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
- Full-time
- English
International 2025/26: £5,300
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)
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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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IELTS 5.0 or above with no element below 4.5
English language requirements
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.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
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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UWTSD prides itself on being a bilingual University and although there aren’t currently any modules available through the medium of Welsh on this course, in all cases students can submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
Welsh Opportunities
As a leading Welsh university, we are proud to offer dedicated support services and halls of residence for Welsh-speaking students, encouraging the sense of community and the feeling of a home away from home, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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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.