BA (Hons) International Studies with Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese

Course prospectus hero image

Key information

Degree

BA (Hons) International Studies with Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese

Types of study

Full time

Duration

Three or four years depending on entry qualifications

Start date

September 2025

Faculty

International Studies / Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Study model

4+0

Note: For the 2+2 study model courses, the student will spend the last two years at our UK campus. For the 4+0 study model courses, the student will spend the entire degree programme in Ningbo, China with 'study abroad' opportunities from year three.

Introductory video

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Entry requirements

Depending on your academic and English language qualifications, you may be eligible for a traditional three year degree programme, or a four year programme with a preliminary year enabling you to gain the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to embark on degree-level studies.

Please find the entry requirement relevant to your country of origin here. If your country is not listed, please email global@nottingham.edu.cn.  

If you are a mainland Chinese student, your Gaokao score should be in the first division as a minimum requirement, and your English test score should be no less than 115/150. For more details, please check the Chinese version prospectus.

English language requirements 

If your first language is not English or your entry qualification was not obtained in the English medium (from an approved institution) you are required to provide evidence of your proficiency in English.

Minimum requirements for the four-year programme:

  • IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any element) or 
  • PTE Academic 59 (minimum 53) or
  • TOEFL (IBT) 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking)

Minimum requirements for the three-year programme:

  • IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in writing) or 
  • PTE Academic 71 (minimum 65) or
  • TOEFL (IBT) 90 (minimum 19 in Writing)

Minimum age requirements

You should be at least 18 years of age on admission to the University. The date of "admission" is defined as the first day of September in the relevant academic year. This requirement may be waived on an individual basis if your parents or guardians give their written agreement in advance to additional safeguards and requirements. Visit here for more information.

Course overview

The interdisciplinary programme builds on the International Studies degree model to foster an integrated awareness of global forces today combined with extensive language training in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese. The course covers a wide spectrum from history, politics and international relations to cultural studies and modern languages.

The course provides you with a unique opportunity to bring a global perspective to your insight on the structures, dynamics, and networks that determine the course of contemporary international affairs. Also, it could help you develop your knowledge and understanding of societies around the world while developing your language skills with a particular emphasis on Spanish /German /French/ Japanese /Chinese. 

Not only will the specialised training you receive enhance your cultural awareness and intellectual faculties, but you will have the linguistic ability in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese necessary to operate confidently in Spain/German/French/Japan/China, Asia or the fast-growing world of Sino-Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese enterprise.

Special features

  • Provide training to enhance your cultural awareness and intellectual faculties
  • Develop linguistic ability in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese
  • Choose from an exceptionally large range of modules
  • Develop a global experience of history and politics
  • Build key, transferable skills sought after by top employers

Course structure

Year 1 (Preliminary Year) N.B. This year is not compulsory for students with appropriate qualifications for year two entry

The first year comprises a special programme of English for Academic Purposes designed by highly experienced staff from the acclaimed Centre of English Language Learning (CELE) at the University of Nottingham. This is carefully integrated with the study programmes offered by each academic school so as to prepare students fully for years 2-4 of the degree.

Year 2 (Qualifying Year)

In this first year of specialist study you can choose from modules covering the historical foundations of Western cultures and political systems. These twenty-credit modules are structured around the student-centred learning approach with extensive reading as you practice the study skills you will need for more independent research later in your degree. You will also embark on your language training in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese, which is designed to foster the multi-lingual communication skills needed to be successful in the international arena today. 

Year 3 (Part I)

In this year, you consolidate what you have learnt so far by applying the knowledge you have acquired so far with more in-depth study of contemporary issues covering regions including the West and Asia. You will also continue your language training at a second higher level in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese. 

Year 4 (Part II)

Besides a taught module the focus of your study in this final year is an individual dissertation project. This is on a topic of your own choice and consists of guided research spread over the whole academic year. You will also complete your language training with a third more advanced level in Spanish/German/French/Japanese/Chinese.

Careers and further study

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Career Development Office can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

Most graduates found jobs with prominent Chinese and international employers in business and government agencies.

Of the 71 undergraduates who graduated from the school in 2023 and continued onto postgraduate studies, 77.1% were admitted by the world top 50 universities including Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, University of Pennsylvania and so on.

Fees

Chinese Mainland students

100,000 RMB / year (2024 Entry)

China's Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan students

100,000 RMB / year (2024 Entry)

International students

120,000 RMB / year

Scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries

To encourage academic excellence, we offer a comprehensive and expanding range of full and partial scholarships. 

Historically nearly 30% of our undergraduate students were awarded scholarships for their entry. Once enrolled, current students are eligible for additional merit and/or performance-based scholarships and awards, which covers approximately 32.5% of our whole student body.

Please check here for scholarship types and policies for applicants from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas countries. If you are a mainland Chinese student, please visit the Chinese language prospectus.

More information

Visit the School of International Studies Homepage to learn more about us.

Contact us

Student Recruitment and Admission Office

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0574) 8818 0182
W.


Faculty Office of Humanities and Social Sciences

Room 306, Innovation and Enterprise Building (IEB)
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China

E. FHSS@nottingham.edu.cn
W.


Ready to apply? Browse our how to apply page to find our more on how to prepare and submit your application.

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