Courses
We promote socio-cultural exchanges, enhance mutual learning and reinforce international friendship by offering Chinese language and culture courses.
Beginner level 1
This course is suitable for beginners keen to develop basic conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognise basic Chinese characters. The course covers greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp 100 basic vocabulary elements
- Understand 19 basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., greetings, introductions, enquiries
- Recognize around 60 Chinese characters and can write 30 Chinese characters
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
None
Textbook
Discover China Student’s Book One
Lead author: Ding Anqi, Author team: Chen Xin, Jing Lili
ISBN 978-0230405950
Discover China Workbook One
Lead author: Betty Huang
ISBN 978-023040638
Beginner level 2
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 1 course and are keen to further develop conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 5 to unit 8 of Discover China Book 1, the topics covered include: addresses and telephone numbers; enquiring about the date, ages and birthdays; talking about daily activities and weekly plans; talking about clothes; asking for items, prices and bargaining when shopping.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp 100 basic vocabulary elements
- Understand 17 basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., greetings, introductions, enquiries (nationalities /times/contact numbers/ items/price)
- Recognize around 60 Chinese characters and can write 30 Chinese characters
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completed the Beginner 1 course or have completed < 20 hours Chinese study and know basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes.
Textbooks
Discover China Student's Book One
Lead author: Ding Anqi, Author team: Chen Xin, Jing Lili
ISBN 978-0230405950
Discover China Workbook One
Lead author: Betty Huang
ISBN 978-0230406384
Beginner level 3
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 2 course and are keen to further develop conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 9 to unit 12 of Discover China Book 1, the topics covered include: locations and advertisements; identifying different types of transport and making travel plan; sports and talking about likes/dislikes; and making holiday plans.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 100 basic vocabulary elements
- Understand 17 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., greetings, introductions, enquiries (locations /transportations/sports/holiday plans)
- Recognize around 60 Chinese characters and can write 30 Chinese characters
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completed the Beginner 2 course or have completed <40 hours Chinese and know the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes; number related topics (telephone, dates, money); daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items etc.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book One
Lead author: Ding Anqi Author team: Chen Xin, Jing Lili
ISBN 978-0230405950
Discover China Workbook One
Lead author: Betty Huang
Prerequisites
Completed the Beginner 2 course or have completed <40 hours Chinese and know the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes; number related topics (telephone, dates, money); daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items etc.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book One
Lead author: Ding Anqi Author team: Chen Xin, Jing Lili
ISBN 978-0230405950
Discover China Workbook One
Lead author: Betty Huang
ISBN 978-0230406384
ISBN 978-0230406384
Beginner level 4
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 3 course and are keen to further develop basic conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 1 to 4 of Discover China Book 2, the topics cover daily routines, weather, seasons, clothes to wear, home visit, Chinese New Year, transport, distance and directions.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 140 basic vocabulary elements;
- Understand 17 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context;
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g. daily routines, introductions (weather, seasons, Chinese New Year), make inquiries (clothes to wear, home visit, transport, distance and directions).
- Recognize around 80 Chinese characters and can write 40 Chinese characters;
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completion the Beginner 3 or have learnt more than 60 hours Chinese and knowing the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes; numbers related topics; daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items, locations and advertisements; identifying different types of transport and making travel plan; sports and talking about likes/dislikes; making holiday plans. etc.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book Two
Lead authors: QI Shaoyan, Zhang Jie
ISBN 9780230406391
Discover China Workbook Two
Lead author: Wang Dan
ISBN 97820230406407
Beginner level 5
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 4 course and keen to develop basic conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 4 to unit 6 of Discover China Book 2, the topics cover transport, distance, direction, hotel accommodation, check-in and room facilities, museums, history and cultural relics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 114 basic vocabulary elements;
- Understand 10 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context;
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g. daily routines, directions (giving and listening to directions to different places, different modes of transport), enquiries (check-in procedures, listening for room facilities, identifying specific information about hotel rooms and facilities on a hotel review website, identifying specific information about the rules in a museum, understanding simple descriptions about historical periods and objects in an online post).
