Arabic and Chinese, BA

Course content

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you'll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You'll study one of our Cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Arabic 

You'll spend your first year studying core modules that develop your Arabic language skills and introduce you to Arab and Islamic history. All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, when you'll study in an Arabic-speaking country to experience the local culture. When you return, you'll take advanced language classes and study translation, as well as choosing from options such as Arabic literature, Middle East politics and Islamic Studies.

Chinese 

In your first year core modules will develop your Chinese language skills. You'll also choose from optional modules introducing Chinese history, culture and religious traditions. Then you'll spend a year studying in China to improve your language skills and experience the local culture, and return to advanced language classes over the next two years. You'll also choose from optional modules from Cantonese to Sino-Japanese relations.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: ABB

  GCSE: Grade 4/C in a foreign language.

  • Career opportunities

    Studying for a Joint Honours degree allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of two subjects, including proficiency in a major world language. As well as demonstrating that you're intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines that employers actively seek.

    You'll have good research skills, and you'll be able to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions. You'll then be able to communicate and defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing. In addition, you'll have strong research and organisational skills and be confident working independently or in a team. You will also have a strong understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours.

    All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and graduates have pursued careers across the globe that reflect the diversity of their degrees. They've gone on to be successful in education, the media, law, publishing, the civil service, business and finance and the charity sector to name a few. Many others have also pursued postgraduate study, including further training in language-based careers such as translating and interpreting.

    To find out more about graduate destinations in your subjects, please see the relevant Single Honours pages.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    This five-year course involves a year abroad both in year 2 (Arabic) and year 3 (Chinese).

    In Year 2 you'll study at the Arabic Language Institute in Fes, Morocco. Past activities have included regional tours of the host-country and extracurricular courses in calligraphy and music.

    In Year 3, you can choose to study in Taiwan (at National Chengchi University, Taipei) or at universities in Mainland China located in Beijing or Shanghai.

    Read more about the Arabic residence abroad

    Read more about the Chinese residence abroad