In this fascinating and varied five-year degree, you’ll learn two major world languages and deepen your understanding of the modern world by exploring the histories and cultures of the nations that speak them. You’ll spend one year at a university in mainland China or Taiwan and another in an Arabic-speaking country, improving your language skills and gaining first-hand experience of these cultures and societies to enrich your understanding of these amazing countries.

We teach Arabic and Chinese from beginners’ level, but if you already have some knowledge of either language, we can normally accommodate you.

You’ll become proficient in Arabic while building your understanding of the cultural, religious and historical contexts that have shaped the Middle East and North Africa. You will also learn about contemporary relevant issues of these regions, and explore themes such as cultural identity, sexuality, gender and race.

The dominant cultural, political and economic influence in East Asia for over two millennia, China today constitutes almost a fifth of the global economy, and is a major centre for technological, business and even cultural innovation-think of TikTok. Chinese at Leeds is one of the longest-running programmes in the UK and has always sought to reflect China’s diversity and changes and to equip you with the skills and knowledge to gain a deep understanding of modern China. One of the strengths of East Asian Studies at Leeds is that we have expertise which spans the many diverse aspects of this fascinating region.

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at Leeds is an exciting place for your undergraduate experience. Our diverse international community of students and staff, student-led societies and outstanding pastoral support creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all our students.

Course details

This course, and the unique experience of living abroad, will equip you with the knowledge, skills and intercultural awareness necessary to pursue a wide range of exciting global careers.

Core and optional modules will give you a firm grounding in both languages while you study topics that suit your interests. You'll also develop a range of transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers including critical thinking, enhanced communication, analytical and cultural awareness skills.