Religious Studies with Chinese (Placement Year) : BA Hons : 1C20

This degree in Religious Studies with Chinese allows you to explore the themes, concepts and events that have shaped religious life in the modern world, whilst studying Chinese language and culture.

You will begin your degree with the core module Religions of the Modern World and one core Chinese module which is designed for beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Chinese Language or Culture.

In your second and third years you will take Religious Studies modules that cover topics such as religion and politics; religion and violence; religion and the media; religion and gender; atheism and secularism; and Asian religious traditions. You will also continue to take Chinese Language modules and in your final year you will take a course on Chinese Culture and Society. You also have the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, and may integrate your dissertation research with the study trip to China or the research-based placements that are organised by the department.

You will have the opportunity to spend Year 3 on placement with a public, private or voluntary organisation in the UK or overseas. This experience will boost your employment prospects and will help you to decide on your career direction and the kind of organisation in which you want to work once you graduate. You will be doing a real, responsible job – with all the satisfaction that brings. Our Placements Team will support you in finding and applying for a suitable placement that will support your professional development. Applying for a placement is a competitive process and the preparatory modules you will complete in years one and two are designed to give you the best chance of success in your placement applications. You will also be provided with dedicated workshops, 1:1 appointments with careers professionals as well as opportunities to speak with employers here on campus.

During the placement year you will remain a Lancaster University student which means that you will still be eligible for a student loan, have access to facilities such as the library and receive discounts on transport and council tax. Your tuition fee will be reduced to 20% during the placement year.

The placement will enhance your understanding of the connections between theory and practice and this will benefit your final year of study. This is an exciting opportunity to build up experience and transferable skills, as well as to make contacts with potential employers which will place you a step ahead in the graduate recruitment market.

Throughout your degree you will develop skills in critical thinking and in examining controversial issues from multiple perspectives. You will graduate from this degree programme with a deeper awareness of cultural diversity and an informed understanding of the conflicts and challenges of the contemporary world.