Sinology (Humanistic Education) (CertHE)
This CertHE in Sinology (Humanistic Education) offers a foundational exploration of the rich intellectual heritage of ancient China, inviting students to engage with the cultural and philosophical traditions that continue to influence Chinese thought. In this one-year programme, students examine how classical Chinese thinkers envisioned human excellence and societal harmony and consider how these insights remain relevant to modern life.
Taught in English and accessible to students without prior knowledge of Chinese language, the CertHE introduces key areas of Chinese studies, including Confucian classics, early education principles, and Chinese philology. Through this study, students gain an understanding of core concepts that shaped Chinese society for centuries, appreciating their relevance to contemporary ideas about personal growth and ethical development.
The programme follows an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together perspectives from history, literature, and philosophy to provide a comprehensive overview of Chinese humanistic values. Students are introduced to Mandarin Chinese, enriching their cultural literacy and broadening their engagement with Chinese history and society.
By focusing on accessible, practical applications of classical Chinese thought, the CertHE prepares students with adaptable skills and knowledge valuable in a variety of fields, from education and administration to intercultural communication. This programme offers a meaningful entry point into Sinology, cultivating cultural understanding and ethical insights that connect ancient ideas with today’s world.
Course details
- On-campus
- 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
The CertHE in Sinology (Humanistic Education) offers an accessible, interdisciplinary introduction to Chinese classical texts and cultural concepts, designed for international students with no prior Chinese language skills. Through a critical and intercultural lens, students explore Confucian philosophy and Chinese humanistic values, gaining insights that connect ancient thought to contemporary global challenges.
In this one-year programme, students engage with key Chinese classical texts and frameworks, focusing on Confucianism and foundational economic thought. Modules offer a grounding in historical memory and cultural ideals, while introductory philological training equips students with essential skills to interpret classical Chinese, fostering a well-rounded understanding of humanistic principles.
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
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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