Politics with Mandarin BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how governments work, why countries make the decisions they do, and how China has become a major global player, this programme gives you the perfect blend of political study and language learning. You will explore key political ideas, international relations, and global events while building strong Mandarin skills from beginner to advanced level — a rare combination that instantly stands out to employers.

Curriculum Structure (Detailed + Humanized)

Year 1 – Understanding Political Ideas & Starting Mandarin

Your first year is all about building a solid foundation in both politics and Mandarin. You’ll explore how political systems operate and how global issues shape societies in modules like Ideas and Change in Politics and International Relations and Journeys and Places. Alongside this, you’ll take Beginner Mandarin or Post-Beginner Mandarin, giving you your first step into the Chinese language, pronunciation, basic grammar, and cultural understanding. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to discuss simple topics and start understanding the political dynamics that shape the modern world.

Year 2 – Deepening Your Political Thinking & Mandarin Skills

In your second year, the political content becomes more analytical. Modules such as Political Theory: Why Big Ideas Matter and Exploring Work and Society help you understand ideology, power, identity, and how politics influences everyday life. Your Mandarin develops through Post-Beginner Mandarin or Post-Intermediate Mandarin, where you expand your vocabulary, learn to express opinions, and gain more confidence communicating in Chinese. This year strengthens both your political understanding and your ability to navigate Chinese cultural contexts.

Year 3 – Advanced Politics, Global Perspectives & Higher-Level Mandarin

Your final year is designed to prepare you for careers in diplomatic, international, and multilingual environments. You’ll study advanced modules such as American Politics and Decolonising Politics, which help you examine global power structures and political change. At the same time, you take Post-Intermediate Mandarin, where your language skills progress to more complex conversations and real-world applications. You’ll also complete a major Politics and International Relations Project, giving you the chance to research a topic you’re passionate about — and showcase your political and analytical skills.

Focus Areas (String):

“Global Politics, International Relations, Mandarin Language Proficiency, Chinese Culture & Society, Political Theory, Decolonising Perspectives”

Learning Outcomes (String):

“Critically analyse political systems and global events; develop practical Mandarin communication skills; understand Chinese cultural contexts; apply research and analytical tools to political problems; prepare for international and multilingual careers.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This degree is informed by the School of Humanities and Performing Arts at DMU, known for its strong global focus and commitment to developing students for culturally aware, internationally oriented careers.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

DMU is recognised for strong student support and graduate employability across humanities and global studies.
Mandarin language graduates are highly valued by employers in diplomacy, trade, global development, NGOs, and international business.
DMU’s international partnerships and global outlook add long-term career value for political and language-focused graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this course special is how much learning happens beyond the classroom. You won’t just read about politics or practise Mandarin from a textbook — you’ll experience both in real, practical ways. From working with global organisations to joining interactive language sessions, the programme is designed to help you understand the world by actively engaging with it. DMU’s block-teaching model, global initiatives and modern learning spaces make sure you feel supported, focused and truly connected to what you’re studying.

Here’s how the experiential side of your degree comes to life:

You get to be part of the DMU UN Hub, which connects students with real global issues — including opportunities linked to major events such as COP climate conferences.
Block teaching means you study one module at a time, giving you deeper focus, more meaningful discussions with your tutor, and a strong sense of learning community.
Modules like Journeys and Places and Exploring Work and Society include interactive workshops, group projects, and activities that help you understand how politics shapes everyday experiences.
Your Mandarin learning is hands-on, with weekly practice sessions using real cultural materials from Chinese society, history and media — helping you build confidence in speaking and understanding the language.
You’ll have strong academic support through DMU’s Learning Services Library, where you’ll access digital research tools, writing guidance and personalised help for your final-year project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree opens doors to a wide range of careers where political understanding and Mandarin skills are truly valued. Many graduates go on to roles such as Parliamentary Assistant, International Relations Officer, Policy Analyst, or Communications & Cultural Liaison Specialist — careers that allow you to work across countries, cultures, and international organisations. What sets you apart is the rare combination of political knowledge and Mandarin proficiency, which employers increasingly see as a major advantage.

DMU also gives you strong support along the way, helping you build confidence, develop your CV, and connect with opportunities that match your interests. Here’s how your future is supported:

The Careers & Employability Service offers personalised career guidance, CV reviews, mock interviews, and help with finding placements and graduate roles.
Politics graduates from DMU typically earn around £24,500 just 15 months after finishing the course, with many securing skilled roles quickly.
You benefit from global-facing opportunities like the DMU UN Hub, which exposes you to real international issues and gives you talking points for interviews and applications.
The blend of Politics + Mandarin offers long-term career value, especially in fields like diplomacy, global development, public service, and international business.
Strong graduate outcomes show that the degree equips students not only for employment but also for progression to advanced study or leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:

You can continue into postgraduate study in areas such as International Relations, Global Policy, Chinese Studies, or Public Diplomacy. These pathways deepen your expertise and prepare you for specialised careers in global organisations, diplomatic services, NGOs, think-tanks, or academic research.