Overview

Mandarin Chinese is one of the world’s most important languages. It is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan and Singapore and is widely used in community groups throughout South-East Asia, Hong Kong, North America and Australia. It is one of the five official languages of the United Nations. Develop your communication skills in Chinese, with language fluency further enhanced through an understanding of Chinese culture, history and society. In-country language programs are available to students undertaking a major sequence in Chinese, giving you the opportunity to travel overseas and try out your language skills with native speakers.

Key information

Unit set code

MJ-A310004 (major)*

MN-A310004 (minor)

*Chinese Major only offered to students who commenced prior to 2027. 

Campuses

Online~

~ Burwood (Melbourne) offering offered to continuing students only

Career outcomes

Careers in this field include work in the communications industry, community and government organisations, community health organisations, education sector, ethnic affairs associations, foreign affairs departments, multicultural organisations, tourism associations and translation services.

Explore units

  • To complete a Major sequence in Chinese select eight (8) credit points as outlined below;*
  • To complete a Minor sequence in Chinese select four (4) credit points as outlined below:

*Chinese Major Sequence only offered to students who commenced prior to 2027.

Chinese major sequence for beginners

Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

Chinese 1A: An Introduction to the Language and Culture
Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities
Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese (2 credit points)
Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese (2 credit points)
Popular Culture and Society in Languages [replaces AIC182]

AIC182 Chinese 1B: Consolidating Skills and Knowledge in Cultural Contexts [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit AIX300]

The Chinese major sequence for students who have completed Chinese at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level

Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities
Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese    (2 credit points)
Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese    (2 credit points)
Popular Culture and Society in Languages
Advanced Writing and Translation Skills in Languages

Chinese major sequence at advanced level for background speakers only

Complete 6 units (totalling 8 credit points) from:

Chinese 2C: Chinese in Real Life: Language, Culture and Society in Contemporary Chinese Societies
Popular Culture and Society in Languages [replaces AIC284]
Chinese 3C: Chinese in the Professions - Developing and Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context    (2 credit points)
Chinese 3D: Chinese in the Professions - Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context    (2 credit points)
Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes C
Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes D

AIC284 Chinese 2D: Chinese in Real Life: Putting the Language to Work in Contemporary Contexts [No longer available for enrolment, replacement unit AIX300]

Chinese minor sequence for beginners

Complete 4 units selected from:

Chinese 1A: An Introduction to the Language and Culture
Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities
Doing Business in Asia

Chinese minor sequence for students who have completed Chinese at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level

Complete 2 credit points from:

Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies
Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities

Plus 2 credit points selected from:

Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese    (2 credit points)

Or

Popular Culture and Society in Languages

And

Doing Business in Asia

Chinese minor sequence at advanced level for background speakers only

There are two completion options for students to choose from within this sequence

Option 1

Complete 4 units (totalling 4 credit points) from:

Chinese 2C: Chinese in Real Life: Language, Culture and Society in Contemporary Chinese Societies
Chinese 3D: Chinese in the Professions - Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context    (2 credit points)

And 1 credit point selected from:

Popular Culture and Society in Languages

Or

Doing Business in Asia

Option 2

Chinese 3D: Chinese in the Professions - Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context    (2 credit points)
Popular Culture and Society in Languages
Doing Business in Asia