The programme aims to enable students with little or no previous knowledge of Chinese language and culture to acquire and develop interest in and understanding of Chinese speaking countries, including the Chinese language (Mandarin), history, literature, culture and society. It offers society the resource of intellectually trained individuals capable of acting as conduits of knowledge and understanding between Britain and Chinese-speaking countries. The programme is taught within the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. The main programme aims of the programme are to enable students to understand, evaluate and compare a range of theoretical and methodological frameworks; to enable students to develop and apply their knowledge and skills to the understanding and evaluation of issues and problems in the contemporary world; to enable students to develop and apply key generic skills in critical thinking, research, oral and written articulation of information and argument.