BA Modern Language and Business & Management (Chinese)
Year of entry: 2020
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BA
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades ABB PLUS GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language (or English Language) and Maths both grade B/6
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
Grades BBB PLUS GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language (or English Language) and Maths both grade B/6.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- NT11
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Gain advanced linguistic skills in Mandarin Chinese, cultural understanding and business knowledge.
- Take dedicated business language classes for the skills required for international management.
- Spend your third year abroad in China.
- Choose management and related units covering economics, finance, accounting, technology, business and entrepreneurship, taught by specialists from Alliance Manchester Business School and our Economics department.
- Study at a university ranked in the UK top 10 for Modern Languages and Business and Management (QS World University Rankings 2019).
Open days
Our open days are a great opportunity for you to:
- get a taste for campus life and the city more broadly;
- find out about our subject areas and courses from current students and academic staff;
- explore our facilities through self-guided and dedicated tours;
- gain insight into your subject area through talks and taster sessions;
- ask questions and gather all the additional information you need to help with your decision-making.
Find out more about our forthcoming open days , including how to register.
Fees
Tuition fees for home/EU students commencing their studies in September 2020 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £19,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer dedicated financial support packages of up to £2,000 for residence abroad students, based on their household income.
You will be automatically assessed for the award based on your Student Finance financial assessment - you just need to make sure you apply for a financial assessment the academic year in which your residence abroad will take place.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- (+44) (0)161 275 3211
- Facsimile
- (+44) (0)161 275 3031
- ug.languages@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades ABB PLUS GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language (or English Language) and Maths both grade B/6.
This programme is designed for students whose level of Mandarin Chinese at entry ranges from complete beginner to approximately A-level standard. It is not suitable for students whose first language is Chinese.
Clarification on GCSEs, regarding Modern Language and Business and Management programmes
If you are taking a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language, then you will need B/6 in both that Language and in Maths, but only C/4 in English Language. if you are not taking a GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language, then you will need B/6 in both English Language and Maths.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Applicants must also have achieved a Grade B/6 in Mathematics, plus a B/6 in either a Modern Foreign Language. If you do not have a GCSE in a Modern Language, we will accept B/6 English Language instead.
If you have achieved a Grade B/5 (in the newly reformed GCSEs in England) or a C* (in the newly reformed GCSEs in Northern Ireland) in a Modern Language than you should still apply.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Scottish requirements
For applicants who have studied under the new Scottish qualification system, the following will apply.
For programmes which have no particular pre-requisite subject , we require the following (in all cases, at least three Highers should be achieved by the end of S5):
- A*AA at A-level : Hrs of AAAAAB or AAAB plus Adv Hr Gr. A
- AAA at A-level : Hrs of AAAABB or AABB plus Adv Hr Gr. A
- AAB at A-level : Hrs of AAABBB or ABBB plus Adv Hr Gr. A
- ABB at A-level : Hrs of AAABBB or ABBB plus Adv Hr at min. Gr. B
Where pre-requisite subjects are cited in our A-level requirements , we require the following (in all cases, at least three Highers should be achieved by the end of S5 AND Grade A should be achieved at Adv Hr in the required subject):
- A*AA at A-level : Hrs of AAA plus either two Adv Hrs at Grs. AA, or one Adv Hr and two Hrs at Grs. AA
- AAA at A-level : Hrs of AAB plus either two Adv Hrs at Grs. AA, or one Adv Hr and two Hrs at Grs. AA
- AAB at A-level : Hrs of ABB plus either two Adv Hrs at Grs. AB, or one Adv Hr and two Hrs at Grs. AB
- ABB at A-level : Hrs of BBB plus either two Adv Hrs at Grs. AB, or one Adv Hr and two Hrs at Grs. AB
For applicants who have studied under the old Scottish qualification system , Highers are welcomed but will not be accepted alone. The minimum requirement is three Advanced Highers, the grades of which will be the same as our stated A-level grades for the course in question. Any subjects (or other qualifications) required for A-level will also be required for the Advanced Highers, at the equivalent grade.
All applicants must have achieved National 5 English at Grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require 77% to include a minimum of 7.5 in Maths.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Other international entry requirements
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Humanities , are required to achieve ABB including Maths and a Modern Foreign Language and an EAP score of ABBBB. INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Humanities are required to achieve ABB including Maths and a Modern Foreign Language and an EAP requirements score of ABBBB. All applicants are required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
We do not require you to have a Language A-level for this programme; however, applicants should have experience of studying a Language (any Modern Foreign Language) to at least GCSE level and should have achieved a good standard in this. We therefore require all applicants to have achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade B/6 (or equivalent) in a Modern Foreign Language.
MLBM programmes also require GCSE Maths Grade B/6.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we require Distinction / Distinction / Merit.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we require Distinction / Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade B (preferably in either a Language or a Humanities subject).
BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we require a Distinction, plus one A-level at min. Grade B in an essay-based subject (such as English or History) plus an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
BTEC National Extended Certificate: we require a Distinction, plus two A-levels at Grades BB (one of these A-levels should preferably be in a Language or a Humanities subject).
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM plus an A Level at grade A in a Language or an essay-based subject such as English or History.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD plus an A-level at min. Grade B in a Language or an essay-based subject (such as English or History) plus an EPQ or AS at Grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC): Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB; at least one of these A-levels should be in a Language or an essay-based subject such as English or History.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3).
You should have a minimum of 30 credits with a Distinction grade, plus 15 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject.
You must also either have GCSE Grade C/4 or higher in English Language or any Language, or be able to demonstrate achievement at Level 2 (GCSE-equivalent) by, for example, having 6 credits in English Language or any Language at Level 2.
Applicants must also either have GCSEs in both English and Mathematics (at Grade B/6 or higher), or demonstrate achievement at Level 2 (GCSE-equivalent) by, for example, having 6 credits each in English and Maths. We also consider other factors such as additional educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3, M2, M2 in the Pre-U and ABB at A level in three distinct subjects.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE English Language grade C / 4, or;
- IELTS 7.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances may be personal or family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school or college. We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance should be included in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting School. If you encounter mitigating circumstances after you have submitted your application, please inform the admissions staff in the School to which you applied as soon as possible.
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Interview requirements
You will be invited to an interview prior to an offer being made for this course.
Your interview will form part of a visit day, during which you can sample aspects of your chosen course, meet with academics staff, hear from current students and find out about the latest Residence Abroad options.
Your interview will offer you the opportunity to explain your interests and qualifications, and how your chosen course fits with your motivations and study experience.
Returning to education
Access courses are acceptable as an entry route to this course - please contact the UG Admissions Team.
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BA Modern Language and Business and Management (Chinese) course will give you a thorough grounding in the language and culture of China, as well as in the principles of business and management and their application in global workplaces.
Language study offers much more than just language fluency. You'll explore diverse aspects of the culture, society, history, politics and literature of the countries in which Chinese is spoken, helping you to develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
Depending on whether you have already studied Chinese or not, you will be able to tailor your course to change the focus on either business and management or Chinese Studies after your first year. If you are new to Chinese, you will be able to change focus in Year 4.
You'll benefit from excellent teaching, student support and cutting-edge study facilities, as well as from the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Manchester itself, Western Europe's most multilingual city.
With placement options available at partner universities and in professional environments in China, a compulsory third year abroad gives our undergraduate students unforgettable and invaluable personal and professional experience.
Special features

Develop your leadership skills
Get the edge in today's increasingly globalised business environment via the Manchester Leadership Programme , which includes local volunteering, as well as guest visits from international business managers.
Residence abroad
You can study and/or work for up to a year in a country or countries relevant to your chosen language(s) to improve your communicative language skills through focused learning in a native-speaker environment.
Find out more about residence abroad .
Palaver Festival
Palaver Festival , a collaboration with the neighbouring Contact Theatre, offers the opportunity to explore links between language and performance across a range of genres including literature, theatre, dance and more.
Collaborations and partnerships
The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:
- Confucius Institute - a hub for Chinese culture
- Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture
- HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film
- Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.
Societies
The University is home to over 30 international and language-related student societies offering a breadth of cultural activities and experiences.
Teaching and learning
You'll learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions.
