Oh dear now I'm more confused as to what to take.
I am aware I will not become fluent in EITHER language at uni. Either course will have me starting from beginner level in the languages (my GCSE stands for nothing in the eyes of universities). Hence I will only ever get to Lower intermediate level. My main priority has to be the international business course, not the language. I LOVE languages don't get my wrong, I really do, but I cannot sacrifice a great international business course just for a language. My reasons for German: I studied it at GCSE and enjoyed it, it's a business powerhouse within Europe. My reasons for studying Mandarin: It is the most widely spoken language in the world, yes I may not become fluent by the end of my course, but I will have a solid foundation to keep improving my skills. Not to mention the Chinese economy is set to grow for many many years yet.
I also have the choice of Russian, Italian, Thai, Japanese (which I'd love to learn for pokemon manga but that's really not a good enough reason unfortunately), French, Spanish and Arabic. I am going to the University of Newcastle open day, but really Leeds is the furthest South I would like to go, and Newcastle/Northumbria/sunderland the furthest North. I mean I'd have loved to study Swedish and Finnish (for personal reasons) but only UCL offers those, and I feel that is too far from home, and also the entry requirements are so high. (yes I know my course has typical entry of AAA, but I feel that is achievable). But I would like to be within 2 hours bus journey from my current home.