Philosophy with Chinese (Placement Year) BA Hons - 2019 Entry

Course Overview

The degree in Philosophy with Chinese allows you to explore the themes, concepts and events that have shaped the contemporary philosophical scene, whilst studying Chinese language and culture.

Our degree allows you to study and debate important philosophical questions with expert academics and peers. How should we live? Is there a God? Are we free to act as we wish if everything is determined by prior causes? Why should we obey the law? Can science discover all the facts that can be known?

These are some of the many challenging questions you will engage with. At Lancaster, we approach these questions through the history of Philosophy - studying figures such as Plato, Descartes, Kant and Nietzsche - and also via contemporary philosophical debate. We also offer courses on Asian traditions of thought, where students can discover contemporary deployments of Chinese philosophical concepts such as "All-under-heaven" or "guanxi" relations.

You will begin your degree with one core course called Introduction to Philosophy and one core Chinese module which is designed for beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Chinese Language or Culture. In addition, you can choose to complement your studies with a module from a wide range of other options.
As you continue with your studies, you will learn from academics committed to both teaching and research and will increasingly specialise through an extensive range of modules. Second year options include Philosophy of Mind; Epistemology; Metaphysics; and Ethics: Theory and Practice. The core Chinese Language modules will build on the intensive language introduction given in the first year through further language tuition.

You will have the opportunity to spend Year 3 on placement with a public, private or voluntary organisation in the UK or overseas.  This experience will boost your employment prospects and will help you to decide on your career direction and the kind of organisation in which you want to work once you graduate. You will be doing a real, responsible job – with all the satisfaction that brings.  Our Placements Team will support you in finding and applying for a suitable placement that will support your professional development. Applying for a placement is a competitive process and the preparatory modules you will complete in years one and two are designed to give you the best chance of success in your placement applications.  You will also be provided with dedicated workshops, 1:1 appointments with careers professionals as well as opportunities to speak with employers here on campus.

During the placement year you will remain a Lancaster University student which means that you will still be eligible for a student loan, have access to facilities such as the library and receive discounts on transport and council tax.  Your tuition fee will be reduced to 20% during the placement year.

The placement will enhance your understanding of the connections between theory and practice and this will benefit your final year of study.  This is an exciting opportunity to build up experience and transferable skills, as well as to make contacts with potential employers which will place you a step ahead in the graduate recruitment market.

In the final year, you will study Chinese Culture and Society and a further Chinese Language module. You have the opportunity to undertake a sustained investigation on a specific philosophical subject of greatest interest to you and can choose from a wide range of modules, such as Logic and Language or China in the Modern World. You also have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, and may integrate your dissertation research with the study trip to China or the research-based placements that are organised by the department.

Entry Requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level ABB

Required Subjects A level Chinese, or if this 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 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including appropriate evidence of language ability

BTEC Distinction, Distinction, Merit 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

Detailed module information for this undergraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Careers

This degree enables graduates to be theoretically, linguistically and culturally ready to undertake a range of careers that relate to China in different ways.

Many of our philosophy graduates use their skills in research, analysis and communication to follow careers in accountancy, local government, banking, the Civil Service, teaching, nursing, fashion and journalism.

A Philosophy degree helps you develop skills in critical reasoning, clarity of thought and communication. These skills are very much at a premium in the employment market. Over 40% of graduate vacancies are open to students of any discipline. Employers look for clear thinking, broad vision, independence, the capacity to locate and analyse problems and exercise judgement in their solution, to present situations lucidly and argue effectively for favoured courses of action. Your degree will equip you with these skills. Adding a level of proficiency in Chinese language and cultural awareness will add a competitive edge to students who are interested in developing international careers, as China is a growth area for most governments, educators, businesses and NGOs.

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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2019/20 entry fees have not yet been set.

Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Some science and medicine courses have higher fees for students from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. You can find more details here: Island Students.

Funding

For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page

Students also need to consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation it may be necessary to take out subscriptions to professional bodies and to buy business attire for job interviews.