Future Students

Asian Languages

The Area Of Study

The Department of International Studies offers degree programs in Chinese and Japanese languages and cultures, as well as introductory level Arabic language. The Department encourages students’ development of language proficiency (in reading, writing and communication skills) and provides an insight into each country’s society and culture in the global context.

As a student in Chinese and Japanese languages you will have the opportunity to participate in short residential or semester-long in-country units. Some units are also available by distance education (some online) and also as part of the University’s non-award program. There are a number of general education units (conducted in English) to cover a wide range of social and cultural topics in the East Asian region - mainly China and Japan - while beginner language units are available in all of the Asian languages offered at Macquarie University and these do not require any prior knowledge of the language.

As an Asian language student you can pursue language studies in conjunction with many other areas of study within the University, such as economics and financial studies, international relations, law, media, education and computing. If you wish to study Asian languages without necessarily completing a major as part of a degree you can enrol in either of two undergraduate awards. The Diploma in Asian Languages, which is open to students eligible for admission to a degree program at Macquarie University or another approved institution or the Certificate in Asian Languages, for which no admission criteria are specified. Transfer from certificate to diploma is available.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course Duration
Bachelor of Arts 76.00 3 years full-time /equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts with Diploma of Education 75.00 4 years full-time /equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws 95.45 5 years full-time
Bachelor of International Studies 80.05 3 years full-time/equivalent part-time
Diploma in Asian Languages N/A 2-3 years part-time
Certificate in Asian Languages N/A 1.5 years part-time

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Chinese

The range of language units caters for all students, from absolute beginners to native speakers. The Department also offers units in Chinese literature, linguistics, history, politics and Chinese calligraphy. (NB Chinese study at Macquarie University is based on Mandarin).

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Japanese

The range of language units cater for all students, from absolute beginners to native speakers. The Department also offers units in Japanese manga/anime, literature, culture, history, mass media
and translation/interpreting workshops. Manga and anime texts and computer-assisted learning materials are also used in language core units as supplementary resources.

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Arabic

In 2008, introductory Arabic language for absolute beginners was offered for the first time. The program will gradually be developed to a full range of offerings within several years.

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in one of the following:

  • Chinese
  • Japanese

Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • Chinese: beginners, intermediate, advanced
  • Japanese: beginners, intermediate, advanced
  • translation and writing
  • manga/anime
  • films and calligraphy
  • reading novels, poetry, prose and newspapers
  • history
  • culture

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

First-year Asian languages units do not require any assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • tourism and travel
  • administration and management
  • trade and diplomatic service
  • international banking
  • journalism and media
  • public relations
  • adult education
  • translating and interpreting
  • teaching in secondary schools and TAFE(with the Diploma in Education)

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Some Major Employers

  • primary and secondary schools
  • multi-national corporations
  • governmental organisations (eg Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
  • The Chamber of Manufacturers
  • corporations or businesses dealing with Asia

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Further Information

Department of International Studies
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Telephone:  (02) 9850 7008
Fax:  (02) 9850 7046
Email:  asianstudies@mq.edu.au
Web:  www.asianlang.mq.edu.au

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