- Recognize around 114 Chinese characters and can write 12 Chinese characters;
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completion the Beginner 4 or have learnt more than 80 hours Chinese and knowing the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes; numbers related topics; daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items, locations and advertisements; identifying different types of transport and making travel plan; sports and talking about likes/dislikes; making holiday plans. Daily routines, weather, seasons, clothes to wear, home visits, Chinese New Year. etc.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book Two
Lead authors: QI Shaoyan, Zhang Jie
ISBN 9780230406391
Discover China Workbook Two
Lead author: Wang Dan
ISBN 97820230406407
Beginner level 6
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 5 course and keen to develop basic conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 7 to unit 9 of Discover China Book 2, the topics cover eating out, food and drink, Chinese dishes, shopping for souvenirs, sending a package by post, sightseeing at places of natural beauty.
Learning Outcomes
- On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 133 basic vocabulary elements;
- Understand 10 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context;
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g. eating out, food and drink, Chinese dishes, shopping for souvenirs, sending a package by post, sightseeing at places of natural beauty.
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completion the Beginner 5 or have learnt more than 80 hours Chinese and knowing the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; numbers related topics; daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items, locations and advertisements; sports; taking about holidays; Weather, seasons, and clothes to wear; home visits and Chinese New Year; Transport, distance and directions; Hotel accommodation, check-in and room facilities; Museums, history and cultural relics.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book Two
Lead authors: QI Shaoyan, Zhang Jie
ISBN 9780230406391
Discover China Workbook Two
Lead author: Wang Dan
ISBN 97820230406407
Beginner level 7
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Beginner 6 course and keen to develop basic conversational skills in Chinese and understand basic Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course covers unit 10 to unit 12 of Discover China Book 2, the topics cover appearance, sport wear, sizes, seeing the doctor, illness, healthy life styles, friends and personal characteristics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 113 basic vocabulary elements;
- Understand 12 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context;
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese， e.g. appearance, sport wear, sizes, seeing the doctor, illness, healthy lifestyles, friends and personal characteristics
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completion the Beginner 6 or have learnt more than 100 hours Chinese and knowing the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; numbers related topics; daily activities and planners; asking price and shopping items, locations and advertisements; sports; taking about holidays; Weather, seasons, and clothes to wear; home visits and Chinese New Year;Transport, distance and directions; Hotel accommodation, check-in and room facilities; Museums, history and cultural relics, eating out, food and drink, Chinese dishes, shopping for souvenirs, sightseeing at places of natural beauty.
Textbooks
Discover China Student’s Book Two
Lead authors: QI Shaoyan, Zhang Jie
ISBN 9780230406391
Discover China Workbook Two
Lead author: Wang Dan
ISBN 97820230406407
Post Beginner level 1
This course is suitable for post-beginner learners who completed the Beginner course and are keen to further develop conversational skills in Chinese and understand more Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course topics cover weekly plans; visiting friends and family; hospital visits; talking about lifestyle and hobbies, etc.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 130 vocabulary elements.
- Revised the common grammars that learned before and understand 14 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context.
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., greetings, introductions, enquiries (locations /transportations/sports/holiday plans)
- Recognize around 100 Chinese characters and can write 60 Chinese characters.
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completed our Beginner courses or have completed <60 hours Chinese and know the basic topics such as greetings; introductions; nationalities; occupations; family members; people’s appearance; likes and dislikes; number related topics (telephone, dates, money); daily activities and planners; shopping; locations; transportation; sports etc.
Textbook
Boya Chinese: Elementary vol.1
Publisher: Peking University Press (1 Jan. 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-7301209073
Post Beginner level 2
This course is suitable for post-beginner learners who completed the Beginner and Post Beginner 1 courses and are keen to further develop conversational skills in Chinese and understand more Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course topics cover expressing feeling unwell and sickness; making and responding to compliments; giving orders and suggestions; exercise plans and personal ability, etc.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 120 vocabulary elements.
- Revised the common grammars that learned before and understand 13 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context.
- Conduct basic conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., greetings, enquiries (unwell /sickness/order/suggestions/plans)
- Recognize around 120 Chinese characters and can write 50 Chinese characters.
