Chinese and History Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Chinese and History Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
This joint honours programme reflects China's historical significance as one of the earliest civilisations, and its contemporary status as the world's second-largest economy and a significant political power.
Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is the world's second most widely spoken language. Its associated cultures have helped shape the contemporary world in many ways.
Edinburgh is the only university in the UK to offer three different language entry levels to our Chinese degree programmes:
* ab initio - for complete beginners in the Chin...
This joint honours programme reflects China's historical significance as one of the earliest civilisations, and its contemporary status as the world's second-largest economy and a significant political power.
Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is the world's second most widely spoken language. Its associated cultures have helped shape the contemporary world in many ways.
Edinburgh is the only university in the UK to offer three different language entry levels to our Chinese degree programmes:
* ab initio - for complete beginners in the Chinese language
* upper beginner
* intermediate
Our programme is not for native speakers, but we also welcome heritage language learners.
On this programme, you will develop advanced competency in Modern Standard Chinese. You will gain the skills needed to use the language daily in social and professional settings, focusing on:
* reading
* writing
* speaking
* listening
You will also gain specialist knowledge on mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and associated diasporas in pre-modern, modern and contemporary contexts. Our courses explore:
* history
* literature
* culture
* politics
* international relations
History
Work in history involves interaction with primary evidence and critical reading of a wide body of historical writing.
Beyond the knowledge of East Asian history you will gain by studying Chinese, you will develop a thorough understanding of the problems of historical interpretation as applied to different periods and places.
History at Edinburgh is unique because of the range of historical themes, chronological periods and geographical areas you will study. You can choose from courses covering:
* the early Middle Ages to the most recent past
* Britain and Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas
Further, our courses offer a rich variety of approaches to the past, including:
* political history
* cultural history
* social history
* economic history
* intellectual history
* gender history
* global and transnational history
Why Edinburgh
As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a language in its cultural context.
From the winding streets of the medieval Old Town to the Georgian squares and terraces of the New Town, it is also a history lover's paradise.
History has been taught at the University of Edinburgh since its foundation in 1583. We are the only university in Scotland to offer both single and joint honours undergraduate programmes in Chinese.
Graduating with a degree in Chinese and History from Edinburgh gives you the blend of specialist knowledge and intercultural skills valued in a range of careers around the globe.
Programme benefits
* Take the only programme of its kind in the UK to offer three entry levels for Chinese.
* Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.
* Build up to fluency in Modern Standard Chinese and specialise in different aspects of Chinese studies and history as you move through your degree.
* Study abroad for the first of your honours years - Year 3.
* Explore fantastic libraries and collections at the University and in the city.
* Join societies, attend events, and gain the skills and confidence for life after university.
How long it takes to complete this degree programme
This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Central area campus
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A14-I14
Institution Code
E56
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
Required subjects: A levels: no specific A level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £31,100 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |










































































