| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-11-04 |
Program Overview
The English Language with Mandarin BA (Hons) program at DMU provides a comprehensive analysis of language, particularly English, in today's world. Students develop linguistic and analytical abilities, including Mandarin proficiency, preparing them for careers in communication, education, and other fields. The program emphasizes real-world applications, transferable skills, and global perspectives, equipping graduates to excel in a diverse job market.
Program Outline
English Language with Mandarin BA (Hons)
Degree Overview:
This program is a stimulating and thought-provoking course designed to provide students with a comprehensive analysis of how language, particularly the English language, functions in today's world. Students will delve into the history of the English language and its potential evolution amidst a backdrop of global change and advancements in technology. Additionally, they will explore the impact and significance of language in diverse contexts as a system for expressing ideas, emotions, and beliefs while serving as a tool for influence, persuasion, and engaging others. The program aims to cultivate a set of linguistic and analytical abilities to foster effective communication skills. Through the thorough study of language and its workings, the program empowers individuals to unlock a world of possibilities. Alongside the focus on the English language, the program incorporates the study of Mandarin from either beginner or post-beginner levels. Students will develop linguistic proficiency while gaining an understanding of social, cultural, political, and historical aspects.
Key features:
- Analyze the structure and mechanisms of language alongside the cultural and social dimensions of language and communication.
- Acquire recognized Mandarin proficiency, tailoring language studies to suit individual levels and preferences, while simultaneously deepening knowledge about the country, its people, culture, and society.
- Gain instruction from experienced practitioners with expertise that ensures skill development aligns with real-world professional applications and industry demands.
- Develop an array of transferable abilities that are valuable across diverse career paths. Graduates have secured positions with Meisei University in Tokyo, the Department of Transport, communication agencies, and educational institutions both within the UK and abroad.
- Participate in opportunities to visit professional events, such as the London Language Show, and engage with guest lecturers, including specialists like Dr. John Olsson in the field of forensic linguistics.
- Acquire workplace skills and experience by applying research, analytical, and communication abilities through optional placement or internship opportunities.
Outline:
The program is structured around modules, typically studied one module per term, to facilitate an immersive and focused learning environment. The program offers a variety of modules across the three-year curriculum, with variations depending on student intake to maintain content relevance.
First year:
- Block 1: Approaches to Reading and Writing
- Block 2: Words in Action
- Block 3: Beginner or Post-Beginner Mandarin
- Block 4: Topics in Linguistics: Theory in Practice
Second year:
- Block 1: Structure and Meaning
- Block 2: Research Methods for Linguists
- Block 3: Post-Beginner or Intermediate Mandarin
- Block 4: Pragmatics, Theory and Practice
Third year:
- Block 1: Yearlong Dissertation
- Block 2: Language Acquisition and Expression
- Block 3: Intermediate or Advanced Mandarin
- Block 4: Communication, Control and Resistance
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary across modules and can include a combination of reports, essays, blogs, wikis, tests, and oral presentations. The continuous assessment structure allows for regular feedback throughout the program, enabling ongoing improvement and skill refinement. This diverse assessment approach recognizes individual strengths and supports the development of skills in creativity, project management, teamwork, verbal communication, writing for diverse audiences, and utilizing various technologies. For Mandarin language modules, assessment focuses on evaluating competence across the four core skills of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Hearing, while considering cultural, social, and historical knowledge.
Teaching:
The program employs a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, and independent study to facilitate effective knowledge transfer. In the first year, students typically participate in around 10 hours of scheduled sessions per week, supplemented by at least 25 hours of independent research and project work. The program fosters an environment of active engagement and independent exploration. The program boasts an expert teaching staff with diverse specializations ranging from online communication and identity to language globalization, semantic meaning, propaganda, and counter-terrorism. Students benefit from exposure to visiting speakers and renowned experts throughout their studies, further enriching their learning experiences.
Career opportunities:
The program equips graduates with solid linguistic and analytical skills, making them highly sought-after by employers across various industries. The development of information analysis, presentation, and articulation abilities prepares graduates to excel as communicators in any environment and with any audience. Graduates have successfully secured positions in various sectors, including:
- Private sector
- Public sector
- Non-profit organizations
- International organizations Previous graduates have secured roles as teaching assistants in schools, speech therapists supporting individuals with special educational needs, researchers for the Centre of Textual Studies, Digital Humanities, and positions within local publishing houses, the BBC, and the Leicester Mercury newspaper, to name a few.
Other:
- The program utilizes the innovative "DMU Replay" technology to grant students anytime access to audio or visual recordings of lectures. This technology enhances learning flexibility, allowing students to revisit material or adapt it using specialist software.
- The program promotes an inclusive and equitable approach to learning through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. UDL provides a wide range of support, resources, and technologies catering to all learners, including those with disabilities and specific learning preferences, fostering an environment of accessibility.
- The award-winning DMU Careers Service provides invaluable resources for career development and exploration, including guaranteed work experience opportunities.
- The program integrates the "DMU Global" initiative to expand students' cultural perspectives, equipping them with a global mindset and preparing them to fulfill the needs of employers worldwide. This initiative offers a plethora of opportunities, including on-campus or nationwide activities, international studies, internships, faculty-led field trips, volunteering, and participation in Erasmus+ and exchange programs.
UK
EU/International Fees and funding: 2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250
International
Fees and funding: 2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £15,750
