Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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Study at a partner university or gain valuable work experience during your international placement year
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Flexibility to combine up to three languages
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82nd in the world for Modern Languages (joint) QS World Rankings 2022
This four-year combined degree is provided by our renowned Department of Languages and Cultures and the highly-ranked Department of Linguistics and English Language. The international placement year gives you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture. You don’t need to have studied Chinese before as we offer an Intensive course for beginners.
In Chinese Studies, we aim to help you become truly fluent. Taking Linguistics in tandem with Chinese Studies will give you increased awareness of the grammar of the language, and allow you to really understand the structure of English, Chinese, and a wide range of other languages from around the world.
The first year comprises an exploration of the Chinese language and its cultural context, as well as a core module in Linguistics. Alongside this, students can choose a minor subject.
Building on your language skills in Year 2, you will study the culture, politics and history of the Chinese-speaking world in more depth in the module, Shaping Chinese Society: Moments and Movements, as well as selecting a module, which is international in scope and promotes comparative understanding at a global level, such as Understanding Cultures. You will combine these with core Linguistics modules, such as Structures of the World's Languages, and choose from a range of linguistics option modules.
Your third year - the International Placement Year - will deepen your intercultural sensitivity and your command of the language. You can study at a partner institution or carry out a work placement and practise your language skills in a real-world context. Staff members within the department will work with you to ensure that you are fully prepared before embarking on your placement in a Chinese-speaking country.
In your final year, you will consolidate your Chinese language skills, and study specialist culture and comparative modules, such as Sinophone Literature and Film, Mirrors across the Media, or Translation as a Cultural Practice. You will also choose from modules such as Psycholinguistics or Linguistic Theory. You could choose to complete a dissertation on a topic you would like to explore in depth, which provides the opportunity to combine your interests in both subjects. Given the range of expertise available, our academics will be able to supervise most topics that fit your interests.
Your department
Careers
As well as language and subject-related skills, a degree in languages develops rich interpersonal, intercultural, cognitive and transferable skills that can be utilised across a variety of careers such as accountancy, IT, business development, civil service, events management, finance, journalism, publishing, research and sales, as well as teaching and translating both in the UK and abroad.
Recent Linguistics graduates have also gone on to work or train as speech therapists, teachers of English, computer programmers and consultants, bankers, personnel managers, and social workers.
For the last ten years, languages graduates from Lancaster have been in the top ten universities in the country in terms of their employment prospects.
Many graduates continue their studies at Lancaster, making the most of our excellent postgraduate research facilities. We offer Masters degrees in Translation, Languages and Cultures, Applied Linguistics, and Discourse Studies amongst others.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Entry Requirements
A Level AAB
Required Subjects A level Chinese, or if this is to be studied from beginners’ level, AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade A or 7 in a foreign language. Native Mandarin speakers will not be accepted onto this scheme.
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.
Other Qualifications
International Baccalaureate 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including appropriate evidence of language ability
BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Distinction accepted alongside appropriate evidence of language ability
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.
Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Course Structure
Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and others which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism. We divide academic study into two sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). For most programmes Part 1 requires you to study 120 credits spread over at least three modules which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects. A higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster please visit our Teaching and Learning section.
The following courses do not offer modules outside of the subject area due to the structured nature of the programmes: Architecture, Law, Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Sports and Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine and Biomedical Science.
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research.
Core
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Linguistics
This module will introduce students to areas and topics across the full breadth of the linguistics discipline. The core areas of phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax will be covered in some depth, whilst semantics and pragmatics will also be included. In relation to these areas, students will get an appreciation of some of the nature of some of the major theoretical debates, whilst they will also acquire some actual analytical skills, using data not only from English, but crucially also from other languages.
In addition to these core areas, a number of important sub-fields of linguistics will be dealt with, including Sociolinguistics, the study of language acquisition and learning, historical linguistics, and linguistic typology.