- Write a short essay combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completed the Post Beginner 2 course with our CI or have completed <90 hours Chinese and knowing the large rank of daily topics such as greetings; introductions; likes and dislikes; number related topics (telephone, dates, money); daily activities and weekly plans; shopping; locations; transportation; paying visits; lifestyle and hobbies; expressing feeling unwell and sickness; making and responding to compliments; giving orders and suggestions etc.
Textbook
Boya Chinese: Elementary vol.1
Publisher: Peking University Press (1 Jan. 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-7301209073
Post Beginner level 3
This course is suitable for beginner learners who completed the Post Beginner 2 course and are keen to further develop conversational skills in Chinese and understand more Chinese characters. Whilst focusing on speaking and listening skills, the tutor will also help students to write and recognize basic Chinese characters. The course topics cover expressing holiday plan; study plan and situation; making suggestion etc.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 130 vocabulary elements.
- Revised the common grammars that learned before and understand 11 new basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context.
- Conduct longer conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g., holiday plan, study plan, making suggestion
- Recognize around 100 Chinese characters and can write 50 Chinese characters.
- Write short essays combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Completed the Post Beginner 2 course with our CI or have completed <90 hours Chinese and knowing the large rank of daily topics such as greetings; introductions; likes and dislikes; number related topics (telephone, dates, money); daily activities and weekly plans; shopping; locations; transportation; paying visits; lifestyle and hobbies; expressing feeling unwell and sickness; making and responding to compliments; giving orders and suggestions etc.
Textbook
Boya Chinese: Elementary vol.1
Publisher: Peking University Press (1 Jan. 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-7301209073
Pre Intermediate
This course is suitable for Chinese learners who completed the Post Beginner 3 courses and keen to develop more conversational skills in Chinese and understand more Chinese characters. Emphasis will be placed on training students understanding complex sentences and passages, identifying more Chinese characters, expressing opinions on social and cultural problems. Writing and conversational practices will help you to communicate effectively and properly in different situations.
Learning Outcomes
It is suggested to enroll 5 terms to achieve the learning outcomes. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp around 106 vocabulary elements;
- Revised the common grammars that learned before and understand 12 new and basic grammatical structures and use it in the right context;
- Conduct longer conversations relating to everyday topics in Chinese e.g. appearance, talking about flight, looking for accommodation etc.
- Recognize around 100 Chinese characters.
- Write short essays combining with all language points in the course.
Prerequisites
Students should have passed HSK level 3 or have taken more than 100 hours of Mandarin courses; you should already have a vocabulary of about everyday situations and master basic grammar knowledge. You should be able to recognize around 400-600 basic Chinese characters and can type/write Chinese characters.
If you are not sure about your level, please contact the office for an assessment before registering on the course.
Textbook
All teaching materials have been specifically developed by our teachers, using a variety of sources. All learning materials used throughout the course will be provided by the Confucius Institute.
Recommended texts：
Boya Chinese Elementary II (ISBN 978-7301215395)
Intermediate - Online
This is an intermediate level language course, which teaches the skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing in Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed on training students understanding complex sentences and passages, identifying more Chinese characters, expressing opinions on social and cultural problems. Writing and conversational practices will help you to communicate effectively and properly in different situations. You can continue the course throughout the year, and it will help you to improve Chinese level and enhance your understanding on Chinese language.
Learning Outcomes
- It is suggested to enroll in 5 terms to fully achieve the learning outcomes.
- On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Express complex ideas in Chinese with a degree of fluency and develop competence in interaction with native speakers
- Have developed a vocabulary of 1000-1200 Chinese words and use them with a degree of proficiency
- Read and write complex sentences and articles, as well as translate into English.
Prerequisites
Students should have passed HSK level 3 (you can check your level online here) or have taken more than 100 hours of Mandarin instruction. You should already have a vocabulary of about 700-800 words and master basic grammar knowledge, can communicate with native speakers in everyday situations. You should be able to recognize around 400-600 basic Chinese characters and be able to type/write Chinese characters.
If you are not sure about your level, please contact the office for an assessment before registering on the course.
