School of Modern Languages & Cultures

Freshers in Chinese Studies

To New Students in Chinese Studies 

Congratulations on your results and on securing your place in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures (MLAC) at Durham University. 

You should soon receive our Freshers' Information pack by post, which includes the module booklet for the Level 1 Chinese modules being offered in academic year 2011/2012.  These will contain useful information about how the modules are taught and assessed and lists of the recommended texts where available.  Details of all Level 1 modules offered by the Department of History and other departments offering modules on the BA Chinese Studies programme are available on-line at: http://www.dur.ac.uk/ (then select a department and click links to undergraduate modules). 

Once your A-level results are confirmed and you have returned your AS12, you will receive a username and password by email to enable you to access duo (Durham University On-line), where you can make provisional module choices.  On-line timetables are also available via duo so that you can check the compatibility of the modules you're interested in taking.  These must be in line with the regulations below: 

Core modules (these should already be on your duo record)

  • Chinese Language 1B [double module]
  • Introduction to Chinese Culture
  • Rice Fields, Imperial Palaces and the Great Wall [History module]
  • Two additional modules chosen from the list of modules in the enclosed booklet 

When you arrive at Durham you will be required to register formally for the modules you have decided to take in your first year and this process will take place in MLAC on the morning of Tuesday 4th October; the remainder of the week will be used for induction sessions both to the School and your transition to University study, and for your various modules and to sort out your seminar and language classes; actual teaching will not begin until Monday 10th October. 

You will receive a copy of the induction timetable at registration, which will include details of both individual language induction sessions and the School Induction and 'Transition from School to University' sessions, as well as on-line copies of the School Handbook and our Study Skills Booklet. 

We are delighted that you have chosen to continue your studies with us here in Durham and look forward to meeting you in October.  Please send one passport photograph of yourself (with your name and college written on the back), to Mrs Karen Shepherd, Modern Languages Admissions Secretary (in the envelope enclosed in our Freshers' pack).  If you have any questions prior to your arrival in the School, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. 

Best wishes, 

Mrs Denise Gustard
School Manager

August 2011 

Telephone +44(0)191 334 3441 / 3420
Fax +44(0)191 334 3435 / 3421
Email karen.shepherd@durham.ac.uk or
mlac.ugadmissions@durham.ac.uk