At Chester, language modules in Year 1 are aimed at absolute beginners with a proven competence and interest in modern foreign languages (for further details please see Entry requirements). The language modules in Years 1 and 2 of the programme are intensive study modules designed to enable you to acquire high level linguistic competence in contemporary spoken and written Mandarin Chinese within a broader study of Chinese society. In collaboration with the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, option modules will include specialist courses on the philosophies and religions of China, including Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism. Main features of our programme: * A detailed and in-depth study of spoken and written Mandarin Chinese * Practical applications of Chinese written and spoken language * Examination of aspects of Chinese-speaking societies and cultures * Modules in Chinese philosophies and religions * Modules in world cinema, including Chinese cinema * Opportunities to study specific areas of interest * Placements abroad in China * Study as part of the triple-language BA in Modern Languages or combine Chinese Studies with a wide range of subjects, including French, Spanish, International Business, International Development Studies, International Relations, Politics, Theology and Religious Studies, German, and English Language.

In the global employment market, a qualification in Modern Languages enhances your ability to secure graduate-level employment within six months of graduating. Modern linguists are among the most employable graduates in the UK job market. Graduates offering oriental languages, and particularly Chinese, are still very rare, and find themselves in a particularly advantageous position. The range of jobs open to modern linguists is extensive. Typical career sectors include: * Media and publishing * Accountancy, finance and banking * Business, consulting and management * Retail and sales For those going on to postgraduate study, the options are even more extensive including: * Law * Teaching and education * Translating * Interpreting Graduates interested in a career in business, more than half of UK companies say that they would be more likely to hire a candidate with language skills than one without, and that they pay bilingual employees up to 20% more. For two years running (2011 and 2012), Modern Languages graduates from the University of Chester have been ranked first in the employability league tables for the North West. Our graduates at Chester are also ranked very highly in the national league tables: * French ranked fifth equal with Oxford and Edinburgh for graduate prospects in the Sunday Times Complete University Guide 2013. Modern Languages graduates can look for job opportunities within the UK, where there is currently a shortage of qualified linguists,and also to the European and global job markets for careers. For further information please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/careers