Bachelor of Arts (Chinese)

On successful completion of this Course the learner will be able to:

1. communicate in Chinese, and apply knowledge of applied linguistics and intercultural communication in a professional context
2. critically analyse issues in the context of cultural and linguistic differences
3. locate, evaluate and synthesise information from various sources using Chinese and English
4. function in Chinese with an ability to communicate in an appropriate register in a range of situations and for a range of purposes
5. use technology effectively to collect information and communicate in Chinese and English
6. take responsibility for own learning and professional development in an international context
7. evaluate and analyse issues arising in the region with in-depth knowledge of Chinese language and culture
8. interact with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural differences
9. work independently and collaboratively with an intercultural understanding

A working knowledge of the Chinese language and culture opens up career opportunities in Australia, China and abroad. This degree, by itself or paired with another degree, can help you become:

• a research officer
• foreign affairs and trade officer
• an interpreter or translator
• a teacher (English or Chinese as a Second Language)
• an international journalist

It may also help you pursue a career in:

• global business, banking and finance
• the mining and resource sector
• international relations
• public health and health promotion
• marketing and public relations
• tourism and hospitality

Above all, it will place you in a diverse community of students from around the world who can operate successfully in a Chinese cultural context.

Open enrolment subjects

This degree has five open enrolment subjects, which students may enrol into without submitting an Application Form. These subjects are: APC100, COM155, ASIA100, ASIA110 and CHN100.

Students who successfully complete at least two of these open enrolment subjects will meet the academic entry requirements for admission to the restricted Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) degree. They will still be required to satisfy all other eligibility criteria.

Open enrolment subjects as electives

Students who do not satisfy all of the Eligibility requirements for this degree, or students who do not intend to apply for admission to this degree, may study the Open enrolment subjects as electives. Please refer to the Award Requirements or Electives sections on your degree page for information about the maximum number of level 1 electives you may include in your degree.

Higher education via OUA

Successful study through OUA – either:

• Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
• Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required.

Secondary education

• Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre link http://www.tisc.edu.au/static/guide/prerequisites-comparison.tisc

VET studies

• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study.
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.

Work and Life

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
• Finished secondary education more than two years ago
• Bridging and enabling degree entry
  • Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady - https://www.open.edu.au/degrees/uniready-enabling-subjects-curtin-university-cur-unr-deg
• Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies - http://karda.curtin.edu.au/
• Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications - https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/overseas-qualifications/

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:

• Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
• Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
• Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
• Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)

Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at https://study.curtin.edu.au/applying/english-language-requirements/.

*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience. Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment. To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines. More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).

The Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) combines real-time interactive language learning and engaging digital tutorials with authentic resources to help you build your skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Chinese. The degree also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in China’s long history and rich cultural heritage, raise your intercultural awareness, and foster your competency in communicating with Chinese speakers.

Show future employers your value by setting yourself apart as a global communicator. China’s position as the second largest economy in the world makes it a key player in international geopolitics, as well as being a major trade partner of Australia. An understanding of Chinese language and culture can make you an asset to companies who rely on successful regional and global engagement to bridge the gap between China and the wider world. 

Completion of this major will provide students with the ability to communicate effectively in Chinese (Mandarin), with a focus on the use of the Chinese language and an understanding of Chinese culture, society and business practices in China.

Recommended Study Pattern

The degree has been designed to be sequential and developmental in nature, meaning that students will need to complete the core subjects at each level before progressing to the next level. Students must complete any prerequisite subjects required.

Please note you can only do a maximum of 10 first year subjects in your single major degree. Students could select subjects from the Level 1 Optional Subjects list, or any undergraduate subjects offered through OUA.

Year Level 1

• APC100 Academic and Professional Communications
• COM155 Culture to Cultures
• CHN100 Beginning Chinese
• CHN110 Beginning Chinese Developing
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

Recommended electives:

• ASIA100 Discovering Asia
• ASIA110 Communicating with Asia: Languages and Societies

Year Level 2

• CHN200 Pre-Intermediate Chinese
• CHN210 Pre-Intermediate Chinese Developing
• CHIN220 Chinese Society and Culture
• CHN230 Communicating with China
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

Year Level 3

• CHN300 Intermediate Chinese
• CHN310 Advanced Chinese Developing
• CHN320 Advanced Chinese
• CHN330 Intermediate Chinese Developing
• 4x Electives (to the value of 100 credits)

The standard full-time study load is two subjects per study period.

Download the enrolment planner via the link below to determine the recommended sequence of full-time enrolment, based on your study period of commencement. If you wish to enrol in a part-time load then please select one subject from the two listed for each study period.

Bachelor of Arts Asian Languages enrolment planner 2021

Award Requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects and meet the following requirements:

• Complete twelve compulsory core subjects
• Complete twelve elective subjects
• Complete at least twelve Curtin University subjects