Chinese

Haina

© Restricted/Sam Brosnahan. Sam has a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and Political Science and International Relations. Two years into his degree Sam was able to spend a semester on exchange at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

Qualifications

Overview

China is one of the world’s oldest civilisations, with Mandarin Chinese spoken by more than half the world’s population.

Studying Chinese gives you access to this economic power, with huge international influence and ever-growing relations with Aotearoa.

What will my study involve?

Learn modern standard Chinese, both spoken and written.
Experience Chinese society, including literature, cinema, technology, and modern culture.
UC’s Confucius Institute, in collaboration with Huazhong University of Science and Technology, has opportunities to practise Chinese language and experience the culture on campus.
Exchange opportunities with China, including business tours and language immersion with Chinese universities.

Chinese major

For the major in the Bachelor of Arts, complete the following courses:

100-level

CHIN155 Understanding China

200-level

Three 200-level CHIN courses

300-level

CHIN352 Chinese Language 3-B
One 300-level CHIN course

Plus at least two CHIN courses (30 points) from any year level.

It is highly recommended that you complete some Chinese language courses during your major study. The 100-level language courses are for absolute beginners or those with very little previous experience in Chinese language. Those with a high level of Chinese language proficiency may be given direct entry to 200-level language courses.

CHIN352 is an advanced language course required for all Chinese major students.

Chinese minor

For the minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, Digital Screen, Health Sciences, Science, Social and Environmental Sustainability, Sport Coaching, or Youth and Community Leadership, complete the following courses:

75 points in 100 to 300-level CHIN courses, with at least 45 points above 100-level, and at least one Chinese language course

Career opportunities

Learning Chinese will open up work both in Aotearoa and overseas, including exchange opportunities while you’re studying. There are lots of ways to strengthen your cross-cultural communication and awareness at UC.

Some career pathways could include:

Interpreting and translation
Tourism and travel agencies
Business and trade relations
Immigration.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Chinese.

'At UC, I feel like I am part of a team...'

Charlotte Walker

Chinese, Linguistics, European and European Union Studies, European Studies

'New Zealand is a good place to learn about media...'

Shotaro Nakagaki

Chinese, Media and Communication

'I feel like Political Science and Chinese have complemented each other very well...'

Josh Toohey

Chinese, Political Science and International Relations, Diplomacy and International Relations

Contact us

Department of Global, Cultural and Language Studies

Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email chinese@canterbury.ac.nz

Location
Level 5, James Logie building – see campus maps

Postal address
Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand

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