The BA in Chinese is a four-year course, including a year abroad at Beijing University, and gives students an understanding of modern and traditional China. Chinese Language forms the basis for any approach to the study of China and is central to the course.

As well as being taught reading and writing skills, students receive training in interpreting and in giving oral presentations in modern standard Chinese.

Why Pembroke?

• Pembroke benefits from having one of the largest cohorts of students reading Chinese within the university
• We have a Fellow and Junior Research Fellow in Chinese and one of only a small number of colleges that has a Fellow in Chinese
• The subject is led at Pembroke by Professor Henrietta Harrison, whose specialist interests are in the area of contemporary Chinese politics and society, and Chinese history.
• Our tutors have an interest in both modern, contemporary China and Chinese history, giving you the ability to learn from a specialist in both of these areas.
• We have a large collection of books for Chinese in our library.

Now with one of the world’s dominant economies, and all the opportunities and challenges that this presents, modern China and its language is an important player in many sectors and industries around the world. Many graduates of the Chinese Studies course go on to entrepreneurial careers related to China, with others moving into academia, journalism, NGOs, the city, and a huge range of other jobs.

What Extra activities do we offer?

We organise two informal dinners per term which bring together undergraduate and graduate students. These dinners are a great opportunity to network and build relationships with your subject peers across the College.

Brian Wilson scholarship in Chinese

Each year the College normally awards a scholarship to a final year undergraduate reading Chinese. The award is made on the recommendation of the subject tutor for outstanding academic performance and has been funded by an alumnus of the College.

The Year Abroad

Students spend their second year abroad on a course especially designed for Oxford's undergraduates. Students are currently enjoying studying in Taiwan, though we hope it will also be possible for students to return to Beijing in the future. Our tutors will support students in preparation for and throughout their year away.

Could you become a Chinese student at Pembroke?

To be successful in this course, having an aptitude for learning a language is crucial, either from having studied Chinese, or another language at A-Level or GCSE or equivalent (for example for languages learned or spoken at home), as well as a well-informed interest in China including its history, culture, politics, philosophy and literature. As studying Chinese involves memorising large volumes of vocabulary, students must be willing to work hard, regardless of the task in hand.

If you are considering this course, please attend an open day where you can meet our tutors and students and find out more.  This is the best way to get a feel for whether you should make an application.  We look forward to meeting you!

Book Grants for Humanities and Social Sciences Students

Pembroke Languages students are eligible for £100 of funding in their first year and another £100 in their final year towards the cost of books for their course for personal use.
 

Reading List

Click here to download a list of helpful resources for those considering a degree in Chinese.
 

Brian Wilson Scholarships

These scholarships, one in Arabic and one in Chinese, are worth £1,500 each per annum and are awarded to final year undergraduates on tutors’ recommendation.
 

Stanley Ho Travel Funding for China 

For Undergraduates & Graduates

• The fund is available to 1st, 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates studying Chinese at Pembroke and for students on the MPhil Modern Chinese Studies
• The fund is for travel to China connected to the student's study of Chinese
• The award is worth £250 and up to 12 awards can be offered annually