COURSE CURRICULUM

The Arabic and Chinese BA is a five-year joint honours degree designed to develop proficiency in two major world languages while providing in-depth cultural, historical, and political knowledge of the regions where these languages are spoken. In the first year, students build foundational skills in Arabic and Chinese, learning simplified and traditional Chinese characters and exploring the histories, politics, cultures, and religions of the Middle East, North Africa, China, and the wider Asia Pacific region. Optional modules allow further development of language skills and cultural understanding. In the second year, students continue improving language proficiency and can choose from modules on topics such as Arab media, contemporary politics, Chinese cinema, and civil society. The third and fourth years are spent abroad, with students studying at a Chinese-speaking university in mainland China or Taiwan and at an Arabic-speaking institution in Morocco or Jordan, providing immersive experiences that deepen linguistic and cultural competence. In the final year, students return to Leeds to advance their language skills, undertake a final-year project in the form of a dissertation, translation, or public engagement project, and select from optional modules exploring advanced Arabic or Chinese language, literature, translation, regional politics, religion, and global affairs. The course combines linguistic mastery with cultural insight, international experience, and research skills, preparing students for diverse global careers.