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)
Students who commenced the Chinese Major prior to 2027, please refer to the 2026 handbook.
^ D303 Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) Chinese Major only, from 2027
Campuses
Online
Explore units
- To complete a Minor sequence in Chinese select four (4) credit points as outlined below:
Chinese minor sequence for beginners
Complete 4 units selected from:
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:
Plus 2 credit points selected from:
Or
And
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:
And 1 credit point selected from:
Or
Option 2
D303 Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching (Secondary) - Chinese major sequence
- To complete a Major sequence in Chinese select six (6) credit points as outlined below^:
^ Only available to D303 Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) students, from 2027
Chinese minor sequence for beginners
Complete 5 units (totalling 6 credit points) selected from:
Chinese minor sequence for students who have completed Chinese at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level
Complete 6 credit points selected from:
Chinese minor sequence at advanced level for background speakers only
Complete 4 units (totalling 6 credit points) from:
You can study Chinese as part of the following courses
Bachelor of Arts
Study a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin and build critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills for diverse future careers.
Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Fast-track your studies with a combined arts and teaching degree, graduating ready to teach in secondary schools with a postgraduate qualification.
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Information Technology
Combine arts and IT in a double degree and build skills in communication, technology and problem solving for careers in digital and creative industries.
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science
Combine arts and science in a double degree and build analytical, research and communication skills for careers across science and policy fields.
Bachelor of Arts / Master of International Relations
Study an arts and international relations double degree and gain deep insight into global politics, diplomacy and the forces shaping international systems.
Bachelor of Health Sciences / Bachelor of Arts
Combine health sciences and arts to build knowledge across health, society and communication while expanding your career options.
Bachelor of International Studies
Gain international experience through overseas study and internships while building expertise in global issues, cultures and policy.
Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
Combine international studies with commerce and gain overseas experience while building skills for global business and policy careers.
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies
Study law alongside international studies and gain overseas experience while preparing for careers in government, business and policy.