Chinese & Japanese

MML is for academically ambitious students who wish to maximise the depth and breadth of their expertise in two language areas, and to develop their research skills beyond undergraduate level.
The first two years are identical to the BA, but are followed by two years of highly specialised study (the equivalent of the final year at BA). These two years include M-level training in research methods and critical concepts. Students complete two M-level dissertations, one in each language. In total the programme is four years of study with an opportunity to spent time abroad (min of 8 weeks).
MML Chinese and Japanese aims to provide students with a firm grounding in Mandarin Chinese and in contemporary Chinese culture, society, economy and politics as well as China's changing relations with the West.
You will also develop a firm grounding in the Japanese language along with understandings of Japan in historical, cultural social and global contexts.
Students will study Mandarin Chinese throughout the course. The core language teaching in Mandarin Chinese enables you to develop various linguistic skills: speaking and writing accurately; understanding and analysing audio, video and written material; using different registers; speaking to a group with confidence; and translating with appropriate sensitivity.
At the same time, students can choose China-related topics in literature, film, cultural studies, politics, history, linguistics, economics, development studies, and business, drawing on the wide range of research expertise in Chinese Studies across the Faculty of Humanities. In this way, you will be able to tailor the course in keeping with the development of your interests.
Students follow a Japanese Studies curriculum and will be studying Japanese throughout the course. The core language teaching enables you to develop various linguistic skills: speaking and writing accurately; understanding and analysing audio, video and written materials; using different registers; speaking to a group with confidence; and translating with appropriate sensitivity.
Applicants should be aware that learning Japanese is very intensive and that a great deal of time is required for this throughout the course (extending through the summer period between years one and two, particularly for beginners). The first few weeks may be particularly intensive for those who have not encountered Japanese script and we strongly advise all applicants to ensure that they have learned at least the hiragana script prior to Week One of teaching; guidance on materials to help with this can be obtained from language tutors.
Further Information
Detailed information on modules and course structures is available in our course handbooks