The University of Saint Joseph (USJ), in Macau, has launched a four-year licentiate degree in Portuguese and Chinese Studies (Language and Culture).

“It is another door for the training of bilingual staff in Macau,” said USJ’s Vice Rector and dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Maria Antónia Espadinha, quoted by Radio Macau.

On Tuesday the Government approved the programme’s study plan. According to a dispatch by the Secretary of Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam Chon Weng, the study plan includes the teaching of Portuguese and Chinese languages, as well as subjects related to culture and literature from Portuguese-speaking Countries and from China. The plan also features subjects related to Macau.

The new degree course is due to launch in the 2016-2017 academic year, depending on the number of applicants, Ms Espadinha added. The programme will be taught in Chinese and Portuguese with portions in English.