Programme information
The Study China Programme offers students a unique opportunity to experience Chinese life, culture, language and business.
The Study China Programme is managed by The University of Manchester and funded by the Government department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
This distinctive three week programme offers the opportunity to interact with Chinese students, academic staff, local families and businesses, providing profound access to this fascinating country. Throughout the programme you will be immersed in a vibrant campus environment at a leading Chinese University, ensuring that your Study China experience is truly unforgettable.
You will complete an intensive Chinese Mandarin course designed to develop your written and spoken language skills. We welcome applications from students with any level of language experience, from absolute beginners with no prior experience to fluent speakers. You will be placed in a tiered class depending on your ability.
Your Study China experience will not be confined to classroom learning.Through a curriculum of workshops, trips and excursions you will be introduced to the real China.
How much will it cost?
What is funded on your behalf by the UK government:
- Tuition for all classes
- Accommodation for the duration of the programme
- Organised trips and excursions
What you need to fund:
- Flights and personal spending money
- You may be eligible to apply for financial assistance, please read over the Finance and Bursaries page for further information.
Why should I apply?
- Enhance your CV – transferable skills that you will acquire during the programme will give you a competitive edge when applying for future employment
- Global experience - employers actively seek out candidates with global experience in countries such as China.
- Open up new opportunities – learning a language will open up many different work and study opportunities enabling you to establish strong links with leading Chinese universities and peers from UK universities
- Pursuing a future career in China - Study China alumni are eligible to apply for scholarships to return to China.
Easter 2015 host universities:
- Beijing Normal University
- Zhejiang University
- East China Normal University
Programme dates
This year we have two programme dates. Please check your University's semester dates before deciding which host university you would like to attend.
East China Normal University:
Start date: Sunday 22 March
Finish date: Saturday 11 April
Beijing Normal University and Zhejiang University:
Start date: Sunday 29 March
Finish date: Saturday 18 April
How do I apply?
The application process for the Easter programme opened on September 17 2014.
For guidance on how to submit an application please see the How to Apply page.
Once accepted onto the programme you will commit to a structured programme of study focusing on developing knowledge and understanding of China and the Chinese language.The good news is that you do not need any previous knowledge of Chinese to benefit from the programme and your experience will not be limited to just classroom learning. There is an extensive programme of cultural classes, days out and social occasions to look forward to, ensuring that your experience of China is truly lived as well as taught
What does the Programme offer?
Each programme includes a Chinese university accredited Chinese language course and academic module along with cultural classes, visits and excursions. All academic modules are the equivalent of a level 4, first year undergraduate course.
Credit is not automatically transferred to your own institution. You will need to check with your own institution prior to completing the programme that credit is valid and transferable as regulations will differ. It is your responsibility to check validity of credit prior to completion and all associated credit transfer arrangements.
Language Classes:
You will receive 40 hours of language tuition in a tiered class to match your language level. So whether you are a total beginner, intermediate or advanced speaker there will be a class to suit your ability. The language tuition you receive will place emphasis on developing your oral communication ability, with an oral and written examination at the end of the programme.The language course is designed to meet the requirements of HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), an internationally recognised Chinese language proficiency test.
Please note: You will not receive the HSK qualification on completion of 40 hours of language classes. In order to complete the HSK qualification you would need to register to complete the examination at a Confucius Institute in the UK.
Academic Modules:
Chinese host universities offer a range of academic modules, previous modules from summer 2014 included the following subject areas:
- Contemporary Chinese Society
- Chinese Culture and National Identity
- Media China: Social Control vs. Social Change
Academic modules for Easter 2015 will be available for selection once you have been offered a confirmed place on the programme. In the interest of fairness to all students, allocation of modules will be processed on a first come, first served basis. Therefore students submitting an early application will have the first choice of module selections.
Each academic module provides a total of 18 contact hours and can be made up of lectures, guest lectures by business practitioners, company/field visits and project work.
Cultural Classes:
You will be introduced to Chinese culture through a variety of classes which may include Tai Chi, calligraphy or traditional music.
Visits and Excursions:
Previous trips have included visits to the Beijing Opera, a night cruise on the Huangpu River, acrobatics displays, visits to the tea museum, silk factory and other local points of interest. These provide insight to everyday life in your temporary home, and allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the local and national culture.
