The School of Contemporary Chinese Studies was established in recognition of the national and global importance of understanding contemporary change and transformation in China. It is recognised as a national leader in the provision of high-quality discipline-based degree programmes that incorporate the study of China. You will be taught by a range of experts who specialise in Chinese business, economy, geography, history, language, law and politics and will spend time studying at Nottingham's Ningbo Campus in China. You will leave us with an insight into the world's quickest growing economy, impressing any future employer.
The School of Contemporary Chinese Studies will move into its own purpose-built school building in September 2012. You can follow the building’s progress through our live webcam which can be accessed from www.nottingham.ac.uk/chinese
What is contemporary Chinese studies?
After almost 30 years of rapid economic growth and social development, China has become a powerful player in our global economy. In fact, China has become the third largest economy in the world and looks set to overtake Japan in the near future. The School aims to educate a new generation of leaders with a thorough understanding of China and its international impact.
How will I study?
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and web-based activities, and for Mandarin language, group and individual work in the language laboratory. A typical module is taught via a weekly two-hour session which might involve an introduction to the topic followed by group work or a class discussion.
The School has several very popular Mandarin programmes onto which you will be able to enrol, either optionally or as part of your degree. You will be able to develop Mandarin language skills to intermediate or advanced level. No prior Mandarin language experience is required, although students with existing language expertise can also be accommodated.
Assessment
Assessment methods include coursework, written exams, presentations, individual and group projects and a final-year dissertation. The first year of the undergraduate course is a qualifying year which you need to pass, but marks do not count towards the final degree classification. Marks from the second and third years form 40 and 60 per cent respectively of your final degree classification on the three-year BA degree. On the four-year MSci degrees, marks are weighted at 20 per cent for the second year and 40 per cent for the third and fourth years.
Studying abroad
Nottingham is unique among UK universities in that it has its own campus in China. The campus is located in Ningbo, a historic city on China's eastern coast, just over an hour's flight from Shanghai. You will gain first-hand experience of living and studying in China by spending your second year at the China Campus; native speakers of Mandarin Chinese will remain in the UK. You will enter a structured yet flexible programme allowing you to tailor your studies to your own interests and career aspirations.
Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.
Career prospects
After graduation, our students have gone on to pursue careers in law, finance, consultancy, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public relations, tourism and entertainment, public-sector administration, teaching, media and management training in a range of top UK and international companies.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview.
Open days
Visit days for students offered a place are normally held in February and March. You are welcome to visit at other times – please contact us or for details of University-wide open days, see www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays