This minor is principally designed for students who wish to achieve an intermediate level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin). It is also available for students who already have a basic or intermediate level of proficiency and who wish to acquire a higher level of proficiency. Mandarin is the official language of China and one of the world’s major languages. As Australia’s future is increasingly tied to the rise of China as a world power, the importance of Mandarin will continue to grow. Knowledge of Mandarin not only provides a means of understanding Chinese society and culture but it is also a skill valued in a wide range of professions, both in Australia and internationally. This minor is also designed for heritage students of Chinese (background learners). For heritage learners, relevant language courses recognized in the minor include advanced-level translation and readings courses (in Mandarin); Cantonese; and Classical Chinese. 

A student may not take a course if that course is a prerequisite for another course which they have already passed.

Students with prior knowledge of the language will be required to take a placement test.

Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire practical understanding of the grammar, syntax and particles of Modern Standard Chinese.
2. Acquire an intermediate (or advanced) level of proficiency in all four macro-skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
3. Attain competence in applying theoretical knowledge of grammar and syntax to real examples.
4. Attain knowledge of the social and cultural contexts necessary to understand Chinese texts.
5. Develop the ability to work in cooperative groups on practical activities and to communicate findings to other course members.

Course Lists

The course lists in the "Requirements" section below is a definitive list and includes all courses that can be counted towards the major, whether or not they are offered in the current year. For a list of courses that will be offered in the current year, please see the Summary of Courses page.

Relevant Degrees

• Bachelor of Art History and Curatorship (BAHCR)
• Bachelor of Arts (BARTS)
• Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies (Year in Asia) (BAPYA)
• Bachelor of Asian Studies (BASIA)
• Bachelor of Development Studies (BDEVS)
• Bachelor of European Studies (BEURO)
• Bachelor of International Relations (BIR)
• Bachelor of International Security Studies (BINSS)
• Bachelor of Languages (BLANG)
• Bachelor of Latin American Studies (BLAMS)
• Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies (BMECA)
• Bachelor of Pacific Studies (BPAST)
• Diploma of Languages (ELANG)