Chinese
Discover Mandarin Chinese and its distinctive writing system.
Mandarin introduces you to a different way of communicating, from its sounds and pronunciation to Pinyin and simplified Chinese characters.
Learning the language also offers insight into Chinese society and the cultural context in which Mandarin is used.
You’ll practise listening, speaking, reading and writing while expanding your grammar and vocabulary.
Different study options allow you to begin from scratch or continue from previous learning.
Our courses range from introductory study for complete beginners to CEFR A2 level, allowing you to choose the option that best reflects your previous experience and learning goals.
Available study options:
- Full-year study – two semesters (September to May), with 3-contact hours per week.
- Chinese 1 (A1) – a full-year course for complete beginners who want to study Mandarin in greater depth.
- Chinese 2 (A2) – a full-year course for students who have completed Chinese 1 or have equivalent knowledge.
- Semester 2 study – 12-week introductory courses:
- Introduction to Chinese (A1.1) – a one-semester course for complete beginners.
All classes are taught on campus.
Full-year study courses
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: This unit is suitable for those who have never studied Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese before.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is for absolute beginners. It is designed for those who wish to attain a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese language covering four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. It aims to introduce students to the basics of language structure and the basics of Chinese grammar.
Students will also acquire limited vocabulary to be able to read simple texts and conduct basic everyday conversation in key areas of everyday communication in a Mandarin-speaking country. Students will learn ‘Pinyin’ (pīn yīn), the phonetic system of the Chinese language which will also be used in assessment. Students will also be introduced to simplified Chinese characters.
The course provides students with a solid foundation for further language learning.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Chinese;
- understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in common everyday situations and write simple messages;
- communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
- have some understanding and knowledge of ways of Chinese life and culture.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Minjie Xing
Taught by
Natalie Yu
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
New Practical Chinese Reader vol.1 - Textbook (Edition: 3rd )
ISBN: 978-7561942772
New Practical Chinese Reader vol.1 - Workbook (Edition: 3rd )
ISBN:978-7561944608
Next pathway
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1) or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade 4 or 5 taken in the last three years.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A2) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course aims to develop skills acquired in ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1) in speaking, listening, reading and writing. It lays emphasis on communication and comprehension skills but also builds on the fundamentals of grammar already acquired.
The course introduces students to a wider range of vocabulary to enable them to read longer texts and conduct more general everyday conversation in familiar topics of everyday communication in a Mandarin-speaking country.
Topics covered in ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1) will be revised and extended and new themes will be introduced which will develop understanding of the society and culture of contemporary China.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate better understanding and knowledge of key grammar points with appropriate usage;
- demonstrate reasonable competency in comprehension and listening through accurately extracting key information from written and audio sources on specific familiar topics;
- communicate orally in simple, routine situations and handle short social exchanges about familiar topics;
- write a short text of independent writing in Mandarin characters with less reliance on pinyin.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 1 exam period in January
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting; held in the university's Semester 2 exam period in May/June
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Minjie Xing
Taught by
Natalie Yu
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
- New Practical Chinese Reader vol.2 - Textbook (Edition: 3rd )
ISBN: 978-7561958070 - New Practical Chinese Reader vol.2 - Workbook (Edition: 3rd )
ISBN: 978-7561958704
Next pathway
Course overview
- Credits: 20
- Pre-requisite: ULCH51020 LEAP Chinese 2 (A2) or equivalent e.g. GCSE grade 6 or above taken in the last three years.
- Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
- Taught during: Both semesters (September to May).
- Level of attainment: (A2/B1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2/B1 the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
The course aims to further develop the skills acquired in LEAP Chinese 1 & 2. It extends the emphasis on communication and comprehension skills through the use of high frequency language expressions used to describe topics of personal interest, current affairs and specific themes.
This will enable students to conduct brief oral exchanges related to limited specific topics or themes or to give a short presentation or information about an event.
It also further consolidates the grammar already acquired, and enhances students’ skills in reading and writing by equipping them with a broader range of vocabulary to enable them to read and write longer and more complex texts.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a deeper understanding grammatical rules;
- demonstrate competency in comprehension and listening through accurately extracting key information from written and audio sources on specific familiar topics related to personal interest and current affairs;
- recognise and use known expressions and fundamental phrases that are used in everyday situations
- communicate orally in simple, routine situations and handle short social exchanges about familiar topics with reasonable fluency;
- independently write short texts on limited familiar topics using a variety of vocabulary and formulaic expressions.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2/B1 of the Common European Framework
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary. This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
131 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 1
- Written exam; 30% weighting; January, during the University exams’ period- Dates to be confirmed
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 30% weighting, during the University exams’ period; May/June, during the University exams’ period- Dates to be confirmed
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Minjie Xing
Taught by
Natalie Yu
Maximum entry
21 per group
Set texts
TBC
Next pathway
None.
