Sinology (Humanistic Education) (BA Hons)
The BA (Hons) in Sinology (Humanistic Education) offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of ancient China. Through this course, students engage deeply with the intellectual, social, and moral traditions that continue to shape Chinese thought and culture. Central to this programme is an exploration of how classical Chinese thinkers envisioned the development of human excellence and how these ideas remain relevant in today’s world.
This Sinology programme is taught in English and takes a broad approach, focusing on a range of topics essential to understanding Chinese civilisation and its philosophical underpinnings. The course covers essential aspects of Chinese studies, from Chinese philology and the pre-modern education system to the interpretation of Confucian classics. By studying these areas, students gain insight into the core philosophical frameworks and governing concepts that have influenced Chinese society for centuries. These studies help students appreciate the timeless wisdom of Chinese thought and its potential to inform modern ideas about personal and societal growth.
The programme follows an interdisciplinary approach, making connections across fields such as history, linguistics, literature, and philosophy. This broad foundation ensures students develop a comprehensive understanding of the social structures and ancient economic principles that shaped Chinese society, offering insights that are as applicable today as they were in ancient times. By bringing together diverse fields of study, students gain a well-rounded perspective on humanistic education and how classical Chinese thought can inspire adaptability and resilience.
As a unique feature, the course includes Mandarin Chinese lessons, enabling students to deepen their engagement with Chinese culture and history. This language skill is an added advantage for those considering future roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
The programme’s focus on accessibility, application, and real-world relevance prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates may go on to roles in education and training, government and public administration, human resources, and business administration. The skills gained from this degree also provide an excellent foundation for postgraduate study and research, particularly in areas relating to East Asia and global cultural studies.
In choosing this programme, students will undertake an intellectually enriching journey that bridges past and present, equipping them with knowledge and skills that are highly valued today. Through the study of Sinology, students become part of a legacy of humanistic learning that values cultural understanding, ethical insight, and personal growth.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our BA (Hons) Sinology (Humanistic Education) programme emphasises accessibility, application, adaptability, and an interdisciplinary approach.
Designed for international students without prior Chinese language skills, it offers comprehensive training in classical Chinese texts and cultural concepts.
Through critical, intercultural, and historically contextualized analysis, students gain tools to interpret and apply Confucian philosophy and Chinese humanistic values to both historical and contemporary global challenges.
Students are introduced to essential Chinese classical texts and cultural frameworks, with a strong focus on Confucianism and traditional economic thought. Modules are also designed to provide foundational insights into historical memory and humanistic ideals, while philological training ensures students develop essential skills for interpreting classical Chinese.
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Year 2 focuses on the intersection of philosophy, governance, and education in Chinese thought. This year also expands on Chinese philology, preparing students to engage critically with Confucian classics. This year solidifies an understanding of humanistic education’s role in shaping both personal character and society in historical China.
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Students undertake independent research and a dissertation on humanistic education in Sinology. Advanced modules help refine interpretive skills, allowing students to draw connections between classical insights and contemporary issues, supported by interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives.
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
testimonial
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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96-112 UCAS Tariff Points - e.g. A-levels: CCC-BBC, BTEC: MMM-DMM, IB: 30-32
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visa and funding requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â€¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The programme’s assessment strategy consists of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments aim to use the form of ‘spiral assessment’, encouraging students to revisit and implement standards that have been covered in previous modules.
Spiral assessment is further supported by the fact that all modules centre on critical engagement with canonical texts. Skills developed in earlier modules will be practised and honed in later modules.
Most modules include a practical assessment, that is a presentation in English. The aim of the presentation is to ensure continuous development of English language skills among the cohort, but also to ensure that students are being assessed in situations that are likely to resemble their later employment situation as teachers of Chinese culture.
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For further information about this programme, please email sinology@uwtsd.ac.uk