Mandarin Chinese

Level(s) of Study: Short course
Start Date(s): New dates will be announced soon
Duration: 22 weeks (term-time only)
Study Mode(s): Short course
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements:
More information

Introduction:

Learning a foreign language is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn the language itself, but also to reveal different perspectives on life, enabling you to explore new cultures through a different lens.

Our courses are more than just engaging classroom sessions supported by excellent online resources.

You’ll also have the option to take assessments and be awarded a Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Language Programme Certificate of Achievement.

If you continue to study with us, you may become eligible for a Certificate of Language Learning or Diploma of Language Learning (or the UNILANG Certificate).

You can find more details about these awards at www.ntu.ac.uk/ulp

What you’ll study

Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six and seven are for advanced learners. Check out the entry requirements to determine which stage is most appropriate for you. Some languages are available across levels in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This allows students to work towards UNILANG recognition, which is highly recognised by employers. For more information, see our 'Awards' section.

To see which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR, click here.

The course is suitable for real beginner learners of Chinese with virtually no prior knowledge of the language.

During the course you’ll learn how to talk about basic personal details, nationalities and occupation. You’ll also learn how to talk about daily routines.

At the end of the course, you’ll have some elementary appreciation of Chinese grammar and structures and you’ll be able to give basic information about yourself, your family members and your friends and describe how they look like.

You will also be able to communicate at a basic level when meeting a Chinese speaker for the first time.

The course is suitable for beginner learners of Chinese with some knowledge of the language, equivalent to stage 1 (for example GCSE grade B or C).

During the course you’ll learn about life in Beijing, and how to do shopping and talk about your holidays.

At the end of the course, you’ll have deepened your appreciation of Chinese grammar and structures at an elementary level and you’ll be able to learn adverbial expressions of time, measure words and alternative questions words.

Chinese stage 3 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 2 or equivalent (e.g. GCSE grade A).

During the course you’ll study topics relating for example to the Chinese festival, travel, regions of China and accommodation.

At the end of the course, you’ll be able to plan a trip to China, making invitations, doing comparisons and describing sightseeing experiences.

Chinese stage 4 is the right stage for you6 if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 3 or equivalent (e.g. A level grade D or E).

During the course you’ll study topics relating, for example, to making a formal invitation, asking about details of goods, seeing a doctor, asking information about accommodation and hotel.

At the end of the course, you’ll be able to talk about some Chinese dishes (menu), describing landscapes and friends, describing your illness to a doctor and asking for help when you lost your belongings.

Chinese stage 5 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 4 or equivalent (e.g. A level grade A, B, or C).

During the course you’ll study topics relating to life in China.

At the end of the course, you’ll be able to express your opinions (asking for and giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing), asking and checking information in the airport and expressing hospitality when visiting a Chinese family.

Chinese stage 6 is right for you if you have an A level at grade C or above in the language or equivalent.

During the course you’ll study topics relating to life in China.

How you’re assessed

Assessments will take place in class during University term time. To progress onto the next stage of your chosen language you must complete and pass all the assessments on the previous stage.

Campus and facilities

Here are some of the free services, student discount and benefits you'll get studying at NTU

We've carefully considered what benefits and services you need for your studies, so when you join NTU you'll get free printing and materials credits, access to our free WiFi, a copy of Microsoft Office, and even borrow a laptop if yours is out of commission.

For life outside your lectures, you'll enjoy access to over 60 sports clubs and 130 student societies, discounted travel and bike hire, free language learning, award-winning student support and an entertainment programme which is second to none.

See all the benefits and free services you will enjoy as an NTU student.

Books and library resources

In our library you’ll have access to an extensive and diverse range of books including those on your reading list.

The library's online resources and NTU Online Workspace (NOW) also provides digital access to the core resources for your modules and a wide range of specialist collections, texts, and databases

Nottingham Trent University has its own Blackwell’s Bookshop which stocks relevant academic texts plus a wide range of bestselling novels.

IT Resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the campus, with PCs providing access to: Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services (with a free printing allowance for each student). Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Societies

Current students run societies in a range of Humanities and Arts subjects including History, Medieval, Film, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, and the Book society.

There are also a number of media channels which our students get involved in such as the NTU radio station FlyLive, our student magazine Platform, and TV station TrentTV.

Find out more about student societies at the Student Union website.

Take a Virtual Tour

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

The course fee is £275

* Payment is due at the time of booking.

The course fee is £275

* Payment is due at the time of booking.

How to apply

Stage 1:

3 October 2023 - 16 April 2024 (Tuesdays 3- 5 pm)

4 October 2023 - 17 April 2024 (Wednesdays 6 - 8 pm)

Stage 2:

3 October 2023 - 16 April 2024 (Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm)

4 October 2023 - 17 April 2024 (Wednesdays 3 - 5 pm)

Stage 3:

5 October 2023 - 18 April 2024 (Thursdays 6 - 8 pm)

Stage 4:

5 October 2023 - 18 April 2024 (Thursdays 3 - 5 pm)

Stage 5:

5 October 2023 - 18 April 2024 (Thursday 3 - 5 pm)

Stage 6: