Mandarin Chinese
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
See fees section
- Start Date(s): Week commencing 29 September 2025
- Duration: 22 weeks and oral assessment week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- 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.
Languages open doors to your future. Check out How Languages Changed My Life for inspiring stories from learners across the world.
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.
Learn more about the University Language Programme and the awards.
Bilingual Chinese Idioms by Hsiu-Chih Sheu and Lucy Elwood
Join your Mandarin Chinese Course Leader, Hsiu-Chih, on her YouTube miniseries and learn about fascinating Chengyu (成语).
What you’ll study
Our language classes are divided into Stages. Stage one is designed for real beginners whilst stage six is 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). For more information, see our 'Awards' section.
See which CEFR levels are taught at each ULP stage and find out more about CEFR.
Online courses are also available. These will be included in the relevant Stage information.
"老师 (The teacher) is great at explaining things, this is probably my favourite class I've ever had. We learn valuable communication points and a wide range of useful vocabulary, and the online setting is versatile and I have found it more enriching than in person classes."
Anonymous student feedback
The course is suitable for real beginner learners of Chinese with no prior knowledge of the language.
It is delivered face-to-face on campus with an alternative option of online delivery (see below).
Course Book
The course book for this stage is “Discover China Book 1” - Units 1 to 6 (Macmillan).
Course Content
During the course, you will learn Pinyin (the phonetic symbols for Chinese characters), and the essentials of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
You will learn how to write/use computer input and speak in Chinese about basic personal details (e.g. age, nationality, phone number, occupation) and your daily routines.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have some basic understanding of Chinese grammar and structures and you will be able to give information about yourself, your family members and your friends and describe what they look like.
You will be able to communicate at a basic level when meeting a Chinese speaker for the first time and you will be able to write/type in Chinese characters.
The course is designed to help you achieve level 1 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
Online course
Can’t come on campus? Join our new online module for beginners instead.
Weekly online sessions supplemented with flexible learning online activities using the newest online teaching software.
The online classes will be delivered by the teacher via MS Teams, and you can complete many interactive exercises in your own time.
The content, assessments and progression are the same in the face-to-face and online classes.
The course is designed for beginners of Chinese with some knowledge of the language.
It is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 1 or equivalent, e.g., GCSE at grade C or D or point 4 to 3 in Chinese or equivalent.
Course Book
The course book for this stage is “Discover China Book 1” - Units 7 to 12 (Macmillan).
Course Content
During the course, you will learn about how to make appointments, do shopping, and talk in Chinese about types of transportation and your holidays.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will have deepened your understanding of Chinese grammar and structures at an elementary level, and you will be able to learn adverbial expressions of time, measure words and alternative question words.
You will also learn how to write and type in Chinese characters.
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level 2 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
Online course
Can’t come on campus? Join our new online module for stage 2 instead.
Weekly online sessions supplemented with flexible learning online activities using the newest online teaching software.
The online classes will be delivered by the teacher via MS Teams, and you can complete many interactive exercises in your own time.
The content, assessments and progression are the same in the face-to-face and the online classes.
Chinese stage 3 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 2 or equivalent, e.g., GCSE at grade A or B or point 7 to 5 in Chinese or equivalent.
Course Book
The coursebook for this stage is “Discover China Book 2” -Units 1 to 6 (Macmillan).
Course Content
During the course, you will learn topics relating to invitations, weather descriptions, festivals, shopping, asking directions, hotel booking and travelling.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to describe your feelings, plan a trip to China, make invitations, compare things, and describe sightseeing experiences in Chinese.
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level 3 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
Chinese stage 4 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 3 or equivalent, e.g., GCSE grade A*, point 9-8 or AS level grade C or above in Chinese or equivalent.
Course Book
The coursebook for this stage is “Discover China Book 2” -Units 7 to 12 (Macmillan).
Course Content
During the course you will study topics relating to ordering Chinese food, bargaining in a shop, describing resorts, asking about details of goods, seeing a doctor, and describing people and their personalities.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will be able to read a Chinese menu and order food, describe sightseeing and people’s appearances, talk about your illness at the doctor’s, and ask for directions and suggestions.
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level 4 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
Chinese stage 5 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 4 or equivalent, e.g., A level grade D or E in the language or equivalent.
Chinese stages 5 and 6 are normally taught as a merged class.
Course Book
The coursebook for this stage is “HSK Standard Course 5A-Textbook”.
We also use authentic materials on current affairs (BBC Chinese, New York Times Chinese and China Daily, etc.)
Course Content
During the course you will study topics relating to Chinese culture and society as well as current news about China and Taiwan, and some business Chinese.
At the end of the course, you will be able to read and discuss a variety of topics in Chinese and give an in-depth presentation on an area of your choice.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will gain a good understanding of Chinese culture and contemporary society.
Typically, you will be able to compare/ contrast the Chinese culture/ society to your own.
You will also be able to write and speak about a range of topics covered in the module and give a coherent presentation on an area of your choice.
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level 4-5 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
Chinese stage 6 is the right stage for you if you have successfully completed Chinese stage 5 or equivalent, e.g., an A level at grade C or above in Chinese plus at least one further year of study or equivalent.
Chinese stages 5 and 6 are normally taught as a merged class.
Course Book
The coursebook for this stage is “HSK Standard Course 5A-Textbook”. We also use authentic materials on current affairs (BBC Chinese, New York Times Chinese and China Daily, etc.).
Course Content
During the course you will study topics relating to Chinese culture and society as well as current news about China and Taiwan, and some business Chinese.
Course Outcome
At the end of the course, you will gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and contemporary society and can compare/contrast Chinese culture/society to your own.
Typically, you will be able to write about and discuss variety of topics in Chinese and give an in-depth presentation on an area of your choice.
The course is designed to help you achieve a level of language proficiency equivalent to level 5 of HSK (International standardised test for Chinese language proficiency from China).
How you’re taught
Your language study is designed in a flexible and blended learning mode which consists of taught sessions and guided self-study.
Contact hours
You will take part in two hours of weekly class contact time and will need to complete an additional two to four hours per week guided self-study.
Campus and facilities
From access to our libraries and sports facilities, to subsidised bike hire, careers advice, and student discounts, as a ULP student you will be a full member of the NTU student body and are entitled to a student card and use of the University facilities.
Entry requirements
- Stage 1 (no prior knowledge or qualification needed).
- Stage 2 (successful completion of Mandarin Chinese stage 1 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade C or D or point 4 to 3).
- Stage 3 (successful completion of Mandarin Chinese stage 2 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE at grade A or B or point 7 to 5).
- Stage 4 (successful completion of Mandarin Chinese stage 3 or equivalent, e.g. GCSE grade A* or point 9 to 8, or AS level grade C or above ).
- Stage 5 (successful completion of Mandarin Chinese stage 4 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade D or E).
- Stage 6 (successful completion of Mandarin Chinese stage 5 or equivalent, e.g. A level grade A, B or C plus at least one further year of study).
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch at ulp@ntu.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The course fee is £300
* Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You apply depending on the type of student you are. If you are not sure what type of student you are please check our ULP page, or contact the ULP Administration team.
For members of the public and NTU staff:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store.
For NTU supplementary students:
Check the dates, days and times and book your place via the NTU online store.
Accredited students must complete the ULP Enquiry Form.
Your class will be added to your timetable or we’ll contact you if we need any further information.
Exchange students
Exchange students who are accredited should read the information for ULP Accredited Students.
You may register and pay for a ULP module via the ULP Online Store
Any questions?
Check our FAQs or contact the ULP Administration team:
- Email: ulp@ntu.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2285