Nav bar







 
How much does it cost to live in China?
The main cost advantage of studying in China is living expenses. Generally speaking accommodation and food is about a third of the cost of the UK. The university dorms costs as little as £100 for a year though to have a single room (with bathroom) in the international dorm is around £75 a month. You can also eat well in the student canteens for around £1 a day. Most international students choose to rent a flat which, if shared, costs around £50 a month each (see pictures). For people visiting for shorter periods the university can book a local hotel room at a discounted rate. These start at around £10 a night (£5 if shared with another student).

How does the online option work?
We have built a virtual learning environment for distance students to continue studying while being away from the learning centre. Lectures are recorded and podcast, seminars conducted with voice conferencing and pictures discussed using blog software. However students still need to attend two intensive two week workshops (one in March and one in June) as well as critical assessments and edit sessions. It is important to note that this option is by negotiation with the tutor.

What is life like in Dalian?
Dalian is one of China's most modern cities with a large international community (the university has nearly 1,000 international students alone). Most goods you would find in the UK are available through the numerous international supermarkets and restaurants (see pictures of the city). There is also a vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife, art and fashion scene. Dalian is known as a centre of design in China. There are 10 Universities in the city too which has made it very student friendly (see pictures).

What kind of stories can I work on in China?
China is quickly developing, old ways and architecture are disappearing fast and the country is continously in the international news agenda. Students cover both breaking news such as the earthquake and the olympics as well as long term stories. Click HERE to download a pdf of some recent long term stories shot in China by students (it is a 33 MB download so be patient).

Can I get a part time job in China?
It is not legal to work on a student visa though some students find legitimate full time employment (normally as language teachers) and study in their spare time. This is not recommended as it leaves students with virtually no free time but is possible.

Is the teaching as good as in the UK?
The course is run by a lecturer from Bolton and follows exactly the same syllabus as the course in the UK. There is also a strong list of visiting lectures from all over the world that come during the year to give lectures and run workshops (see pictures).

How much does it cost to get there from the UK?
Flights to Beijing from the UK vary in cost greatly but given enough time should be cheaper than £500 return. Once a student signs onto the course we will assist in getting the best fares available to students at the time. From Beijing to Dalian you can either fly (£50 one way) or take the train (£20 one way).

What is the campus and teaching facilities like?
The MA photography has its own teaching room on the Zhongshan campus (smaller of two university campus'). The room has it's own library, TV & DVD, digital projector, apple and PC computers as well as a wireless internet network (see pictures). On campus there is also a canteen, a large gym, and playing fields. The campus is on the coast just off the main tram and bus routes into the centre of the city. The main photography campus is located 20 minutes away in Lushan (see pictures here).

Can I get around without Chinese?
It is important to make an effort when you first come to China to learn some basic vocabulary. English is widely spoken in China but to get into the more remote areas it is useful to be able to buy tickets and ask directions. Often non Chinese students link up with local students to work on projects. Getting around Dalian is easy using trams, buses and taxis which are affordable. Students are advised to take the same precautions in regard to personal safety that they would in their own countries. Generally speaking Dalian is a safe city to live.

What will I do if I become sick?
The university runs three hospitals in the city, all of which have modern facilities and english speaking doctors.

Ian Beesley , UK MA Programme Leader
E-mail: i.beesley@bolton.ac.uk		   D.J. Clark, China MA Programme Leader
E-mail: d.j.clark@bolton.ac.uk
 
MA Duration 1 yr FT, 6 Modules per year, Contact Recruitment and Admissions on 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk School of Arts, Media and Education, University of Bolton, Chadwick Street Campus, Bolton, BL2 1JW