Chinese Studies BA

general higher education entrance qualification

• Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages;
• knowledge of another modern foreign language at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or knowledge of Latin.

The Chinese Studies BA programme enables students to acquire basic oral and written language skills in Chinese (Mandarin). Students will understand Chinese culture and society in its historical and contemporary dimensions and be able to apply their knowledge in a considered manner in a professional context. The optional International Bachelor in Chinese Studies (BA Plus) programme also offers additional teaching content and objectives, in turn enhancing students’ prospects on the international labour market. For this purpose, a limited number of places are available at a Taiwanese partner university for one year at a time (please refer to the study regulations for more details). Students on the Chinese Studies bachelor’s programme can apply for the available places on the international BA in the course of their studies (more detailed information on the procedures is available directly from the Department of Chinese Studies). Both versions of the Chinese Studies BA also prepare graduates interested in continuing their studies on the master’s programme.

In addition to continuous instruction in modern as well as pre-modern Chinese, several basic modules teach knowledge and methods related to Chinese studies, which are then tested in a bachelor’s thesis during the third or fourth year of study.

One focus of the bachelor’s programme is on becoming proficient in modern Chinese (five modules). The language training is supplemented either (in the Chinese Studies BA) by a language course abroad, which lasts for the entire fifth semester and concludes with an internationally recognised examination qualifying the holder for admission to further study programmes in China (HSK [1], at least level 4), or (on the International BA in Chinese Studies) by two semesters of study abroad and an equivalent qualification in TOCFL. The language teaching is rounded off by a pre-modern Chinese course (in the second year of study) [2].

Among the specialist modules, basic module I of Chinese Studies, on “Models and Methods of Regional Sciences and China Studies” in the first semester, provides basic knowledge of the subjects and questions of regional sciences. In these courses, methodological skills are taught and practised in addition to specialist knowledge. Basic modules II and III focus on the history of China (second/third semester), deepening the methodological skills and giving an overview of the history of China from its beginnings to the present day. They also deal with questions and methods of historical China studies as well as modern history and the historical development of modern China and its role in East Asia and the world.

Basic module IV, “Societies of China”, (fourth semester) conveys an overview of the institutions, stakeholders and the political, institutional, economic and cultural processes in Chinese society after 1949. This considers both the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, which has continued to exist in Taiwan since that time.

Until the fifth semester, the programme structure is identical on both versions of the BA. The fifth semester of the BA in Chinese Studies is set aside for the language course abroad at a university in a Chinese-speaking country. This is intended to expand and consolidate the student’s existing language skills. The language course can be supplemented by further subject-specific and methodological courses as well as in-depth studies in the pre-modern written language. As an alternative to this organised programme abroad, students can also opt to organise their own programme; passing the module depends on students successfully completing the new HSK test (level 4) or submitting an equivalent qualification.

Students on the International BA in Chinese Studies spend two semesters at a partner university in Taiwan.

Both versions of the Chinese Studies BA programme are concluded with a bachelor’s thesis, the preparation of which is supervised in a colloquium.

Beyond the possibilities of subject-specific teaching and private study, a combination with elective modules from methodological subjects (e.g. historical or philological subjects, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, etc.) or other regional science subjects is particularly recommended. In order to ensure comprehensive compatibility with other subjects, especially smaller subjects and those with less flexible timetables, students should expect their timetables to be adjusted accordingly. It is recommended that, wherever possible, students focus on certain subjects and methodological aspects in the elective area.

In addition, a general module should be selected from the range of cross-faculty compulsory elective modules (key qualification modules).

[1] Xin Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi of the People’s Republic of China from 2010; see also: www.hsk.org.cn/Index_E.aspx.
[2] Students who enrol on the Chinese Studies programme on a part-time basis must bear in mind that being able to study depends on the consecutiveness of the language courses.

The career opportunities for Sinologists are on the one hand very diverse, but on the other hand depend strongly on the personal commitment of individual graduates. Many Sinologists go on to pursue careers in the fields of international cooperation, translation/interpretation, tourism, media/journalism, publishing, diplomatic services or academia. It is strongly recommended that students find out about career opportunities during their studies and establish contacts with potential employers, for example by completing internships.

Course start: winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September
Application portal: AlmaWeb

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester and 5th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 4th semester and 6th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Only for the Intercultural Bachelor Plus in Chinese Studies programme:
two semesters of study at foreign partner universities