What specialism options does the MA Chinese Language Studies offer?

Translation or applied linguistics, chosen at the start of the academic year. Each shapes your taught modules, the texts in your seminars and your dissertation supervisor. Students with strong reasons for a hybrid specialism can discuss options with the programme director.

What level of Mandarin do I need to start the MA Chinese Language Studies?

Near-professional working competence. A UK 2:2 BA in Chinese, the LSJHML BA Chinese Language Studies, or two-plus years of demonstrable Mandarin-using professional work would all support entry. Admissions can request a written sample to confirm level if helpful.

Can I take the MA Chinese Language Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are designed for working students, with evening tutorials and a dissertation timeline you build around your other commitments.

What kind of dissertation will I write on the MA Chinese Language Studies?

A 12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a Chinese-language question, supervised by an active practitioner or academic. Recent topics have included translation theory applied to contemporary Chinese fiction, language policy in diaspora communities, and corpus-based analysis of media Chinese.

Is the MA Chinese Language Studies recognised by UK and international employers?

Yes. The MA Chinese Language Studies is a UK master's degree aligned to Chartered Institute of Linguists and Confucius Institute benchmarks. UK and international employers across translation, finance, government, NGOs and the cultural sector recognise the credential.

MA Chinese Language Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Chinese Language Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for advanced Mandarin speakers ready to specialise — as professional translators, regional analysts, academic researchers, or senior China-facing practitioners. You will work at advanced register across written and spoken Chinese, develop a specialism in translation or applied linguistics, and produce a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation on a Chinese-language question of your choice.

This MA assumes you can already use Mandarin at near-professional level. The MA Chinese Language Studies takes you from that point to senior specialism with research-informed teaching and supervision from active practitioners and academics.

Key Features

UK postgraduate degree in Chinese — one year full-time, with online and distance routes.
Translation or applied linguistics specialism chosen at the start of the year.
Advanced text seminars across press, policy, literary and digital Chinese.
Industry-led masterclasses from working translators, regional analysts and Confucius Institute academics.
Research methods strand aligned to Chartered Institute of Linguists translation research standards.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation supervised by an active practitioner or academic.

What You Will Learn

The MA Chinese Language Studies is structured around the working practice of a senior Mandarin specialist. You graduate able to translate at publishable standard, conduct applied research with discipline, situate your work in current scholarship, and contribute to senior China-facing teams in translation, analysis or education.

Advanced Mandarin at senior register — political, legal, literary, technical.
Translation theory and practice — Chinese to English and English to Chinese.
Applied linguistics in Chinese contexts — language policy, sociolinguistic variation.
Modern Chinese society and politics — current debates, regional dynamics.
Classical and literary background — selected texts as preparation for advanced reading.
Research methods — qualitative and quantitative, corpus tools, ethics.
Reporting research — academic writing, conference presentation, applied audience briefings.
Dissertation craft — proposal, fieldwork, write-up, viva preparation.

Who This MA Is For

BA graduates in Chinese or Asian Studies seeking a senior specialism.
Working professionals in translation, regional analysis or international business with two-plus years of Mandarin-using experience.
Diaspora professionals wanting a UK postgraduate credential to broaden their UK and international employability.
Career-changers from related humanities or social science backgrounds bringing advanced Mandarin.

Career Pathways

The MA Chinese Language Studies positions graduates for senior translator, analyst, academic and policy roles where Mandarin is the working language. Typical post-MA destinations include:

Chinese (Mandarin) Translator (senior commercial agency, government, news wire)
China Markets Analyst (financial services, consultancy, government)
Bilingual Account Manager (senior UK business with China-facing operations)
Foreign Service Officer specialising in China
Researcher (think tank, academic project, broadcaster)
Senior Bilingual Editor (publishing, news, content)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in Chinese studies, translation or applied linguistics.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chinese, Asian Studies or a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant Mandarin-using experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.