What is A Level Chinese?

A Level Chinese (opens in a new tab) comes under Modern Languages on the list of A Level subjects, and as a relatively rare subject with a steeper learning curve, it truly stands out on a UCAS form.

Offered by Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab) only, A Level Chinese is taught through listening, reading, writing, speaking and translating.

This guide covers what you'll learn, how it’s assessed, and where it can lead you in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Pearson Edexcel is currently the only UK exam board offering A Level Chinese

• A Level Chinese involves the study of the language, literature, film and culture of the Chinese-speaking world

• Assessment is two written exams and one speaking exam

• You do not need to have taken GCSE Chinese to take it at A Level, but it is recommended

• It opens routes to degrees such as Chinese, Linguistics and joint honours, as well as careers in journalism, the civil service and business

What A Level Chinese actually is

A Level Chinese develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the Chinese language, the culture of the Chinese-speaking world, and practical language and study skills. It pairs well with other languages.

What you study in A Level Chinese

The content for the Edexcel course is split into four themes, each with two sub-themes:

1. Changes in Contemporary Chinese Society

• Family

• Education and work

2. Chinese Culture

   • Tradition

   • Cultural activities

3. The Evolution of Chinese Society

   • Communications and technology

   • Economy and environment

4. The Impact of Reform and Opening Up in 1978

   • Change

   • Sino-British relations

Which exam board offers A Level Chinese

Pearson Edexcel is currently the only UK exam board offering A Level Chinese.

How A Level Chinese is assessed

The table below includes an overview of each of the three compulsory components:

What you need to take A Level Chinese

While Edexcel has no prior learning requirements, it does make it clear that knowledge of the grammar and structures specified for GCSE Chinese is assumed.

Most schools expect Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chinese. Some accept Grade 5 if the rest of your GCSE profile is strong.

Is A Level Chinese hard?

Though it’s not usually listed among the hardest A Levels, A Level Chinese can be especially challenging for non-native speakers. Being new to Chinese means you’ll face a much steeper learning curve, and will therefore have to put in considerable extra work.

It tends to be more accessible for native speakers, at least at first, but it can still be hard – especially if you find essay writing and critical analysis difficult.

If you took GCSE Chinese and did well in it, you’ll already have a strong foundation to build on. Our guide on preparing for A Levels after GCSE will help you to navigate the step up.

Where A Level Chinese can take you

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Chinese can open up for you:

Further Study

• Oxford and Cambridge offer strong programmes in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

• Degrees in Chinese, Linguistics and joint honours like Chinese and Economics

Careers

• Journalism, e.g. Asia correspondent

• Civil service, e.g. the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

• Business, especially in East Asia

Frequently Asked Questions

Can native Chinese speakers take A Level Chinese?

Yes! In fact, native Chinese speakers will have a good grounding in the subject – especially for the speaking exam.

Do you need GCSE Chinese to take A Level Chinese?

Technically no, but taking A Level Chinese without the GCSE and without being a native speaker will be considerably difficult. You’ll need to commit to a lot of additional independent study to prepare.

Can you study A Level Chinese online?

Yes. Make sure you register at an exam centre that accepts external candidates if you’re taking the A Level privately.

The speaking exam (which is available in both Mandarin and Cantonese) can be challenging to prepare for alone, so many students hire a Chinese-speaking online tutor for conversation practice.

Do universities respect A Level Chinese?

Yes. Russell Group like Oxbridge universities welcome it, and SOAS in particular regards it positively. The combination of language difficulty and rarity makes it a strong addition to most university applications.

As a Modern Language, A Level Chinese is a highly practical qualification with real-world application. See if it’s available at your school and, if not, consider taking it with a distance education provider. Our A Level Chinese revision page is also a great starting point!