Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Chinese Studies

The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Chinese Studies programme at UTAR equips graduates with an in-depth understanding of Chinese history, literature, language, and culture. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students develop strong practical skills in speech, writing, research, analysis, and critique. The curriculum also incorporates courses in Malaysian studies and mass communication, ensuring that students remain aligned with the country’s evolving needs and developments.

This programme is fully recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA). UTAR boasts the largest enrolment of Chinese Studies students in Malaysia and has a highly qualified faculty, with the most comprehensive team of PhD lecturers in the field.

Any of these:

• STPM: Grade C in 2 subjects+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• STAM: Jayyid+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• A-Level: Grade D in 2 subjects+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• UEC:Grade B in 5 subjects+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• SAM: ATAR 70, Grade B in 2 subjects+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• CPU: 70% Average in 6 subjects+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• IB Diploma: 24 points (excluding bonus)+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• Foundation (UTAR): CGPA 2.00+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• Matriculation / Other Foundations: CGPA 2.00+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• Diploma (Level 4, MQF): CGPA 2.00+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.
• Other Recognised Qualifications: As determined+Credit in SPM Chinese+Pass in SPM English.

English Language Requirements:

• Malaysian Applicants: Pass in SPM English / equivalent.
• International Applicants: Minimum IELTS 5.0 / MUET Band 3 / TOEFL 40(iBT) / 7.5 (Essentials) / PTE 47 / Cambridge English 154 / 100(OET) / ELS CIEP Level 107 / equivalent*.
• Exemption applies to qualifications conducted fully in English or applicants from countries where English is the official language, but they must still have a pass in SPM English / equivalent.

Chinese Language Requirement Waiver:

• O-Level Chinese Language - Credit
• UEC Chinese Language - Credit
• STPM Chinese Language - Pass
• New HSK (since 2010) - Level 5 (min. 195/300)
• TOCFL (since 2013) - Level 4

     Year 1

• Chinese History (China to 1840) 中国通史 
• Chinese in Malaysia 马来西亚华人概论 
• Communicative English 
• Elective B I 
• History of Chinese Literature 中国文学史 
• Introduction to Chinese Studies 国学概论 
• Introduction to Literature 文学概论 
• Malaysian Chinese Literature 马华文学 
• Method of Using Chinese Reference Books 中文工具书使用方法 
• Modern Chinese Language 现代汉语 
• MPU1* 
• MPU1** 
• Selected Poetry of Tang and Song Dynasty 唐宋诗选 
• The Four Confucian Classics 四书 

      Year 2

• Chinese Etymology 文字学 
• Co-Curriculum 
• Elective A I 
• Elective A II 
• Elective A III 
• Elective B II 
• Elective B III 
• History of Chinese Thought 中国思想史 
• History of Modern Chinese 中国近现代史 
• Modern and Comtemporary Chinese Literature 中国现当代文学 
• Selection of Ci Poetry 词选 
• Selected Texts from Tang and Song Periods 唐宋文选 
• Sun Zi's Art of War and Business Strategies 孙子兵法与商业策略 

      Year 3

• Elective A IV 
• Industrial Training 
• Modern Chinese Thought 中国近现代思想 
• MPU3 
• National Language/Other Language 
• Project I 
• Project II

Elective A I - Choose 2 course(s)

• Book of Odes 诗经 
• Selected Texts for Reading and Writing 文选与习作 
• Shi Ji (Historical Records) 史记 
• The Song of Chu 楚辞 

Elective A II - Choose 2 course(s)

• Classical Chinese Novel 中国古典小说 
• Introduction to Literary Criticism 文学批评概论 
• Selected Literary Works from Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties Periods 汉魏六朝诗文选 
• Study of Chinese History in Malaysia 马来西亚华人史研究 
• Theory and Practice of Translation

Elective A III - Choose 2 course(s)

• Classical Chinese Language 古代汉语 
• Prescribed Texts in Chinese Classical Literature 中国古典文学专著 
• Selected Readings in Chinese History 中国历史专著 
• Selected Texts of World Chinese Literature 世界华文文学 
• Selected Works of Chinese Philosophy 中国哲学专著 

Elective A IV - Choose 2 course(s)

• Chinese Phonology 声韵学 
• Comparative Study of Malaysian Chinese and Malay Literature 马华文学与马来文学比较 
• Creative Writing 文学创作 
• Religious Thoughts in Chinese Culture and Philosophy 中国文化与哲学中的宗教思想 
• Selections of Qu Poetry 曲选

Elective A V - Choose 2 course(s)

• Modern Chinese Thought 中国现代思想 
• Prescribed Texts in Chinese Classical Literature 古典文论 
• Selected Readings in Chinese History 中国历史文选 
• Selected Texts of World Chinese Literature 世界华文文学 

Elective B I - Choose 1 course

• English for Business 
• English for Mass Communication

Elective B II - Choose 1 course

• Introduction to Journalism 
• Management Principles 
• News Reporting and Writing

Elective B III - Choose 1 course

• Introduction to Political Science 
• Organisation and Human Resource 
• Principles of Marketing 
• Understanding Politics: State, Nation and Government

National Language/Other Language - Choose 1 course

• Bahasa Kebangsaan (A) - For Malaysian only, without SPM-BM credit
• Communication Tamil For Health Sciences
• Introduction to French
• Introduction to German Language
• Introduction to Japanese
• Introduction to Korean
• Introduction to Tamil Language
• Introduction to Thai Language

MPU1- - Choose 1 course(s)

• Falsafah dan Isu Semasa - For Local Students 
• Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 2 - For International Students 

MPU1 - Choose 1 course(s)

• Philosophy and Current Issues - For International Students 
• Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban  - For Local Students 

MPU 3 - Choose 1 course

• Business and Society 
• Culture and Communication 
• Development Trends in Malaysia
• Human Resource Management
• Introduction to Sociology

Co-curriculum - Choose 1 course

• Art, Craft, and Design
• Arts and Cultural Performance
• Business Plan Writing & Preparation
• Community Project
• Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
• Language, Culture and Social Study Aboard
• Leadership and Teambuilding
• Managing Personal Finance
• Music Performance
• Management of Martial Arts Activity
• Management of Sports Activity
• Oral Communication
• Social Entrepreneurship Project
• Study Soft Skills and/or Life Skills Abroad
• Team Work and Collaborative Project
• Work Ethics and EQ