BSc International Relations and Chinese

Our BSc International Relations and Chinese combines theoretical and applied learning – with a particular emphasis on China’s role in the international community. You’ll become proficient in Mandarin and learn how to negotiate diplomatic relations in Chinese and other international settings.

There is a strong emphasis on "learning by doing" so you’ll complete fieldwork, research and practical challenges to develop your understanding of international relations (IR) and your language skills.

The degree offers a unique opportunity to spend two periods studying abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai. You’ll sharpen your Mandarin-speaking skills, complete further IR courses and immerse yourself in the culture and history of one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be well prepared to work internationally or in diplomatic roles where Mandarin is required.

If you wish to gain further insight into the subject we suggest that you look at one or more of the following books:

• D Crystal How Language Works (Penguin, 2005)
• S Pinker The Language Instinct (Penguin, 1994)
• G Yule The Study of Language (Cambridge University Press, 4th ed, 2010)

As this is a joint degree programme you should also refer to the preliminary reading for the BSc International Relations.

In addition to LSE100 you’ll take two compulsory courses, one unassessed course and two optional courses.

You’ll study abroad at Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

During your time in China, you’ll complete a bespoke course at the university, with Mandarin language classes and IR lectures. You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee to LSE, which will cover your tuition fees at Fudan University.

Indicative courses:

• Contemporary Chinese Diplomacy
• The Political Economy of China
• Debating Globalisation
• The Chinese Metropolis: Shanghai in Comparative Perspective.

Find out more about your year abroad.

In your fourth year, you’ll return to LSE to either complete a dissertation or take other courses from options in international relations (IR), politics, and related courses in other departments. You’ll also take a further IR option and two language courses focusing on IR and the workplace.

The Language Centre has a close-knit, friendly community. Students often describe the Language Centre as like "one big family" and "a second home". We organise regular social and cultural events throughout the year – giving you the chance to get to know fellow students and staff better and deepen your understanding of your chosen language.

The Language Centre teaches two-degree programmes jointly with other departments – the BSc International Relations and Chinese and the BSc Language, Culture and Society. Our students take part in overseas study trips, drawing on our links with partner institutions in five different countries.

From undergraduate study through to learning a new language, the Language Centre offers a wide range of opportunities for all LSE students.

We welcome around 2,000 students each year and teach nine languages. Our students don’t just learn the language – they also learn about the broader social and cultural aspects of their chosen language.

LSE students can:

• study language, linguistics, and literature as part of their degree programme.
• study modern languages in addition to their degree studies.
• learn English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to support their academic study.

Learn more about our non-degree courses and English for Academic Purposes courses.

Language Centre

Who's who

Dr Catherine Hua Xiang

Programme Director

Language Centre

We consider each application carefully, taking into account all the details you’ve included on your UCAS form, such as:

• academic achievement, including predicted and achieved grades (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• subjects and subject combinations (also see specific information about this programme in the "entry requirements" above)
• your personal statement
• your teacher’s reference
• educational circumstances

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• a genuine interest in international society, governance, rules, institutions and relationships
• views and opinions on current and public affairs
• a willingness to read extensively
• intellectual curiosity
• an ability to evaluate and challenge conventional views
• great communication skills
• creativity and flexibility
• initiative and the capacity to work independently
• attention to detail
• self-motivation and a willingness to work hard.

This is the 2026/27 tuition fee for Home students. The Home undergraduate fee is charged in line with the maximum fee determined by the UK Government and may increase in subsequent years, in line with government plans.

Study abroad

• Summer eight-week programme

Students starting the programme as beginners in Mandarin and taking LN104 Mandarin Language and Society Level 1 (Beginner) will complete a compulsory eight-week language programme at Fudan University, Shanghai, during the summer between their first and second year. The cost of this programme is in addition to your annual LSE tuition fee. However, typically, the fee for this programme is covered by the Fred Halliday Language Award, administered by the Language Centre.

All students taking this eight-week language programme will be responsible for all travelling costs, including flights (approximately £800 for a return flight), visas, health/medical insurance (if compulsory), accommodation and subsistence (approximately £350 per week). Your Mandarin language level will be assessed once you start the programme.

• Study abroad year

The fee for the year abroad in Year 3 for Home undergraduate students starting their programme in 2026/27 is £1,465. Continuing Home undergraduate students in their second and third years of study should check the table of fees for the relevant academic year to determine their year abroad fee in Year 3.

During this year abroad, you’ll also be expected to pay for your flights, visas, health/medical insurance (if compulsory), accommodation and subsistence.

Funding to help with costs during your study abroad year

The Fred Halliday Language Award is a fund available to students undertaking study abroad as part of their degree programme.

This is the 2026/27 tuition fee for international students. The Overseas tuition fee will remain at the same amount for each subsequent year of your full-time study regardless of the length of your programme. This information applies to new Overseas undergraduate entrants starting their studies from 2026/27 onwards.

Study abroad

• Summer eight-week programme

Students starting the programme as beginners in Mandarin and taking LN104 Mandarin Language and Society Level 1 (Beginner) will complete a compulsory eight-week language programme at Fudan University, Shanghai, during the summer between their first and second year. The cost of this programme is in addition to your annual LSE tuition fee. However, typically, the fee for this programme is covered by the Fred Halliday Language Award, administered by the Language Centre.

All students taking this eight-week language programme will be responsible for all travelling costs, including flights (approximately £800 for a return flight), visas, health/medical insurance (if compulsory), accommodation and subsistence (approximately £350 per week). Your Mandarin language level will be assessed once you start the programme.

• Study abroad year

The fee for the year abroad in Year 3 for Overseas undergraduates starting their programme in 2026/27 is £4,335. Continuing Overseas undergraduates in their second and third years of study should check the table of fees for the relevant academic year to determine their year abroad fee in Year 3.

During this year abroad, you’ll also be expected to pay for your flights, visas, health/medical insurance (if compulsory), accommodation and subsistence.

Funding to help with costs during your study abroad year

The Fred Halliday Language Award is a fund available to students undertaking study abroad as part of their degree programme.

Formative coursework

Our language courses include continuous assessment to aid learning.

All taught courses include formative coursework which is not assessed. We use a wide range of formative assessment methods, such as essays, case studies, reports, quizzes and mock exams.

Feedback on coursework is an essential part of the learning experience. Class teachers mark formative coursework and feedback is normally given within two weeks – provided the work is submitted on time.

Summative assessment

This assessment counts towards your final course mark and degree award.

Summative assessment takes a variety of forms.

• In the first two years, most courses include assessments at the end of the year.
• For the third year, courses are assessed using a variety of methods, including end-of-year assessments, coursework or a combination of the two.

You’ll receive feedback on any summative coursework as part of the assessment for individual courses (except for final submitted dissertations). Feedback will normally be provided before the examination period.

Assessment on individual courses can change from year to year. Read more about the current formative coursework and summative assessment for each course in the relevant course guide

Find out more about LSE’s teaching and assessment methods.

The degree programme will prepare you for a career in politics and government, diplomacy of international organisations, NGO charities and international development (including multi-national corporations).

Further information on graduate destinations

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.