The University of Western Australia
Future Students

Chinese

Chinese is the most widely-spoken language in the world and its study can open up extraordinary opportunities for your future.

On this page

  1. Introduction
  2. Course description, features and facilities
  3. Student profile
  4. Structure
  5. Popular combinations
  6. You may also be interested in…
  7. Career opportunities
  8. Further study opportunities
  9. Entrance requirements
  10. How to Apply
 

Introduction

Chinese, or Mandarin, is one of the most important and useful languages.

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Course description, features and facilities

The rise of China as a global power is shaping the twenty-first century and there is great demand for graduates with knowledge of Chinese language and China itself. The Chinese major, catering for all language levels from complete beginner to native speaker, develops language skills, cultural literacy and knowledge of China. The classes focus on practical everyday Chinese (reading, writing, speaking and listening) with an emphasis over time on engaging with real-life situations and authentic texts. Students are encouraged to take part of their language study in China through UWA';s student exchange program. Summer programs in China (Hangzhou and Beijing) and Taiwan are also available.

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Student profile

Student profile – Michael Georgieff

With a keen interest in the culture and people of the Asian region, I couldn’t go past the opportunity to study Chinese. I was able to combine my love for foreign languages with classes that offer an insight into the history, culture and politics of Asian societies. The lecturers are native Chinese speakers and are always willing to share their vast knowledge of the language and culture aspects.

After my first year of study I have been lucky enough to take part in the China Field Study, which is an intensive two month study program in China that takes place over the summer vacation

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Structure

UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.

As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.

You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.

 

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Career opportunities

There is a growing demand for graduates with knowledge of Chinese and China. Graduates find career opportunities in state and federal government departments including Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade and in commercial enterprises with a China focus such as in resources, finance and tourism. Opportunities may also be pursued at a global level with institutions such as the World Bank and United Nations. The teaching of Chinese as a second language can also be considered.

I want to be a…

This course could lead to becoming a:

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Further study opportunities

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.

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Check the Entrance requirements

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. Additional information
  3. English competency
  4. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)80
International Baccalaureate29

Additional information

Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).

English competency

University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).

Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.

On this page

  1. Prerequisites and minimum scores
  2. English competency
  3. Advanced standing

Prerequisites and minimum scores

Qualification and prerequisite subjectsCourse entry score
International Baccalaureate
29
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
66
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
8
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
63
Trinity College Foundation Program
85
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
270
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
60
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
12
Chinese Gao Kao
525
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
12
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
60
Norwegian Vitnemål
4.14
Swedish Slutbetyg
15.70
German Abitur
3.17
French Baccalaureat
12
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
8
South African National Senior Certificate
4.60

These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.

If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.

English competency

To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.

Advanced standing

Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).

How to apply

This course is available to Australian and International students.

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Fees
  4. Information for…
  5. Contact details - admission information

We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.

First semester entry

Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.

Closing dates:

  • On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
  • The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
  • Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
  • Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.

Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Second semester entry

Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.

Closing date:

  • Friday 22 June 2012.

After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.

Fees

$5648, per year.

This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA Admissions Centre (M353)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Location
UWA Map
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
Fax
(+61 8) 6488 1226
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Opening hours
Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm

On this page

  1. First semester entry
  2. Second semester entry
  3. Information for…
  4. Contact details - admission information

First semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing dates:

  • Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
  • All other courses - 1 December 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Second semester entry

International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.

Closing date:

  • 1 June 2011

You must also:

If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

Information for

Contact details - admission information

UWA International Centre (M352)

Address
The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
Telephone
(+61 8) 6488 3939
Fax
(+61 8) 9382 4071
Contacts
International Centre
Enquire on-line
askUWA
Location
UWA Map
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
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Chinese: the details

Status
Available 2012
Locations offered
Crawley
Attendance types
Part-time, Full-time
Delivery mode
Internal
Starting dates
Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly first year time commitment
12-15 hours plus own study time
Standard full-time completion
3 years (BA), 4 years (BPhil(Hons))
Maximum time to complete
10 years
Degrees (available in)

This major is available in:

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

All majors (except Economics and Biomedical Science double majors, Architecture, Specialist Music Studies and Science Communication) can also be taken as second majors in any of our undergraduate degrees

Honours available
Yes
Contact details: course information

Asian Studies
Ground floor of the Social Sciences Building, Room G.14, Crawley, Western Australia.
asian.studies@uwa.edu.au
(+61 8) 64882080

Additional information

Footnote links and information

University information

CRICOS Code: 00126G

This page:

Last updated
Wednesday, 8 June, 2011 10:47 AM
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