern Chinese 1
Modern Chinese 2
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Core Modules
China Studies: Final Year Project
Chinese Theatre and Performance
Chinese Rhetoric in Comparative Perspective
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 8
Chinese Language 9 &10
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Chinese as a Global Language
Chinese Writing
Chinese Linguistics
Applied Linguistics
Optional Modules
Local Government in China
China: Social Policy
‘The Cultural History of West China’
China: Understanding Gender
Theories Of China’s Change
Chinese Theatre and Performance
China: The Public Sector
China: International Trade
Chinese Rhetoric in Comparative Perspective
Cities in Chinese History
Chinese Language 1
Chinese Language 2
Chinese Language 3
Chinese Language 4
Chinese Language 5
Chinese Language 6
Chinese Language 7
Chinese Language 9 &10
Chinese Language Stage 11 and 12
Chinese as a Global Language
Chinese Cinema
Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
Chinese Linguistics
I really enjoyed the learning experience in my China Studies degree, with its knowledgeable and kind professors, students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and interesting modules covering a wide range of subjects. This programme will improve your academic skills and provide you with an alternative perspective on contemporary China.
Mingyang Su
Student, BA China Studies
Careers
Graduates from this programme pursue careers in a diverse range of organisations and companies looking to link with China in fields such as international business, economics, financial services, government, diplomacy, journalism, education, development and non-governmental organisations. The programme also offers you a solid foundation for pursuing further study in the humanities and social sciences. Between 2018 and 2021, acceptances & offers were obtained from world-renowned universities in the US, UK, and Australia, including:
- University of Oxford
- Columbia University
- University of Pennsylvania
- London School of Economics and Political Science
- King's College London
- University College London
- Durham University
- University of Bristol
- University of Sydney and many others.
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Overview
The BA China Studies provides you with an in-depth understanding of one of the most important global players of the 21st century – China.
You will learn to apply theories from the humanities and social sciences to your understanding and analysis of China while benefiting from living in country and experiencing the language and culture first hand.
The programme offers two pathways depending on your career goals. If you are interested in teaching the Chinese language, you can choose the ‘Teaching Chinese as an International Language’ pathway. If you are interested in the study and application of the social sciences, including teaching, you can choose the ‘Contemporary China Studies’ pathway.
All students study the same modules in Years One and Two, allowing you to establish your strengths and interests before selecting your pathway for Years Three and Four.
Why should I study China Studies at XJTLU?
The degree is open to both Chinese and international students and is taught in English. International students who meet?academic and English language requirements?may enter directly into Year Two.