Finally, a number of applications will be discussed. Indicative topics here are; forensic linguistics, educational linguistics, and language testing.
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Part I Chinese Studies (Advanced/CEFR: B1)
The CHIN101 Part I Chinese Studies (Advanced) course at Lancaster University combines Chinese language learning with study of Chinese in context.
The CHIN101 course will give you the opportunity to undertake a range of language learning activities that will consolidate your skills gained at 'A', 'A/S' or equivalent levels. It aims to further your level, taking you from B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The course will provide you with an understanding of language necessary for more advanced study. It also aims to teach Mandarin Chinese from the perspective of how to teach/how to do research with Chinese, with comparatively more specialised tools to learn about Chinese grammar and pragmatics and to compare it with English and other languages (i.e. corpus approaches and so on).
There are five language classes and three supplementary activities per week. The classes consist of one lecture and four hours of tutorials, taught by qualified language teachers. The four hours of tutorials are based on a textbook, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary and a firm grasp of Chinese grammatical structures. Listening and speaking skills are developed under the guidance of Chinese native speakers using audio and video materials. Language contact hours will be supplemented by weekly activities: i) Independent Learning Hour (guided learning with set online tasks per week and feedback from tutors); ii) Chinese Cafe, (1.5 hours each week where students discuss with native speakers and keep a learning diary in Chinese characters of their learning at the Cafe); and iii) fortnightly screening of Chinese films. The Independent Learning Hour is compulsory, the Chinese Cafe and film-screening are optional. Students are encouraged to attend the optional activities and borrow materials from the Languages and Cultures department and the Confucius Institute, join the Confucius Institute's language partner programme, visit Chinese-speaking countries during the vacation, and to take every opportunity of listening to and speaking the language.
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Part I Chinese Studies (Beginners to CEFR: A2)
Would you like to be able to communicate using Mandarin Chinese? Do you want to acquire key elements to become an expert of Chinese culture, society and institutions? We focus on teaching absolute beginners how to speak, listen and read so you can confidently use day-to-day Chinese. You’ll also be given the opportunity to learn about Chinese culture, history and contemporary society.
Learning a language so radically different from English offers an incredible insight into linguistics in action. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Chinese culture and gain experience in Chinese ICT (Information and Communications Technology).
You will have the opportunity to learn:
- Chinese phonetics including pronunciation and intonation
- The basics of Chinese grammar and key sentence structures
- Academic insights into the uniqueness of Chinese as a world language
- Expertise in listening, speaking, reading and writing Mandarin
- Insights about the graphical element of writing, such as the significance of types of strokes, radicals and their ancestral meaning.
- Elements of Chinese culture, philosophy, economy, institutions and contemporary challenges
“Being a management student, I believe that having a knowledge of Mandarin will be very useful in dealing with the international business world.” Sofia Guimaraes, BBA Management
To explore Chinese culture, you are given the chance to examine how key moments in Chinese history have shaped contemporary Chinese culture, we will look at examples including films, plays, and novels.
Beginner modules usually have four classes per week.
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Part I language studies
All DeLC first year language programmes are supported by a series of plenary sessions and film screenings designed to offer students further opportunities to expand and consolidate their knowledge and skills base. The DELC100/101 programme runs for 22 weeks and consists of language-specific film screenings relevant to their course(s) in addition to skills-based plenary sessions. The module is non credit-bearing but students are expected to attend so as to acquire complementary skills useful in areas such as oral presentations, essay-writing and engaging with culture alongside useful strategies to enhance autonomous language learning outside the classroom. Towards the end of the programme, to help students prepare for their exams, plenary sessions offer help and advice on managing revision time efficiently and identifying strategies and techniques to suit individual learning styles and needs.
Core
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Chinese Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: B2)
This module comprises of both oral and aural skills, to be taken alongside the corresponding Written Language module. It builds upon skills gained in the first year. Students who have taken the Intensive language course in their first year normally follow this course throughout the second year.
