Programme Specification Template
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution
University of Central Lancashire
3. University Department/Centre
Journalism, Language and Communication
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) Chinese Language and Studies
6. Modes of Attendance offered
4 year full-time
(the whole third year is a study placement in
China)
8H42
ULCHLA100 (UCLAN code)
Languages and Related Studies
7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of this
form
11. Aims of the Programme
July 2014
The overall aim of the programme is to develop knowledge, understanding, skills in Chinese
language, competences and personal qualities, which will allow the student to succeed in a
global environment, with particular reference to China.
In particular, it aims:
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To train competent speakers of Chinese who can express themselves fluently in
spoken and written Chinese;
To foster knowledge of the Chinese language, society, culture and business
environment by studying aspects of contemporary life in Chinese-speaking countries;
To provide a balance of linguistic competences and understanding of different cultures
which will stimulate an enquiring, analytical and creative approach in students;
To develop students' interpersonal skills, critical self-awareness and problem-solving
abilities;
To enhance students' employment and career opportunities at home and abroad,
especially in Chinese-speaking countries;
To promote keen interest in scholarship and a positive attitude to lifelong learning.
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12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A knowledge and understanding of:
A1. relevant linguistic and communication theories in modern standard Chinese;
A2. an overview of the societal, political, cultural and economic environment of Chinesespeaking countries today;
A3. in-depth knowledge of a specific topic relating to Chinese culture.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The following teaching and learning methods are used to enable learners to achieve and
demonstrate the above outcomes:
Lectures, seminars, total emersion in the language, culture and society through the residence
in China, supervision for projects and dissertation,
In addition, students are advised to attend Confucius Institute lectures and find a language
exchange partner.
Assessment methods
The following assessment methods are used to test student achievement of these outcomes
Presentations, essays, case studies, reports, projects, written tests and exams, dissertation
B. Subject-specific skills
An ability to:
B1. demonstrate confidence and operational competence in both oral and written Chinese
B2. mediate linguistics exchanges in bilingual and bi-cultural context;
B3. present coherent argument on issues related to China, the culture and society
Teaching and Learning Methods
The following teaching and learning methods are used to enable learners to achieve and
demonstrate these outcomes:
Lectures, seminars, supervision for projects and dissertation, role-plays, pair-works, listening
comprehensions, portfolios, interpreting, translation, essay and practical tasks
In addition, students are required to undertake independent and guided self-access work via
Blackboard and at the Worldwise Language Learning Centre to consolidate and develop their
language skills.
Assessment methods
The following assessment methods are used to test student achievement of these outcomes
Presentations, essays, case studies, reports, projects, portfolios, aural and oral tests, written
tests and exams, interpreting and translation, dissertation
C. Thinking Skills
An ability to:
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C1. Apply language structures to new contexts
C2. Analyse and critically evaluate aspects of Chinese culture
C3. Apply relevant knowledge across a broad spectrum of issues relating to Chinesespeaking countries
C4. Formulate a reasoned argument and effectively present ideas orally and in writing.
C5. Work in groups;
Teaching and Learning Methods
The following teaching and learning methods are used to enable learners to achieve and
demonstrate these outcomes
Lectures, seminars, project, case studies and dissertation supervision
In addition, students are required to undertake independent and guided self-access work via
Blackborad and at the Worldwise Language Learning Centre to consolidate and develop their
language skills.
Assessment methods
The following assessment methods are used to test student achievement of these outcomes
Individual and group oral presentations; written tests, reports, portfolios, essays and
dissertation.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
An ability to:
D1. research a wide range of sources of information from professional and academic journals
and the Internet;
D2. communicate ideas;
D3. demonstrate effective presentations skills, IT skills, networking skills and negotiation skills;
D4. work independently or within a team.
D5. operate independently and with confidence in the foreign culture;
D6. adapt to the different education system
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students will participate in a wide variety of learning activities and will engage in individual and
group presentations on a regular basis.
There are also many practical problem solving tasks which students will attempt in the
preparation for going to China, such as job hunting and apartment hunting.
Assessment methods
Research and referencing skills assessed in essays, dossier and dissertation;
IT, communication and team work skills are assessed in independent and group
presentations, role plays and assignments with evidence required of use of a wide range of
sources;
Employability skills are assessed in the learning log, which includes job-search, letters of
application, CV and interview role play.
PDP skills are embedded in most modules and are also specifically assessed in the reflective
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learning log and the year abroad reports.
