Sinology (Foundation)
The Foundation Certificate in Sinology offers a one-year, full-time online programme focused on the basics of Chinese culture, philosophy, and classical language. This course is designed for students interested in learning about the ancient roots of Chinese society, ethics, and ideas, making it an exciting opportunity to explore one of the world’s oldest and richest cultural heritages.
The course is designed to provide a solid grounding in traditional Chinese studies, providing a range of modules which ensure a well-rounded introduction to the field. Students cover key topics across Chinese thought, language, and history.
The programme offers flexibility for those who prefer an online learning environment and offers a unique entry point into the field of Sinology, ideal for students who want a formal, in-depth introduction to classical Chinese culture and ideas. It provides a strong basis for further studies or careers in fields related to history, philosophy, and intercultural understanding.
Enquiries/Applicants please email: sinology@uwtsd.ac.uk
Course details
- Distance Learning
- English
2025/26: £8000 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
This course in Sinology is designed to offer an accessible, immersive exploration of traditional Chinese culture, language, and values. Through an interactive and reflective approach, students will gain foundational skills in classical Chinese language and an understanding of the social and philosophical ideas that shaped ancient Chinese society.
In the first semester, you will explore Ancient Chinese Morality and Ethics, the cultural significance of family in The Classic of Family Reverence and gain a foundational overview of Chinese Studies. In the second semester, you will build skills in Classical Chinese Language and examine the history of British Sinology, deepening your understanding of Chinese cultural and intellectual traditions, as well as their global impact.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 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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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.