Chinese and International Relations BA (Hons)

At Westminster we train competent linguists in modern languages ready to enter graduate employment. We place particular emphasis on employability and the contemporary cultural context, and offer high-quality teaching in all language skills.This course will enable you to achieve a good or high level of linguistic competence in Chinese in all four skill areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and a critical understanding of culture and politics from the perspective of the changing dynamics of the global order in world politics. You will have the opportunity to study language, culture and international relations in an integrated way, exploring the connections between them and the broader geopolitical and cross-cultural contexts in which they are produced. You will also gain the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development.You will have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or approved form of employment in a country where Chinese is the official language. You can also study an elective module from across the University in each year.You will study an integrated curriculum with a focus on applied language skills and cultural studies, supported by a rigorous development of your foreign languages skills in all areas.You will develop a high level of competence in oral and written communication in Chinese, proficiency in language transfer skills, a thorough knowledge of Chinese culture, and the ability to function linguistically in diverse cultural situations.International relations is concerned with the challenges of traditional and emerging geopolitics. It focuses on the changing configurations of power, privilege and identity in world politics, and you will explore questions of governance, democracy and human rights in a post-colonial world.Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, seminars and workshops, but most of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via online learning. Assessment methods include essays, exams, individual and group presentations projects, and critical analysis.You will have the opportunity to spend a full academic year abroad at a partner institution and/or approved form of employment in a country where Chinese is the official language. You can also study an elective module from across the University in each year.