The module aims to enhance students’ linguistic proficiency in spoken Chinese in a range of formal and informal settings (both spontaneous and prepared). Specific attention will be given to developing good, accurate pronunciation and intonations as well as fluency, accuracy of grammar, and vocabulary when speaking the language.
This module also aims at broadening students’ knowledge about different aspects of modern Chinese-speaking societies, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions.
By the end of this module, we hope you will have enhanced your comprehension of the spoken language, as used in both formal speech, and in everyday life situations including those that they may encounter in Chinese-speaking countries.
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Chinese Language: Oral Skills (post-Beginner CEFR: B1)
This module comprises of both oral and aural skills, to be taken alongside the corresponding Written Language module. It builds upon skills gained in the first year of the Intensive course. Students who have taken the Intensive language course in their first year, normally follow this course throughout the second year.
The module aims to enhance students’ linguistic proficiency in spoken Chinese in a range of formal and informal settings (both spontaneous and prepared). Specific attention will be given to developing good, accurate pronunciation and intonations well as fluency, accuracy of grammar, and vocabulary when speaking the language.
This module also aims at broadening students’ knowledge about different aspects of modern society, politics and culture, and contemporary issues and institutions in order to prepare them for residence abroad in their 3rd year.
By the end of this module, students will have had the opportunity to enhance their comprehension of the spoken language, as used in both formal speech, and in everyday life situations including those that they may encounter in Chinese-speaking countries.
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Chinese Language: Written Skills (CEFR: B2)
This module comprises of reading and writing skills to be taken alongside the Oral Skills module.
This module aims to consolidate skills gained by students in the first year of study, and enable them to build a level of competence and confidence required to familiarise themselves with the culture and society of countries where their studied language is spoken.
The module aims to enhance your proficiency in understanding written Chinese, as well as in the writing of Chinese (notes, reports, summaries, essays, projects, etc.) including translation from and into Chinese; and the systematic study of Chinese lexis, grammar and syntax.
The module aims to enhance your linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers.
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Chinese Language: Written Skills (post-Beginner CEFR: B1)
This module comprises of reading and writing skills to be taken alongside the Oral Skills module.
This module aims to consolidate skills you have developed in the first year of study, and enable you to build a level of competence and confidence required to familiarise yourselves with the culture and society of countries where your studied language is spoken.
The module aims to enhance your proficiency in understanding spoken Chinese, as well as in the writing of Chinese (notes, reports, summaries, essays, projects, etc.) including translation from and into Chinese; and the systematic study of Chinese lexis, grammar and syntax.
The module aims to enhance your linguistic proficiency, with particular emphasis on reading a variety of sources and on writing fluently and accurately in the language, in a variety of registers.
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Developing Academic Practice
This short module provides support for students transitioning from year one to the more independent work expected in year two and beyond. It gives students the opportunity to reflect on the feedback from their coursework and exams in year one, as a foundation for developing the level of academic writing required in subsequent coursework. It also develops students’ awareness of the resources available from the library and how these may be accessed and used, particularly for independent research in coursework and the dissertation, and offers early alerts to the Careers service and planning for life after university. All majors and joint majors with either Linguistics or English Language must take this module in their second year.
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Second Year Programme for Academic Skills, Employability and International placement preparation
This module is a non-credit bearing module. If you are a major student going abroad in your second or third year you are enrolled on it during the year prior to your departure, and timetabled to attend the events. These include: introduction to the Year Abroad and choice of activities; British Council English Language Assistantships and how to apply; introduction to partner universities and how they function; working in companies abroad; finance during the Year Abroad; research skills and questionnaire design; teaching abroad; curriculum writing and employability skills; welfare and wellbeing; Year Abroad Preparation Week in the Summer Term.