Semester 2 courses
Classes start week commencing 1st February 2027.
Course overview
A course unit offered in conjunction with the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning.
- Credits: 10
- Pre-requisite: None
- Co-requisite: Open to students not following Honours courses in Chinese. Not open to Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese speakers. If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to the course unit selection guidance, which includes information about eligibility for LEAP units, on your programme structure.
- Anti-requisite: Students taking the unit for university credit as part of their degree must not have already taken the unit ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1).
- Taught during: Semester 2 (January to May)
- Level of attainment: (A1.1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
- Timetable: See timetable information
Course description
This course is for absolute beginners. It introduces students to the fundamentals of Chinese grammar, reading and writing while developing some basic communicative skills.
It aims to teach students very simple structures, lexis and phrases, which will enable them to communicate in a limited number of common everyday situations in a Mandarin-speaking country. This will be through learning ‘Pinyin’ (pīn yīn), the phonetic system of the Chinese language, which will also be used in assessment.
The introductory course differs from ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1) in length, topics covered and learning outcomes.
LEAP Chinese 1 is a full-year course, and goes further and deeper into the language as it is approximately double the number of teaching hours and double the number of self-study hours, whereas the introductory level – Introduction to LEAP Chinese – is only one semester long.
Though both start at the same level (absolute beginner), not all Chinese characters covered at Beginners’ level will be covered in the Introductory level.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- handle some of the basic grammatical structures of Mandarin Chinese;
- understand and read some familiar and daily expressions used in recurring situations and write very simple messages with the use of Pinyin;
- communicate orally at a basic level in a limited number of common everyday situations;
- convey basic understanding of ways of life in China.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework.
Transferable skills
Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.
Teaching and learning methods
One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.
This will also include online digital learning available via the university VLE platform and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.
Teaching hours
36 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.
Independent study hours
64 hours (not including assessment time).
Assessment
All assessments are summative.
Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.
Semester 2
- Speaking exam; 40% weighting; held in week 12
- Written exam; 60% weighting; held in May/June, during the University exams period
Dates to be confirmed.
Nature and timing of feedback
Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.
Convenor
Dr Minjie Xing
Taught by
Natalie Yu
Maximum entry
23 per group
Set texts
- New Practical Chinese Reader vol.1 - Textbook (3rd Edition)
ISBN: 978-7561942772 - New Practical Chinese Reader vol.1 - Workbook (3rd Edition)
ISBN:978-7561944608
Next pathway
Fee-paying students can move on to the ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1), but should note that much of the material will be a repeat of the introductory unit. For the same reason, degree students cannot take ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1) for degree credits if they have already completed Introduction to LEAP Chinese.
Students may be able to proceed to ULCH51020 - LEAP Chinese 2 (A2) subject to:
- achieving a mark over 80%
- agreeing to study independently the material recommended by the language tutor to reach the Common European Framework level required at the end of ULCH51010 - LEAP Chinese 1 (A1)
- an entry-level assessment carried out by the tutor
By taking this option students agree to cover the material recommended by the language tutor independently. They will be taking this at their own risk. Once they have enrolled on the course, they are not allowed to move back to ULCH51010 LEAP Chinese 1 or ask for a refund.
Timetables – 2026/27
Please note the timetable is subject to change up to and including the start of courses. Please check these pages regularly and check your personal timetable ahead of classes.
Find your classrooms and make your way around campus quickly with our interactive map.
Courses are taught in 2 or 3 hour sessions – view the timetables below:
Course code: ULCH51002/ULCH50002/ULCH90002
- Monday, 2–5pm – Nancy Rothwell_2A.034 M&T
Please note this course runs in Semester 2 only and is worth 10 credits.
Course code: ULCH51010/ULCH71010/ULCH50010/ULCH90010
- Group 1: Thursday, 5.30–8.30pm – Sam Alex_A115
- Group 2: Thursday, 2–5pm – Uni Place_4.212
Course code: ULCH51020/ULCH71020/ULCH50020/ULCH90020
- Tuesday, 5.30–8.30pm – Roscoe_3.9
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us by phone or email leap@manchester.ac.uk.