Master of Arts in Chinese - Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages

Our Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) MA programme aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and professional competencies required to teach Chinese effectively to speakers of other languages in a variety of contexts globally and in Ireland.

In this course, you will develop an understanding of key issues in teaching Chinese as a linguistic system to a variety of learners and become familiar with recent research and publications on theory and practice in teaching Chinese. Students of this programme gain practical professional experience by engaging with in-class observation and practice teaching and they learn how to evaluate their own professional competence and that of others.

Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in a relevant subject area such as Chinese or Asian Studies.

Applicants who are native speakers of Chinese should have a degree in the following disciplines areas Chinese or Asian Studies, Linguistics, Education, Pedagogy, Foreign Languages, Literatures and Communication.

Applicants who hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in another relevant area may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), following a review of their individual qualifications and experience and based on the information provided in a supplementary statement and/or interview acceptable to the Department selection committee. Prospective applicants may be called for an interview (in person or, where more feasible, online), with a view to assessing their suitability for the programme.

Fluency in Chinese (minimum HSK level 5 or equivalent)

Applicants whose first language is not Chinese should hold an HSK (Hànyū Shuīpíng Kāoshi/Chinese Proficiency Test) Level 5 certificate (or certified equivalent). Alternatively, they should have an approved undergraduate degree in which at least 50% of the credit weighting is in the Chinese language and Chinese Studies. Applicants without these qualifications but who have a demonstrably strong proficiency in the Chinese language may be exceptionally considered on a case-by-case basis subject to the approval of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences.

Duolingo English Test: DET 120 (with a minimum score of 110 in each individual section)

IELTS: 6.5 Overall; 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)

TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall; Listening 20; Reading 19; Speaking 21; Writing 20

Pearson PTE: Minimum score of 63 with no section score below 59