English 
Deutsch Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Modern Chinese Studies at SDI Munich Suitable For?
The Bachelor's programme in Modern Chinese Studies is aimed at individuals seeking a solid education in Chinese language, culture, and economy. The target group especially includes school leavers with the German Abitur as well as international prospective students who want to start without prior knowledge of the Chinese language and prepare for a career related to China. The course is suitable for anyone wishing to work in international companies, intercultural consulting, cultural management, or in the field of international communication. Multilingual individuals with ties to China, people interested in intercultural exchange, and those seeking an academic foundation for advanced Master's degrees in business or communication fields will also benefit from the programme.
Which Formal Admission Requirements Do You Need to Meet?
To be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Modern Chinese Studies, you need:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or advanced technical college entrance qualification
- For international applicants: an equivalent recognised school leaving certificate
- German language skills at least at B2 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR)
- English language skills at least at B1 level (CEFR)
Prior knowledge of Chinese is explicitly not required. If you wish to improve your German skills, the university recommends a preparatory intensive German programme (A1–C1).
To succeed in your studies, we expect openness to foreign cultures and a willingness to engage with new ways of thinking. Intercultural sensitivity and an interest in language are key prerequisites. Advantages include the ability to work in a team, motivation for independent learning, and the desire to understand international contexts. A structured working style as well as strong communication skills will help you master the intensive studies and projects in an international environment.
Study Content in Detail
In the Bachelor’s degree programme Modern Chinese Studies at the International University SDI Munich, you will acquire solid Chinese language skills – entry is also possible without prior knowledge. The focus is on a combination of language, intercultural communication and economic competence with reference to China. You will develop the linguistic, cultural and economic fundamentals to be able to act as a bridge between East and West. After seven semesters, you will achieve a highly qualified language level (HSK 5) in Chinese.
- Chinese as a foreign language – including character literacy, communication and presentation
- German and English are continuously promoted as further important working languages during the course
- Intercultural communication – theories, applied intercultural competence, project management
- Business-related content – introduction to business administration, international business, marketing and China’s economy
- Culture and society of China – history, values, media, current developments
- Elective areas/specialisations:
- International Business: global economy, management, legal fundamentals
- Language, Culture and Translation: deepening language practice, translation, cultural understanding
- Practice orientation through an integrated semester abroad (study or internship in China/Taiwan/Greater China)
- Soft skills such as teamwork, motivation, self-responsibility and communication skills
The curriculum is specifically designed to help you overcome language barriers, think interdisciplinarily and professionally master intercultural challenges.
Course Progression
The programme is organised as a full-time course over 7 semesters (equivalent to 3.5 years) and combines classroom teaching with independent study and practical phases. It takes place at the International University SDI Munich on three fixed days per week. This 3-day system enables you to flexibly combine study and part-time work.
- Languages of instruction: German, English, Chinese
- 1st–3rd semester: basic training in language, intercultural communication, business, culture
- From 4th semester: advanced modules in the chosen specialisations
- Practical semester: at least one semester as a stay abroad (study or internship in China or neighbouring countries)
- Graduation: bachelor thesis in the 7th semester
- Integrated projects – realistic tasks and collaboration in international teams
The practical approach and direct interaction with lecturers and international fellow students shape the course sustainably.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
Upon graduation, you will possess solid language skills and pronounced intercultural expertise in the China context. This makes you part of a highly sought-after group of communication professionals who form the interface between European and Chinese companies, organisations and markets.
- Intercultural consulting and project management: development and management of projects between China and Western Europe
- Culture management and China outbound tourism: shaping tourism and cultural exchange programmes
- Corporate communication and public relations in internationally oriented companies
- Human resources – managing international teams with a China focus
- International marketing – building and maintaining business relationships with Chinese partners
- NGOs, non-profit organisations and authorities focusing on East Asia
- Opportunity for self-employment or founding your own company in an international context
- Application for advanced Master’s programmes in areas such as Intercultural Communication, Translation or Digital Media Management
Graduates of this degree programme work in international corporations, in the public sector or in education and make an important contribution to intercultural understanding and cooperation.
Location of Study
The programme is offered on the campus of the International University SDI Munich. The university is centrally located in Munich (Baierbrunner Straße 28, 81379 Munich) and is characterised by an international, multicultural atmosphere. Campus life is shaped by global networking – students and lecturers come from various cultural backgrounds, including many from the Chinese-speaking world.
- Face-to-face teaching with personal contact to lecturers
- Practical semester possible at one of over 25 partner universities in China or Taiwan
- Good connection to public transport in Munich
- Many leisure and networking opportunities through the international campus
The study location offers an optimal environment for exchange with international fellow students and support networks in the Chinese economy and society.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Bachelor’s degree Modern Chinese Studies amount to a total of €20,580, corresponding to a monthly rate of €490. Included are lectures, supervision, use of resources on campus as well as support for the internship abroad.
- 3-day university as a model – the concept with only three on-site days per week leaves time for part-time jobs or employment as a student assistant
- Application for scholarships is possible through internal and external programmes
- Assistance in finding internships, working student jobs and jobs for students via the university’s Career Center
- Additional acquisition of language certificates and further qualifications integrated in the course
The financial arrangement is deliberately designed to allow compatibility of study and side activities, so that you can finance your studies flexibly and in a planned way.
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