Courses / Subject

	Required	Ordinary level grade	Higher level grade
Irish		O6	H7
English		O6	H7
Language		O6	H7
Math		-	-
Science		-	-

This course requires 3 additional subjects

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. Late application (for existing CAO applicants) accepted up to 1st May 2026. f taking a language as a beginner, the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures recommend attending all lectures from the beginning of semester one.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2026. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language. Round 1 points 2025: see above

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.  

APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

• School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
• Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
• EU/EFTA/UK students
• International students (outside the EU)
• QQI (Further Education) students
• Transferring students
• Deferring students

Chinese Studies and another subject to degree level. Chinese Studies (language) is available at beginner level only.

1st year

• Either 15 credits of Chinese Studies (if you studied Mandarin Chinese in school to the recommended H4 Leaving Certificate or you have an equivalent level) or 30 credits of Chinese Studies (if you are a beginner)
• Non-beginners are strongly recommended to take Language and Culture as a subject in 1st year and to select the modules on Chinese Language and Culture. This is especially important if you intend to take the language on to degree level
• Choose your other subjects, which may include Critical Skills, from the available Subject Groups 

2nd year

• Chinese Studies is taken with another subject in 2nd and 3rd year as part of a Double Major or as a Minor
• Transfer option in 2nd year - into the Business and Languages degree MH409 - for students who have completed the first year of the BA degree (MH101) taking at least 15 credits of a Business subject and achieving at least 40% in 30 credits of beginners/15 credits of non beginners Chinese Studies
• Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year

In year three, students have the option to study in one of Maynooth University’s partner universities in China

Duration: 3 years (BA) or 4 years (BA International)

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

CHINESE STUDIES Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with Mandarin Chinese, this subject is open to you. Connect with over 1.3 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese worldwide. As Ireland continues to expand its trade in goods and services with China, there is a growing demand for graduates with strong Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese society and culture. You will study a wide range of subjects including Chinese language, culture, society and history. After second year you will have the exciting opportunity to study in one of MU’s partner universities in China. The University’s Beijing office will be there to support you. This will improve your language ability, your understanding of the culture and help you to acquire the skills and confidence that you need in today’s job market. CN1F30 - CHINESE STUDIES FOR BEGINNERS Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory BEGINNERS' MANDARIN CHINESE 1 CN151 15 1 BEGINNERS' MANDARIN CHINESE 2 CN152 15 2   Only one of these can be taken as a double subject since the extra 15 credits for each are taught at the same time: Anthropology, Computer Science, German (beginner), History, International Development, Law, Sociology, Spanish (beginner). CN1F15 - CHINESE STUDIES FOR NON BEGINNERS Credits: 15 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory MANDARIN CHINESE 1 CN181 7.5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 2 CN182 7.5 2

Year 2

DOUBLE MAJOR MINOR CHINESE STUDIES Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with Mandarin Chinese, this subject is open to you. Connect with over 1.3 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese worldwide. As Ireland continues to expand its trade in goods and services with China, there is a growing demand for graduates with strong Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese society and culture. You will study a wide range of subjects including Chinese language, culture, society and history. After second year you will have the exciting opportunity to study in one of MU’s partner universities in China. The University’s Beijing office will be there to support you. This will improve your language ability, your understanding of the culture and help you to acquire the skills and confidence that you need in today’s job market. CN2DM - CHINESE STUDIES Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory CHINESE SOCIAL THEORIES CN221 5 2 COMPARING CHINA AND THE WEST CN211 5 2 DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS FOR THE YEAR ABROAD AND BEYOND CN230 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 3 CN281 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 4 CN282 5 2 READINGS IN GENDER, CLASS, RELIGION AND ETHNICITY IN CHINESE SOCIETY CN222 5 1 TELEVISION, FILM AND NEW MEDIA IN CHINA CN214 5 1 CHINESE STUDIES Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with Mandarin Chinese, this subject is open to you. Connect with over 1.3 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese worldwide. As Ireland continues to expand its trade in goods and services with China, there is a growing demand for graduates with strong Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese society and culture. You will study a wide range of subjects including Chinese language, culture, society and history. After second year you will have the exciting opportunity to study in one of MU’s partner universities in China. The University’s Beijing office will be there to support you. This will improve your language ability, your understanding of the culture and help you to acquire the skills and confidence that you need in today’s job market. CN2MI - CHINESE STUDIES Credits: 20 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory COMPARING CHINA AND THE WEST CN211 5 2 DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS FOR THE YEAR ABROAD AND BEYOND CN230 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 3 CN281 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 4 CN282 5 2 READINGS IN GENDER, CLASS, RELIGION AND ETHNICITY IN CHINESE SOCIETY CN222 5 1 TELEVISION, FILM AND NEW MEDIA IN CHINA CN214 5 1

Year 3

DOUBLE MAJOR MINOR CHINESE STUDIES Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with Mandarin Chinese, this subject is open to you. Connect with over 1.3 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese worldwide. As Ireland continues to expand its trade in goods and services with China, there is a growing demand for graduates with strong Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese society and culture. You will study a wide range of subjects including Chinese language, culture, society and history. After second year you will have the exciting opportunity to study in one of MU’s partner universities in China. The University’s Beijing office will be there to support you. This will improve your language ability, your understanding of the culture and help you to acquire the skills and confidence that you need in today’s job market. CN3DM - CHINESE STUDIES Credits: 30 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory MANDARIN CHINESE 5 CN381 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 6 CN382 5 2 PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CN323 10 Year-Long READINGS IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS I CN311 5 1 READINGS IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS II CN321 5 2 CHINESE STUDIES Whether you are a beginner or already familiar with Mandarin Chinese, this subject is open to you. Connect with over 1.3 billion speakers of Mandarin Chinese worldwide. As Ireland continues to expand its trade in goods and services with China, there is a growing demand for graduates with strong Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese society and culture. You will study a wide range of subjects including Chinese language, culture, society and history. After second year you will have the exciting opportunity to study in one of MU’s partner universities in China. The University’s Beijing office will be there to support you. This will improve your language ability, your understanding of the culture and help you to acquire the skills and confidence that you need in today’s job market. CN3MI - CHINESE STUDIES Credits: 20 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory MANDARIN CHINESE 5 CN381 5 1 MANDARIN CHINESE 6 CN382 5 2 READINGS IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS I CN311 5 1 READINGS IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CULTURE AND CURRENT AFFAIRS II CN321 5 2

Maynooth University Chinese Studies
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/chinese

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• As a Maynooth graduate of Chinese Studies at you are in a prime position to take advantage of the existing links between Ireland and China. Your language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture will open doors for you in international trade and commerce, international relations and diplomacy, business, politics, or the media.
• If further study is an option for you then you may continue with the MA, MLitt or PhD programmes in Chinese Studies currently offered by Maynooth University.

Visit the Chinese Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

• As a Maynooth graduate of Chinese Studies at you are in a prime position to take advantage of the existing links between Ireland and China. Your language skills and knowledge of Chinese culture will open doors for you in international trade and commerce, international relations and diplomacy, business, politics, or the media.
• If further study is an option for you then you may continue with the MA, MLitt or PhD programmes in Chinese Studies currently offered by Maynooth University.

Visit the Chinese Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site