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Shaping Contemporary China: Moments and Movements
This modules focuses on the ‘must-know’ historical moments, political events and aesthetic movements that shaped Chinese and Sinophone cultures in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
You will hone your skills in cultural analysis via diverse media as we explored four topics:
- Revolutions and Reforms
- Dreams and Futures
- Walls and Spaces
- Identities and Relationships
During the module, you'll consider themes such as power, resistance, trauma, aspirations, wellbeing, urbanisation, the urban/rural divide, migration, individualisation, collectivisation, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, and family. Texts, films and art will be studied in historical and cultural contexts, with due regard to relevant global trends such as imperialism, colonialism, postcolonialism, democracy, neoliberalism and nationalism.
During your journey through moments and movements across two centuries of Chinese cultural history, you'll encounter some of the most radical thinkers, writers, filmmakers and creative artists that make the Chinese-language intellectual tradition so distinctive and fascinating. You'll discover a stimulating range of cultural forms and learn how to reflect critically on them as expressions of multi-faceted, nuanced societies.
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Sounds of the World's Languages
In this module you will learn to produce, describe, and transcribe all the sounds in the World's languages. We will describe the physiology of how different sounds are produced and will look at the acoustic characteristics of particular sounds. You will practise transcribing all sounds within the International Phonetic Alphabet, and will learn examples of where sounds are used. For example, we spend time looking at the occurrence of click sounds in South African languages and at how pitch variation is used in tone languages. Seminars will cover the practical aspects to sound production, and we will also spend some time learning how to use computers for speech analysis.
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Structures of the World's Languages
This module will cover central concepts around word order, case marking, agreement, alignment, animacy, definiteness and valency changes and teach you to analyse new data from the world’s languages in terms of these topics. You will learn to critically evaluate the extent to which the structures of the world’s languages are shaped by cognition and communication. You will also learn how linguists provide explanations for why languages are structured the way they are, given the functions they serve. It is expected that you will acquire a better understanding of the structure of English as a result of seeing how English differs from other languages.
Optional
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Professional Contexts for Modern Languages
This module seeks to support you to apply your linguistic and cultural understanding in a specific professional context. This module gives you the opportunity to spend time on a work-based placement in the UK or abroad. You will be given the opportunity to develop, reflect on and articulate both the range of competences and the linguistic and cross-cultural skills that enhance employability by working in language-related professional contexts and reflecting on key issues in relation to their placement organisation. There is the opportunity to join a local work placement developed by the department, or for you to source your own placements (subject to departmental approval). Workshops before and during the placement will provide preparation and guidance on sourcing, confirming and then reflecting on academic work. Students will share their experiences and learning with each other by means of end-of-module presentations.
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Society on Screen: The Language of Film
How do films deal with topics like terrorism, immigration, resistance and city life? Do they entertain viewers, instruct them, or both?
This module explores European and Latin American films in their social and historical contexts. The main aim is to make connections between the films and such contexts not only on the level of narrative, characterisation and dialogue, but also on that of form and technique.
To these ends, there will be introductory lectures on cinema and society and on film aesthetics and content in the first week of the module. The connections mentioned will be the focus of seminars and presentations within the four core topic areas: terrorism, migration, the city and resistance.
The module usually consists of four strands on cinema and society: Terrorism, Migration and Hybrid identities, The City and Collaboration/Resistance.
Each strand will be introduced with a lecture and followed by seminars on the set films. Students will give a presentation on a short sequence within their allocated film.
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Understanding culture
This module aims to give you a background to and insight into the diversity of twentieth and twenty-first century thought and contemporary definitions of culture.
Some key questions explored on the module include: What is 'culture' and how does it work? How do 'art' and 'culture' relate to each other? What do we mean when we talk about the production and consumption of culture? Why does popular culture arouse conflicting responses? What role does the body play in our understanding of culture? How does culture define who we are? Can a work of culture be an act of resistance?
With these questions in mind, this module focuses on texts which raise questions about class, race, gender, and subcultures.
