BSc (Hons) Computing & Chinese

What you'll study Overview By combining the study of computing with a comprehensive learning and understanding of the Mandarin language, this course anticipates and seeks to meet the needs and demands of the globalised industry of IT and computing. Mandarin modules are taught by the Goldsmiths Confucius Institute. In computing, you will learn computer programming in contemporary languages such as Java, PHP and Javascript. You will also be introduced to a wide range of subject areas including: Creative computing. Web programming. Databases and server side programming. Graphics & animation. Interaction design. Artificial intelligence. Audio and music computing. Data Mining. These disciplinary skills are then combined with the intensive Chinese language training programme given at Goldsmiths' Confucius Institute , followed by a year abroad in China (at the Capital Normal University in Beijing). Here you will undertake advanced language training and gain first-hand experience of everyday Chinese life. Then you'll be in a position upon your return to undertake your final year at Goldsmiths. Throughout your studies there will be opportunities for you to take part in extracurricular activities and various cultural events through the Chinese Culture Salon. These events include Martial Arts, Chinese Dance, Chinese traditional Music film nights and performances. These are designed to complement your learning outside of the classroom, giving you the opportunity to meet new people and to experience Chinese culture. After graduating from Goldsmiths, students may be able enrol for one further year of study in China and, upon passing the additional year at the Capital Normal University , this will lead to the award of a BA in Chinese from this prestigious institution. Year 1 (credit level 4) Year one starts with an introduction to Mandarin, expecting that students will have no prior knowledge of the language. This year will aim to provide you with a basic working knowledge of the Mandarin vocabulary. From computing, you will learn an introduction to programming and web programming plus one optional module. Year 2 (credit level 5) This year seeks to improve on the Mandarin foundation and to develop your skills to allow you to communicate more confidently, providing you with a level of knowledge to spend a year living and studying in China. In addition, you will also learn work on software projects together with further programming, either in Java or server side web programming. Year abroad This year will see you spending the year in China at Capital Normal University in Beijing to compound on their Mandarin Knowledge with an optional 4-6 hours per week of computing teaching. Final year (credit level 6) This year will see you use your skills and knowledge gained abroad to advance your Mandarin reading and writing skills alongside studying further computing, choosing from a wide range of advanced modules that include advanced graphics and animation, data mining, artificial intelligence, interaction design and neural networks. Teaching style This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work. The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*: Year 1 - 33% scheduled learning, 67% independent learning. Year 2 - 28% scheduled learning, 72% independent learning. Year 3 - 100% placement. Year 4 - 24% scheduled learning, 76% independent learning. How you’ll be assessed You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. If you opt for an industrial placement year, your placement tutor will assess your work. If you complete the placement year successfully, you earn the endorsement 'with work experience' on your degree certificate. The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*: Year 1 - 50% coursework, 60% written exam, 5% practical. Year 2 - 45% coursework, 45% written exam. Year 3 - Year abroad. Year 4 - 53% coursework, 33% written exam, 14% practical. *Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2016/17. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Download the programme specification , for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.