BA International Studies with Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese

Key information

• Degree: International Studies with Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese BA
• Types of study: Full-time
• Duration: Three or four years depending on entry qualifications

For the 2+2 programmes, you will spend the last two years on our UK campus. For the 4+0 programmes, you will spend your entire degree programme in Ningbo China with ‘study abroad opportunities.

Course overview

The interdisciplinary programme builds on the International Studies degree model to foster an integrated awareness of global forces today combined with extensive language training in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese. The course covers a wide spectrum from history, politics and international relations to cultural studies and modern languages.

The course provides you with a unique opportunity to bring a global perspective to your insight on the structures, dynamics, and networks that determine the course of contemporary international affairs. Also, it could help you develop your knowledge and understanding of societies around the world while developing your language skills with particular emphasis on Spanish /German /French/ Japanese /Chinese.

Not only will the specialised training you receive enhance your cultural awareness and intellectual faculties, but you will have the linguistic ability in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese necessary to operate confidently in Spain/German/French/Japan/China, Asia or the fast-growing world of Sino-Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese enterprise.

Special features

• Provide training to enhance your cultural awareness and intellectual faculties
• Develop linguistic ability in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese
• Choose from an exceptionally large range of modules
• Develop a global experience of history and politics
• Build key, transferable skills sought after by top employers

Course structure

Year 1 (Preliminary Year) N.B. This year is not compulsory for students with appropriate qualifications for year two entry

The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by highly experienced staff from the acclaimed Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at the University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the study programmes offered by each academic school so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree.

Year 2 (Qualifying Year)

In this first year of specialist study, you can choose from modules covering the historical foundations of Western cultures and political systems. These twenty-credit modules are structured around the student-centred learning approach with extensive reading as you practice the study skills you will need for more independent research later in your degree. You will also embark on your language training in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese, which is designed to foster the multi-lingual communication skills needed to be successful in the international arena today.

Year 3 (Part I)

In this year, you consolidate what you have learnt so far by applying the knowledge you have acquired so far with a more in-depth study of contemporary issues covering regions including the West and Asia. You will also continue your language training at a second higher level in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese.

Year 4 (Part II)

Besides a taught module the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year. You will also complete your language training with a third more advanced level in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese.

Careers and further study

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Career Development Office can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

Most graduates found jobs with prominent Chinese and international employers in business and government agencies.

A total of 64 graduates from the 2018 International Affairs and International Relations Department chose 55 students to continue their studies. Among them, 58.2% of the graduates entered the top 50 universities in the world and the other study at the Renmin University of China.