13. Programme Structures with proposed minor changes*
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
Compulsory modules:
Level 6
CL3201
CL3202
CL3004
ML3205
ML3990
Chinese Language III
Understanding Chinese Economy and
Society
Theory and Practice of Translation
Techniques and Practice of Interpreting
Dissertation
20
20
20
20
20
Optional modules:
CD3115
AI3000
AI3001
ML3995
ML3999
UK-China Business Creation
Development and Change in the Asia
Pacific Region
Asia Pacific International Relations
Double Dissertation
Student Initiated Module
20
20
20
20
40
20
Compulsory modules:
Level 5
ML2882
Assessed Year Abroad
CL2004
CL2001
CL2201
CL2202
Chinese Language 2A
Aspects of Chinese Society
Chinese Language 2B
Intermediate Business Chinese
Conversation
AI2001
HY2095
NT2044
ML2991
ML2998
Level 4
(six modules)
Optional modules:
Cross Cultural Encounter in Asia Pacific
Cold War in Asia 1945-1989, History,
Conflict and Society
Changing China: opportunities and
challenges
Research Skills for Language Students
Student Initiated Module
120
40
20
20
Bachelor Honours
Degree
requires 360 credits with
all Level 6 compulsory
modules successfully
completed,
including a minimum of
220 at Level 5 and 100 at
Level 6
Bachelor Degree
requires 320 credits, with
at least 2 Level 6
compulsory modules and
7 Level 5 modules
successfully completed,
including a minimum of
180 at Level 5 and 40 at
Level 6
HE Diploma
Requires 240 credits, with
12 modules successfully
completed. These must
include all the compulsory
modules – including a
minimum of 120 credits at
Level 5 or above
20
20
20
20
20
Compulsory modules:
CL1000
CL1001
CL1202
Chinese Language I
Background to China
Basic Business Chinese Conversation
40
20
20
HE Certificate
requires 120 credits, with
6 modules successfully
completed including all
the compulsory modules
Optional modules:
LG1200
HY1108
Language Workshop
Nations and Empires in Asia
Free choice elective
20
20
20
15. Personal Development Planning
Personal Development Planning is managed through the Personal Tutoring System in line
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with university-wide requirement. Students are assigned a Personal tutor at the beginning of
the programme and informed their tutor’s office hours for regular meetings.
In addition, PDP is very much embedded in the teaching and assessment of both disciplines in
this programme, particularly in the case of language based modules, which develop, practice,
monitor and assess a wide range of skills at all levels. These include written and verbal
communication, individual presentation, group work, public speaking, interpreting, research,
time-management, and negotiation and so on.
The programme employs a varied diet of assessment, including portfolio assessment and
placement reports, which are powerful tools that help students to reflect upon their skills,
identify areas of strength and weakness, plan for development and demonstrate evidence of
actions.
There is a strong focus on developing the individual’s employability and lifelong learning skills.
This is especially reflected in the year-long placement involving studying, working and living in
a different culture.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been
made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most
up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The University’s minimum standard entry requirements for degree level study is a 12 unit
profile, made up from one of the following:
At least two A2 level subjects including
One A2 level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE
Specific entry requirements or this course are:
280-320 UCAS points at A-Level and a GCSE in any language
No previous Chinese study or qualifications are required although evidence of language skills
is needed.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
Kite marked Access Course
Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications, relevant work or life experience
and who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree-level studies are
welcome and will these applicants will be interviewed. If applicants have not studied recently
they may need to undertake an Access programme first.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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Prospectus http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/index.htm
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University Admissions Department: email aadmissions@uclan.ac.uk
Advise about applications http://www.uclan.ac.uk/courses/ug/applying.htm
Open Days and Campus Tours http://www.uclan.ac.uk/study/open_days/index.php
School Website http://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/languages_and_international/index.php
Direct from Programme Leader xliu13@uclan.ac.uk
UCLAN Confucius Institute
http://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/languages_and_international/confucius/index.php
Information about the UCLan http://www.uclan.ac.uk
Information about the City of Preston http://www.uclan.ac.uk/guide2/preston/index.htm
Information about Student Life at UCLan http://www.yourunion.co.uk and
www.prestonscene.com
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18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes with proposed minor changes
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and
understanding
A1
A2
A3
Other skills relevant to
employability and
personal development
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
Subject-specific Skills
Thinking Skills
B1
B2
B3
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
CL3201 Chinese Language III
COMP
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CL3202 Understanding Chinese
Economy and Society
COMP
ML3205 Techniques and Practice
of Interpreting
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COMP
CL3004 Theory and Practice of
Translation
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COMP
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ML3990 Dissertation
COMP
LEVEL6
Development and
Change in the Asia
Pacific Region
O
AI3001 Asia Pacific
International Relations O
ML3999 Student Initiated Module
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AI3000
O
CD3115 UK-China Business
Creation
ML3995 Double Dissertation
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O
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COMP
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CL2882 Assessed Year Abroad
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CL2000 Chinese Language II
COMP
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Programme Specification Template
LEVEL5
CL2001 Aspects of Chinese
Society
COMP
CL2202 Intermediate Business
Chinese
COMP
AI2001 Cross Cultural
Encounter in Asia
Pacific
O
ML2991 Research Skills for
Language Students
O
HY2095 Cold War in Asia
1945-1989, History,
Conflict and Society
O
NT2044 Changing China:
opportunities and
challenges
O
ML2998 Student Initiated Module
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CL1000 Chinese Language I
COMP
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CL1001 Background to China
COMP
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CL1202 Basic Business Chinese
Conversation
COMP
LG1200 Language Workshop
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HY1108 Nationalism and
Imperialism in Asia
Free choice elective
Free elective
O
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LEVEL4
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Note:
Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
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