For every hour of university study, you will be expected to complete a further 2-3 hours of independent study. You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- presentations;
- coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research);
- in your final year, a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.
Assessment methods vary from course unit to course unit - see individual course unit listings for more information.
Course content for year 1
Your time will be divided equally between your language and culture studies and your studies in business and management.
Compulsory units introduce finance, management, microeconomics and macroeconomics, and develop transferable skills. You will choose two further units from a range of options across management, finance and economics.
All Year 1 students take the core unit Introduction to Chinese Studies, plus language.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Chinese Studies | CHIN10050 | 20 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 1 | CHIN51011 | 20 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 2 | CHIN51022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Technological Change | BMAN10252 | 10 | Optional |
Business Economics | BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Depending on the knowledge of Mandarin Chinese students had before arriving to Manchester, they can either keep an even split between business and Chinese studies, or take up to two-thirds of their credits in either side of the degree.
Alongside one compulsory unit specially designed for this course, you tailor your business studies to your interests by choosing from a wide range of options.
You have the chance to study Leadership in Action with national leaders as part of the Manchester Leadership Programme. You can also put what you are learning in your business studies into practice with local charities and social enterprises by participating in the Manchester Enterprise Challenge.
In addition to continuing your study in Chinese language, you will develop your studies of China via a choice of courses in areas across the humanities, such as literature, film, history, religion, society, culture and anthropology, as well as being prepared for residence abroad.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Firms and Management in Comparative Perspective | BMAN22000 | 20 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 3 | CHIN51031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 4 | CHIN51042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 5 | CHIN51051 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 6 | CHIN51062 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 7 | CHIN51071 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 8 | CHIN51082 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 9 | CHIN51091 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 10 | CHIN51102 | 10 | Mandatory |
Investment Analysis | BMAN20072 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
You will spend the third year abroad in approved study or work in a country where the target language is spoken.
Students taking a European language have the option of study and/or a work placement, while students taking Arabic, Chinese or Japanese usually study at a partner university abroad.
Course content for year 4
All students can take up to two-thirds of their units in either business and management or language and cultural studies.
On the business side of the programme, there is a broad range of specialised units available in business, management, accounting and finance, economics and entrepreneurship. Students can also choose to do a dissertation on the language side of their degree.
You will undertake a dissertation in Chinese studies to work on an area of particular interest in depth, as well as selecting from various units in religion, historical, cultural and social science areas.
The language teaching programme continues to develop skills such as reading and writing Chinese, and includes work on interpreting and translation as practical skills. You will also select units in a variety of areas related to Chinese history, culture and religion.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Languages-Based Project 1 | CHIN38771 | 10 | Mandatory |
Language-Based Project 2 | CHIN38772 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 9 | CHIN51091 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chinese Language 10 | CHIN51102 | 10 | Mandatory |
Additional Chinese for Final Year Students | CHIN51111 | 0 | Mandatory |
Consumer Behaviour | BMAN20271 | 10 | Optional |
Management of Knowledge and Innovation | BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN30021 | 10 | Optional |
Strategy | BMAN30022 | 10 | Optional |
Human Resource Management | BMAN30042 | 10 | Optional |
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Facilities
The University Language Centre is home to language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms and resources for over 70 languages.
The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.
Learn more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
A degree in Modern Languages and Cultures paves the way for an exceptionally broad range of careers. You will develop intercultural awareness and communication skills - both highly valued by employers.
Studies show that over two-thirds of UK businesses value foreign language skills; through your studies, you'll acquire transferable expertise at the very heart of language learning, including enhanced powers of perception and interpretation and advanced decision-making and multitasking skills.
This will open up numerous paths with an international dimension (eg business and finance). You will also have excellent all-round communication skills, making you a strong contender for openings in the media, PR and similar areas.
Many of our graduates go straight into business services, marketing, advertising, management, banking or communications. Others opt for postgraduate study or further vocational training to become accountants, lawyers, teachers (in the UK or abroad) or enter the Civil Service.
Employers who have taken on graduates of our Chinese courses in the past include Dell, Nova (Kyoto), Berlitz and Hamburg Sud.
Find out more on the Careers and employability page.