Diploma in Chinese Studies
Southern University College · Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Diploma in Chinese Studies at Southern University College is approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education and is designed to foster interest in Chinese studies at the pre-university level. The programme incorporates Chinese literature, history and philosophy of classical Chinese, together with modern Western humanities, with Malaysian Chinese literature and culture included in the framework of the study.
The curriculum covers core modules such as Introduction to Ancient Texts, Chinese Philology, Chinese Phonology, Classical Chinese, and Modern Chinese Literature, as well as electives such as selected Chinese classics and Introduction to Linguistics. Students also complete modules including Research Method / Graduation Thesis I and II, and a General English / Communicative English component.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build your core knowledge with Introduction to Literature and the readings blocks across Pre-Qin and Han Literature, Wei-Jin-Nan-Bei-Chao Literature, and Tang and Song Literature
- Strengthen classical-language foundations with Introduction to Ancient Texts and Classical Chinese
- Develop modern-language competence with Modern Chinese
- Start language-related training with Chinese Philology and Chinese Phonology
- Deepen critical analysis through Critical Interpretation of Ancient Texts
- Expand your understanding of Chinese culture, history, and thought via History of Chinese Philosophy and The Analects of Confucius
- Connect your studies to broader context with General History of China and History of Malaysian Chinese
- Choose elective study (three electives) and one English elective from the elective options
- Advance into specialist content with Modern Chinese Literature and Contemporary Chinese Literature
- Study Malaysian Chinese literature with Chinese Literature in Malaysia
- Complete your curriculum with Ming and Qing Novels and Chinese Teaching Methodology
- Apply the programme’s humanities focus to practical communication and learning-style development
Curriculum
Credit total is 95 credit hours for the Diploma in Chinese Studies (Southern University College).
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Modules not accessible from official credit-hour curriculum source at time of generation | Chinese Studies modules (official titles and credit hours not retrieved from credit-hour curriculum source) | ||
| Chinese Studies modules (official titles and credit hours not retrieved from credit-hour curriculum source) | ||||
| Chinese Studies modules (official titles and credit hours not retrieved from credit-hour curriculum source) | ||||
| Total | Total programme credit hours | 95 credit hours | ||
Career outcomes
- You build a solid, job-relevant humanities foundation in Chinese language, literature, history, and philosophy, helping you prepare for careers where cultural and textual knowledge is valued.
- With training across Chinese Studies content and Chinese Teaching Methodology, you are positioned for roles in education and training where teaching skills and subject knowledge are both required.
- Your programme scope supports opportunities in journalism and media, where Chinese language understanding and cultural context help you work on content creation and reporting.
- You gain structured preparation for administration and management roles that benefit from communication skills and cross-cultural competence linked to Chinese Studies.
- You can pursue pathways into cultural and creative industries, using your knowledge of classical and modern Chinese literature to support creative and cultural projects.
- You also develop study and expression skills aligned with translation and language services work that relies on careful interpretation and language usage.
Employability rate
No Malaysia-specific employability and unemployment percentages for Diploma in Chinese Studies graduates were found in the official sources used for this program content, so an exact rate cannot be stated.
Overall, the programme’s stated career opportunities in education and training, journalism and media, administration and management, and cultural and creative industries support a stable outlook for learners who want Chinese Studies-focused career options in Malaysia.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving qualifications (including Chinese credit) | International applicants can apply with SPM or O-Level qualifications with a minimum of 3 credits including Chinese, or with UEC with at least Grade B in 3 subjects including Chinese. |
| Certificate in a related field | International applicants may also apply if they have a certificate in a related field. |
| Other recognised equivalent qualifications | International applicants may submit any other recognised equivalent qualifications for entry consideration. |
Language requirements
International applicants must meet the programme English competency requirement stated by Southern University College for this Diploma in Chinese Studies.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 39800 / total program | International student school fee schedule shows Diploma in Chinese Studies (2-Years 3-Months): Tuition and Misc Fees 39,800 and total fee shown as 47,300 for the full programme duration; subject to change by semester/credit hours selected. |
| Other charges (total) | MYR 7500 / total program | Other Charges total 7,500 includes Application Fee 500 plus Part (a) Sub Total 3,500 and Part (b) Sub Total 3,500, as listed in the international student school fee schedule for Diploma in Chinese Studies. |
| Application fee | MYR 500 / one time | International student school fee schedule lists Application Fee as 500 for the programme cost plan. |
Proof of financial resources
International students applying for this Diploma should be prepared to demonstrate they can cover the published tuition and required other charges for the full programme duration.
- Proof of funds to cover the published programme tuition and required other charges for the Diploma in Chinese Studies
- Any additional funds needed for application and visa-related fees listed by the university for international students
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone |
|---|
| Application portal opens |
| Application deadline (final submit) |
| Application deadline (EU students) |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) |
| Recommended apply-by |
| Semester begins |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone |
|---|
| VPD request - recommended |
| VPD result expected |
| APS - recommended |
| Start eligibility check |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone |
|---|
| Application submission deadline |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) |
| Language certificate deadline |
| Official transcripts deadline |
| Certified translations deadline |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline |
| Missing documents (if requested) |
📝 How to Apply
Review entry eligibility for international applicants
Check the Diploma in Chinese Studies international entry requirements, including the school-leaving or equivalent qualification pathway and the required English competency for international students. Prepare your supporting documents before you start the online application so you can upload them correctly. If you are unsure whether your foreign qualification is considered equivalent, confirm the eligibility with the university before submitting.
Complete the online application form
Submit your application using the university’s official online application form during the intake period. Fill in your personal details and qualification details accurately as shown in your documents. Upload the required results/transcripts and certificates for your highest completed qualification and supporting documents. Make sure your uploads are clear and complete before final submission.
Provide English competency evidence
Submit proof of English competency that meets Southern University College’s requirement for this Diploma in Chinese Studies for international students. Ensure your test evidence is valid and presented as required by the admissions process. If you are using an accepted equivalent to IELTS listed by the university, include the supporting evidence clearly.
Prepare for international student processing steps
After you submit your online application and documents, the university will proceed with its international applicant processing for admission and next steps. Be ready to respond to any follow-up requests from the admissions office for missing information or clarification. Plan your finances for the published application-related and programme charges shown for international students.