Textbook
All teaching materials have been specifically developed by our teachers, using a variety of sources. All learning materials used throughout the course will be provided by the Confucius Institute.
Recommended texts:
Boya Chinese Elementary II (ISBN 978-7301215395)
Upper Intermediate - Online
This is an upper intermediate level language course, which teaches the skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing in Mandarin Chinese. Emphasis will be placed on training students understanding complex passages, identifying more Chinese characters, expressing opinions on a large range of social and cultural topics. Writing and conversational practices will help you to communicate effectively and properly in different situations. You can continue the course throughout 1-2 years, and it will help you to improve Chinese level and enhance your understanding on Chinese language and culture.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Express complex ideas in Chinese with a degree of fluency and develop competence in interaction with native speakers
- Have developed a vocabulary of 1200-1500 Chinese words and use them with a degree of proficiency
- Read and write complex sentences and articles
- Develop the ability of Chinese-English translation and interpretation
Prerequisites
Students should have passed HSK level 3 with a score over 270, reached HSK level 4 (you can check your level online here) or have taken more than 160 hours of Mandarin course. You should have a vocabulary of about 1000-1200 words and master a large range of grammar knowledge, can communicate with native speakers in everyday situations and some advanced topics. You should be able to recognize around 600-800 basic Chinese characters and be able to type/write Chinese characters.
If you are not sure about your level, please contact the office for an assessment before registering on the course.
Textbook
All teaching materials have been specifically developed by our teachers, using a variety of sources. All learning materials used throughout the course will be provided by the Confucius Institute.
Recommended texts:
Boya Chinese Quasi-Intermediate I (ISBN 978-7301208199) and above
Advanced
This is an advanced level language course which aims at advanced learners who wish to further develop the skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing in Mandarin Chinese for professional and recreational purposes. Emphasis will be placed on training students understanding advanced grammar and structure, identifying more contemporary vocabularies and expressing opinions on social and cultural issues. Writing tasks and the exploration and guided discussion of social, political and cultural issues related to the Chinese-speaking world in class will help you to communicate effectively and properly in different situations.
Learning Outcomes
We recommend taking 3 semesters and above of this advanced course to fully achieve these learning outcomes.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Be able to express yourself fluently and spontaneously in a variety of social contexts and on a broad number of different topics
- Have an enhanced knowledge of topic-specific vocabulary, have an advanced understanding of Chinese grammar and usage
- Be competent to understand spoken and written Chinese of an increasingly complex nature with greater confidence and ease
- Be able to apply different writing techniques, including summaries and argumentative writing
Prerequisites
Students should have passed/be at HSK level 4 or above, (you can check your level online) or have taken 220-240 hours of Mandarin course. You should already have a vocabulary of about 1200-1500 words and have a good level of written and spoken Chinese.
If you are not sure about your level, please contact the office for an assessment before registering on the course.
Textbook
All teaching materials have been specifically developed by our teachers, using a variety of sources. All learning materials used throughout the course will be provided by the Confucius Institute. In the first lesson, you will have an assessment with the teacher in class, and then according to the students’ level and learning requirement, the teacher will select articles from various sources on social and cultural themes.
Recommended Texts:
Boya Chinese Intermediate Second Edition (ISBN 978-7301252376) and above
Our HSK courses are held 2 hours per week and vary in length depending on the preparatory level.
HSK examination fees are included with course tuition. The examination fee covered is for the respective level registered and includes one exam only.
Refund requests will only be accepted under the following terms:
- Applications for a refund must be made in writing or via email to ci@brookes.ac.uk.
- Full refunds will only be made if they are received by the Confucius Institute 5 working days before the start date of the course.
- The first class of courses above Beginner 1 may be attended for free to allow students to ascertain if the level is suitable for them. Students may only attend the first lesson if this has been discussed with the Administrative Officer. Payment must then be made before the second class.
- Once payment has been made and the course has started, refunds will only be given for extenuating medical or personal circumstances. Requested refunds of this nature must be accompanied by evidence and will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Courses attended will be deducted plus a £20 administrative fee from the amount refunded.
- We encourage each student to consider the time commitment needed for each course and ensure they feel able to attend the majority of lessons.