Chinese and German

On this joint honours programme, you will study two major languages in the context of the histories, literatures and societies of the countries in which they are spoken.

China is one of the world's oldest civilisations, while German-speaking cultures have long had a profound international influence.

Mandarin Chinese is the world's second most widely spoken language. It is your gateway to a major economic and political global power - one whose scale makes an understanding of regional and cultural differences essential.

In Europe, more people speak German as their first language than any other. The language ranks in the world's top 20, being particularly important for business and politics.

Start your languages at the right level for you

Edinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer both single and joint honours undergraduate programmes in Chinese.

Within the UK, we are also the only university to offer three different language entry levels to our Chinese degree programmes:

• ab initio - for complete beginners in the Chinese language

• upper beginner

• intermediate

We also offer two entry levels to German, including ab initio.

Our programme is not for native speakers of either language, but we welcome heritage language learners.

Language learning in cultural context

On this programme, you will develop advanced competency in the Modern Standard Chinese language. You will also gain specialist knowledge on mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and associated diasporas in pre-modern, modern and contemporary contexts. Courses explore history, literature, culture, politics and international relations.

Likewise, you will learn the German language to an advanced level while studying literature, film and theatre, all within the context of historical and political developments from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.

Immersive study includes a year abroad, spending time in either mainland China or Taiwan and in a country where German is spoken.

By the end of the programme, you will be able to demonstrate a range of advanced language skills in both Chinese and German, together with the critical skills and cultural awareness valued by employers around the globe.

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 both your languages and in Chinese and German studies. You will also gain research skills and choose an option course from a wide range of disciplines.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of Chinese and German cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics in Chinese and German studies. You will also further develop your language and translation skills.

Programme benefits

• Take the only programme of its kind in the UK to offer three entry levels for Chinese.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in two languages, combining one from Asia with one from Europe.

• Join societies related to what you are studying.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

• Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.