Core
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International Placement Year: Intercultural and Academic Reflection
As part of The International Placement Year you will normally spend at least eight months abroad in your third year. You will have the opportunity to:
- analyse the contemporary relevance of a tradition, contemporary social, political or economic issue, or a living part of the regional culture.
- reflect critically on cultural differences observed in everyday life such as social relationships, politics, attitudes to food, drink, religion, etc., explaining them in the context of various historical, social and cultural developments.
- think analytically about your intercultural position and understanding of the relevant culture(s).
- reflect on language use (different registers, varieties of pronunciation and accents, dialects, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, and aspects of grammar) and the process of the acquisition of skills in the relevant language(s).
The module also aims to enhance and develop your language skills, with all assessments being written in the target language. If you have started a language as a beginner in year one you will spend a minimum of four months in a country where that language is spoken. If you are a joint honours student who is studying two languages, you may choose to spend the year in either of the two countries concerned or, if appropriate arrangements can be made, you can spend a semester in each country.
Lancaster University will make reasonable endeavours to place students at an approved overseas partner. Students conduct either a study placement at a partner University, a teaching assistantship placement with The British council or an appropriate working placement with a vetted employer abroad or a combination of placements (please note that there are some restrictions on British Council placements which usually last for the whole of the academic year).
Joint honours degrees
If you are a joint honours student who is combining a language with a non-language subject, your placement year will provide the opportunity to develop your language skills and cultural awareness, but will not necessarily relate to the non-language aspect of your degree.
Lancaster University cannot accept responsibility for any financial aspects of your International Placement Year.
Core
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Chinese Language: Oral Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)
This module includes authentic texts only slightly adapted from the originals, with a special focus on contemporary Chinese society and institutions. You will have the opportunity to learn how to communicate comprehensively and systematically using the appropriate expressions and language norms in the right context.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills in understanding and joining political, academic and journalistic discussions using advanced Chinese language skills. An aim of this module is for you to be able to translate between English and Chinese and develop an idiomatic style of formal writing.
It’s not necessary to have studied the Part I, Chinese Language 2 or 3 modules in order to continue on to this module. However you must have reached a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B1-B2 level of Chinese proficiency.
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Chinese Language: Written Skills (CEFR: C1/C2)
This module is integrated with the Chinese Language 4 module.
This module has two main aims. The first one is to enhance your linguistic proficiency with emphasis on understanding of spoken and written Chinese, the speaking of Chinese (prepared and spontaneous) in both formal and informal settings, the writing of Chinese, and the systematic study of Chinese lexis, grammar and syntax. The second aim is to increase your awareness, knowledge and understanding of contemporary China.
By the end of this module we aim for you to have an informed interest in the society and culture of the Chinese-speaking world. You should also have acquired almost native-speaker abilities in both spoken and written language.
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Cognitive Linguistics
The module seeks to provide a closer look at selected aspects of language structure and how they are analysed within various theoretical frameworks. It aims to develop a critical awareness of theoretical constructs and the extent to which they influence not only analyses but also the choice of data to be analysed. Students will also be taught to evaluate the appropriateness of specific analyses for individual languages or facets of language. By the end of the module, you should have a good knowledge of the basic principles, notions and structures of Cognitive Linguistics, particularly of Cognitive Grammar.
In addition, you should develop:
- the competence to analyse linguistic (corpus) data in terms of these theoretical constructs;
- an appreciation of the sense in which Cognitive Linguistics is grounded in cognitive psychology, and how this is different from formalist frameworks such as Generative Grammar and its derivatives.
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Topics in Phonetic and Phonological Theory
This module investigates some of the theoretical aspects to speech production and sound structure across the World's languages. We will spend time discussing and evaluating different frameworks for modelling phonetics and phonology, for example generative and usage-based approaches. Then, we will examine some case-study areas which challenge existing theories, for example intonational phonology and the study of historical sound change. This module aims to contribute to questions such as 'How are groups of sounds structured so that we can understand language?' or 'How are sounds stored and processed in the mind?'
