Chinese at St Andrews - language, literature, and culture

Study Chinese at Scotland's oldest university. Develop high-level Chinese language and communications skills and explore Chinese-language literature and culture in their historical, social, and political contexts.

Top in Scotland for languages and linguistics 2026

St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026

Why study Chinese at St Andrews?

Reputation

The School of Modern Languages is consistently rated among the best in the UK by major national rankings.

St Andrews is 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for languages and linguistics in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Welcoming community

The School of Modern Languages prides itself on being a vibrant and engaging academic community. The School is committed to creating an environment that supports equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The Department of Chinese each year welcomes students from around the world.
Undergraduate study in Chinese is open to beginners as well those who have studied Chinese as a main subject at school - with language streams in years one and two tailored to your language proficiency.
Core language modules build on each other to expand and develop your Chinese language competence and confidence.
Optional cultural studies modules reflect the Department's contemporary, interdisciplinary, and inclusive approach to Chinese studies.

Modern, research-led teaching

At St Andrews you will explore the breadth and depth of Chinese cultural practices - mainstream, popular, and dissident cultures are taught in all their national, regional, ethnic, and diasporic diversity.

Acquisition of high-level Chinese language skills goes hand-in-hand with studying Chinese-language culture.
Optional modules in Chinese give you a research-based knowledge of Chinese-language literature and culture in their historical, social, and political contexts - recent optional modules include:
- Constructing Gender in Chinese Literature
- Poverty in Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Culture
- Modern Chinese Science Fiction
- Youth and Education in Republican China
- Visualising Sinophone Culture
- Literature and Rebellion in Post-1990 China

Study Chinese with other languages or subjects

Chinese is not available as a single-subject degree. However, you can combine Chinese with another subject that best reflects your academic interests and professional goals.

Study Chinese with one or two other languages or Comparative Literature as part of a double- or triple-languages honours degree.
Alternatively, combine Chinese with another subject such as Art History, Economics, International Relations, or Management as part of a joint honours degree.

Integrated year abroad option and study abroad placements

Combine your Chinese studies with time abroad and develop your linguistic skills, intercultural competence, and self-confidence.

Study Chinese with an integrated year abroad - spending a year working in a Chinese-speaking country and making your degree a five-year programme.
Alternatively, the study abroad scheme study abroad placements that count towards your degree - you can study in Taiwan.

Linguistic, transferable, and social skills for employability

Languages can be used in almost any career and so are a uniquely valuable subject whatever your professional goals. Languages are particularly sought after in sectors where communication, intercultural competence, and self-confidence are essential attributes.

Chinese studies graduates leave St Andrews with an impressive mix of linguistic, transferable, and social skills equipping them for careers in:

journalism and communications
government and civil service
non-governmental organisations
intelligence and security services
marketing and business development
international aid and development
teaching and education

Postgraduate study in languages, literatures, and cultures

Take your Chinese studies further with a postgraduate degree.

Masters degrees

Masters degrees with the School of Modern Languages provide advanced study in global cultures - giving you the intercultural and professional competencies needed to understand, and thrive in, a globalised world.

Research degrees

As a PhD, MPhil, or MSt (Res) student in the School of Modern Languages you will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.

You will work with academic supervisors who will provide you with subject expertise and guidance to help you plan and manage your research while the University's researcher development programmes give you the skills you need as an independent researcher.

Research degrees in languages and comparative literature

Start your journey

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