Overseas Chinese Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Chinese Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks.
你好! (Nǐ hǎo!)
Currently Mandarin is spoken by more than 1 billion people around the world, representing about one fifth of the global population. It is one of the world's most commonly used languages, second only to English. Studies of Chinese culture and language can help you make your communication more effective and open many opportunities in a globalised world.
Learn Chinese and gain an understanding of Chinese culture and society
Living in Australia, there are many reasons to study Chinese Studies. We not only have a large Chinese population whose history in this country extends back to the 1850s – we also have many links to China economically, culturally, socially and increasingly, politically. China today is undoubtedly a key global player with enormous influence.
You’ll take a placement test to make sure you’re in the right class for your level, whether you’re a beginner or you speak Chinese at home. But you won’t just have the opportunity to learn the Chinese language – you’ll be able to focus on contextual aspects such as Chinese history, culture and politics, and analysing some of the socio-cultural issues of present-day China. You can choose from subjects on great Chinese literary classics, cinema, translation, and analysing Chinese news media. There are even opportunities to undertake study overseas.
Where can Chinese studies take you?
Your in-depth knowledge of Chinese culture and society and competency in the Chinese language can open up career prospects in a range of professions. In Chinese Studies, you’ll also have developed the skills to work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, which is an asset in any field of employment. You might apply your skills in areas such as international trade, diplomacy, teaching, multinational business, translation, or communications.
I studied at Nanjing University in China for a semester. There is nothing like going on exchange – everyone should do it! I also did an internship at the Confucius Institute, where I got to experience a bilingual office environment.
Bridie AllenBachelor of Arts, majoring in Chinese Studies.
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a wide range of options available to students interested in studying Chinese
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Online placement test
The language questionnaire and online placement test makes sure you're placed in the right class for your ability and background in Chinese. It's important to note that you should not study for this test or get a friend to take it for you as it will assess your current ability. Your test results will determine what level class you're placed in.
Once you have completed your placement test, you will be placed in one of the below entry points:
Chinese Studies 1 entry point
Students with no previous knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 1.
Chinese Studies 3 entry point
Students with little previous knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 3.
Chinese Studies 5 entry point
Non background students with lower advanced knowledge of the language usually enter the progression at Chinese 5.
Chinese Studies 7 entry point
Students who have a Chinese-speaking background and minimal literacy skills usually enter the progression at Chinese 7.
Chinese Studies 9 entry point
Students who have a Chinese-speaking background and limited literacy in Chinese usually enter the progression at Chinese 9.
Super Advanced Entry
This is an entry point only available as a minor and is for students who have completed secondary education in a Chinese environment.