Optional
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Masculinities and Modernities in China
What is the connection between masculinity and modernity? Ideas about modern manhood have had significant influence around the world since the ‘globalisation’ wrought by colonisation and imperialism in the nineteenth century. In the face of the vigorous physicality and scientific education of men trained in the classrooms and sports fields of industrialised Western countries, Confucian models of masculinity such as the talented young scholar and the cultivated gentleman seemed outdated and effete. People began to wonder if the Qing Dynasty’s ‘decline’ in power and status and susceptibility to foreign invasion could somehow be due to the poor quality of her men. Reflecting the link between masculinity and the nation, an unflattering moniker was coined for China: ‘The sick man of East Asia’.
The story of China’s engagement with modernity since then can be told in large part through the shifting models of manhood that have variously appeared, disappeared, or been reworked throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
This module focuses on the search for new icons of masculinity in a modernising China, introducing students to key discursive notions such as “Mr Science” and “Mr Democracy” in the Republican era; the worker-soldier-peasant triad in the Mao era; the peasant heroes of the immediate post-Mao years; and the “explosive” nouveau riche, white-collar, migrant worker, and “little fresh meat” masculinities of the market-infused postsocialist era.
You will analyse how cultural products present and critique notions of Chinese masculinities. Material is considered for its significance in key debates about masculinities, and may include novels, short stories, essays, graphic posters, art, music, films, TV drama series and reality shows, online dramas, websites, as well as secondary literature from a range of academic disciplines.
Language: This module is taught in English. Sources are routinely accessed in Chinese, so a working knowledge of the language is required.
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Sinophone Literature and Film
The question at the heart of Sinophone Studies is “What is Chineseness in the modern world?” This question has played out in different fashions across the various Sinophone cultures.
Sinophone cultural production offers crucial counterpoints to the depictions of Chinese identity in mainland Chinese, Han-centric creative works. Drawing from the work of scholars in the nascent field of Sinophone studies, this course understands Sinophone cultures as existing in the “minority nationalities” of China; in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and other locations in the East Asian “Sinosphere”; and in the significant Sinitic-language immigrant populations of the Americas, Australasia, and elsewhere. It recognises Sinophone cultural production as multilingual and multi-ethnic.
This module introduces key Sinophone literary works and films. Discussion focuses on the diverse ways in which Chineseness is imagined, negotiated, or resisted in these works, and the alternative cultural identities that they put forward.
You will consider the significance of a range of materials in key debates about Chineseness, including novels, short stories, and films, as well as secondary literature on Sinophone cultural production.
Language: This module is taught in English. Sources are routinely accessed in Chinese, so a working knowledge of the language is required.
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Translation as a Cultural Practice
What makes a good translation and how do translations do good? This module aims to help you understand the practice of translation as it has evolved historically from the 18th century to the present across European and American societies. The materials we study include historical textual sources (philosophical essays on the craft of translation from French, German and Hispanic authors of the 19th and 20th centuries), representative fictional texts reflecting on translation processes, and contemporary documents from the EU directorate on translation, PEN and the Translators' Association. We will also make considerable use of contemporary online resources as exemplified by Anglophone advocates of intercultural exchange such as Words Without Borders. Our aim is to look at translation as both a functional process for getting text in one language accurately into another and a culturally-inflected process that varies in its status and purpose from one context to another. We will pay particular attention to the practical role that literary translators play within the contemporary global publishing industry and consider the practicalities of following a career in literary translation in the Anglophone world.
Fees and Funding
We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2023/24 entry fees have not yet been set.
As a guide, our fees in 2022/23 were:
UK | International |
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£9,250 | £20,930 |
Scholarships and bursaries
At Lancaster, we believe that funding concerns should not stop any student with the talent to thrive.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover the cost of tuition fees and/or living expenses.
