I. Program Overview
The English major (Joint Undergraduate Program in Transnational Legal Studies with China University of Political Science and Law) is designed to meet the nation's critical strategic need for high-level professionals in both foreign languages and transnational law. Leveraging the disciplinary strengths of both universities in foreign languages, literature, and law, this program cultivates interdisciplinary “New Liberal Arts” talent with a solid foundation, broad knowledge base, and strong international competencies. Graduates will possess outstanding foreign language abilities and a firm grounding in legal theory. They will be adept at English communication in cross-cultural contexts, familiar with Chinese law, well-versed in international rules, and capable of engaging in international legal affairs and global governance, thereby meeting the demands of deepening globalization and China's strategy of opening up.
The four-year program is structured into two main modules: English courses and Law courses. English courses are offered by Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), while Law courses are offered by China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL), with both modules containing required and elective series. The required English courses include language skills and professional knowledge components. The skills courses are designed to enhance students' linguistic foundation and overall language proficiency. The professional knowledge courses (Legal English, Understanding Contemporary China, Western Civilization and Readings in Classics of Western Thought, Language and Science, Research Methods) are tailored to students’ professional needs and foster an initial interdisciplinary awareness. English electives are offered across four tracks—Literatures in English, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Social and Cultural Studies, and Country and Regional Studies—to further develop students’ interdisciplinary perspective, critical thinking, cross-cultural competence, and personal qualities, providing diverse options for future advanced studies.
Our pedagogical model features: (1) A “1+1+1+1” structure, where students spend their first year at their home institution, the second year at BFSU, the third year at CUPL, and the fourth year back at their home institution. Language instruction is integrated throughout all four years, with the first year focused on intensive training in fundamental English skills. (2) Collaborative teaching by high-level faculty from both universities, featuring small-class, elite education, deep interdisciplinary integration, and project-based learning, with mutual support for resources, credit transfer, and quality assurance. Faculty may be exchanged between institutions as needed. (3) A focus on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) to foster continuous improvement in language, critical cross-cultural thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Graduates are expected to possess strong practical language skills, a broad international perspective, sharp critical thinking, and excellent cross-cultural communication abilities. Career destinations include government ministries, Chinese foreign missions, international organizations, multinational corporations, international law firms, judicial bodies, and large state-owned enterprises. Many also pursue advanced master's and doctoral degrees at prestigious universities both in China and abroad.
II. Program Objectives
This program aims to cultivate high-level, interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, innovative, and international professionals in transnational law who are well-rounded in their moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and practical development. Graduates will be proficient in English, possess a solid foundation in legal theory, and have a global perspective, with a familiarity of international rules as well as the legal systems of the UK and the US.
III. Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills and qualities:
(1) Student Attributes
● Intellectual and Moral Foundation: Exhibit a well-formed worldview, a positive outlook on life, and strong values, grounded in high moral character.
● Global and National Consciousness: Possess a deep sense of patriotism integrated with a global perspective, and a commitment to the ideal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
● Disciplinary Literacy: Display fundamental literacy in the disciplines of English and Law.
(2) Foundational Knowledge
● Core Disciplinary Knowledge: Master foundational knowledge of the English language, literature, and culture, as well as the basic theories and principles of law.
● Professional Knowledge: Acquire the foreign language communication skills, cross-cultural competence, and specialized knowledge required to handle transnational legal affairs.
● Global Governance Knowledge: Understand China's responsibilities, role, and approach to participating in global legal governance.
● Digital Proficiency: Master relevant technical skills and demonstrate proficiency in using digital tools and platforms.
(3) Core Competencies
● Advanced Language and Communication Skills: Demonstrate strong English proficiency, competence in English-Chinese translation and interpreting, and effective cross-cultural communication.
● Collaborative and Practical Skills: Exhibit strong teamwork, innovative and entrepreneurial abilities, practical skills for real-world application, and foundational research capabilities.
● Digital Storytelling and Global Influence: Utilize digital tools and platforms to present Chinese culture and stories, thereby enhancing international understanding. Innovatively combine modern communication methods, such as social media and digital content creation, with traditional culture to effectively communicate China's voice and increase its global influence.
● Interdisciplinary Synthesis: Deeply integrate knowledge from other relevant fields to become an adaptable, interdisciplinary professional prepared for diverse career paths.
IV. Discipline, Degree, and Length of Study
● Primary Discipline: Foreign Languages and Literatures
● Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts
● Standard Program Length: Four years (Flexible from 3 to 6 years)
● Minor Program: Students may pursue a minor in another discipline concurrently with their major within the designated period of study.
V. Total Credits and Hours
● Total In-Class Hours: 2,624
● Total In-Class Credits: 158
● Practical Training Credits: 12
● Total Program Credits: 170
VI. Honors Degree
To encourage academic excellence and innovation, the university offers an Honors Bachelor’s Degree. The requirements are as follows:
(1) Completion of all required professional and honors courses with a strong academic record in non-major courses.
(2) A cumulative GPA ranking in the top 10% of the major for all eight semesters.
(3) Fulfilment of one of the following conditions:
● Winning a second prize or higher at the national or provincial level in one of three major competitions: the China International “Internet+” College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the “Creating Youth” National College Student Entrepreneurship Competition, or the “Challenge Cup” College Student Entrepreneurship Plan Competition.
● Winning a first prize or higher in a national or international academic competition.
● Delivering a keynote speech at a national or international academic conference.
● Publishing at least one academic paper as the first author in a scholarly journal.
● Demonstrating other outstanding achievements (e.g., in innovation, entrepreneurship, or social service).
● A clean record with no disciplinary violations or academic misconduct during the period of study.
Students who meet these criteria may be awarded an Honors Bachelor’s Degree upon review and approval by both the university’s degree committees and those of the School of English and International Studies at the time of graduation.