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Additional costs
Additional costs for this course
The International Placement Year is mandatory for language programmes and typically costs include: travel to placement country or countries; travel documents – passport, VISA or work permit (if required); proof of funds (if required); accommodation while working overseas; travel to place of work while overseas unless this is paid by the employer. It is possible that there may be further costs e.g. for required documentation, however these are not typical. There may be opportunities to apply for funding and/or a bursary that would help to cover these costs.
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2022, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2023 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
Placement and industry year courses
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
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Fees in subsequent years
Fees are set by the UK Government annually, and subsequent years' fees may be subject to increases. For international applicants starting in 2022, any annual increase will be capped at 4% of the previous year's fee.
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Languages
- Chinese Studies and English Literature BA Hons : T1Q3
- Chinese Studies and Film BA Hons : T1P3
- Chinese Studies and French Studies BA Hons : R1T1
- Chinese Studies and German Studies BA Hons : R2T1
- Chinese Studies and History BA Hons : T1V1
- Chinese Studies and Mathematics BA Hons : T1G1
- Chinese Studies and Philosophy BA Hons : T1V5
- Chinese Studies and Politics BA Hons : T1L2
- Chinese Studies and Spanish Studies BA Hons : R4T1
- English Language and Chinese Studies BA Hons : TQ13
- English Language and French Studies BA Hons : QR31
- English Language and German Studies BA Hons : QR32
- English Language and Spanish Studies BA Hons : QR34
- French Studies BA Hons : R120
- French Studies and Computing BSc Hons : GR41
- French Studies and English Literature BA Hons : RQ13
- French Studies and Film BA Hons : R1P3
- French Studies and Geography BA Hons : LR71
- French Studies and German Studies BA Hons : RR12
- French Studies and History BA Hons : RV11
- French Studies and Linguistics BA Hons : QR11
- French Studies and Mathematics BA Hons : GR11
- French Studies and Philosophy BA Hons : RV15
- French Studies and Politics BA Hons : RL12
- French Studies and Spanish Studies BA Hons : RR14
- French Studies and Theatre BA Hons : WR41
- French Studies with Italian BA Hons : R1R3
- German Studies BA Hons : R220
- German Studies and Computing BSc Hons : GR42
- German Studies and English Literature BA Hons : RQ23
- German Studies and Film BA Hons : R2P3
- German Studies and Geography BA Hons : LR72
- German Studies and History BA Hons : RV21
- German Studies and Linguistics BA Hons : QR12
- German Studies and Mathematics BA Hons : GR12
- German Studies and Philosophy BA Hons : RV25
- German Studies and Politics BA Hons : RL22
- German Studies and Spanish Studies BA Hons : RR24
- German Studies and Theatre BA Hons : WR42
- German Studies with Italian BA Hons : R2R3
- Modern Languages BA Hons : R800
- Modern Languages and Cultures MLang Hons : R810
- Psychology and Chinese Studies BA Hons : C8T1
- Psychology and French Studies BA Hons : CR81
- Psychology and German Studies BA Hons : CR82
- Psychology and Spanish Studies BA Hons : CR84
- Spanish Studies BA Hons : R410
- Spanish Studies and Computing BSc Hons : GR44
- Spanish Studies and English Literature BA Hons : RQ43
- Spanish Studies and Film BA Hons : R4P3
- Spanish Studies and Geography BA Hons : LR74
- Spanish Studies and History BA Hons : RV41
- Spanish Studies and Linguistics BA Hons : QR14
- Spanish Studies and Mathematics BA Hons : GR14
- Spanish Studies and Philosophy BA Hons : RV45
- Spanish Studies and Politics BA Hons : RL42
- Spanish Studies and Theatre BA Hons : WR44
- Spanish Studies with Italian BA Hons : R4R3
- Theatre and Chinese Studies BA Hons : W4T1
Important information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.