Mandarin

Prerequisite for entry

For complete beginners or those who have had only very little contact with Mandarin.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to enable students to function at a basic everyday survival level. Students should be able to communicate in Mandarin on several practical everyday matters. Language learning skills, including autonomous learning and how to approach some authentic material will be enhanced. Also, students should develop their ability of reading and writing Chinese characters and Chinese culture awareness.

Functions

• Greeting
• Introducing oneself and others
• Asking about nationalities
• Inquiring about occupations
• Discussing where one lives
• Expressing and asking about ages
• Talking about one’s family
• Describing appearances
• Expressing personal likes and preferences

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• First meetings: introductions and greetings
• Countries, nationalities, and languages
• Family members, public figures and their occupations
• Describing appearances
• Numbers from 1 to 100

Phonetics

• Understanding and practicing pinyin: initials and finals.
• Mastering the four tones and the neutral tone.
• Exploring Chinese syllables and tone Sandhi rules.

Grammar

• Basic Chinese sentence structure: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
• Forming negative sentences with the negator 不 (not).
• Creating yes-no questions with the question marker 吗.
• Forming wh-questions in situ with words like 什么 (what), 哪 (which), 哪里 (where), 多大 (how old), 谁 (who), etc.
• Using the particle 的 in noun phrases, indicating possession
• Applying adverbs such as 也 (also), 都 (both, all), and 真 (really)

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China (走遍中国) Student Book One 
  ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0230406386 
  ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0230406384
• Discover China Workbook One 
  ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 752131445X 
  ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-7521314458

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Langenscheidt dictionary
• Oxford Beginners’ dictionary
• Macmillan-FLTRP Chinese Character Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 1 at UCL Language Centre or basic knowledge of Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese.

Aims and objectives

The course aims to enable students to function at a basic, everyday survival level in Mandarin. Students will develop the ability to communicate on practical, everyday matters and enhance their language learning skills, including autonomous learning and strategies for approaching authentic materials. Additionally, students will improve their skills in reading and writing Chinese characters and gain some awareness of Chinese culture.

Functions

• Exchanging personal information, including mobile numbers, home addresses, and email addresses
• Planning and organizing celebrations
• Extending, accepting, or declining invitations to future activities
• Discussing daily routines and upcoming events
• Asking for opinions and providing feedback

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Personal contact information
• Shopping: discussing items, prices and making comments on the purchases
• Colours
• Organising events
• Telling time -小时 (hour), 分(minute), 刻 (quarter), etc.
• Understanding Prices (块, 角, 毛)

Phonetics

• Four Chinese tones
• the sandhi of "一"
• initials, finals and their combinations
• Sentence stress and intonation

Grammar

• The principle of organising time, addresses, or prices from larger to smaller units
• Discussing future activities with要 (to want/going to) and 计划 (to plan)
• Using the particle 了to indicate past events or a change of status
• Forming wh-questions with 几 (what time), 怎么样 (how), 多少 (how many/how much)
• Using measure words (件, 条, 双, etc.) in noun phrases
• Positioning adverbials of time in front of predicate or at the beginning of a sentence

Learning resources

Books

Discover China (走遍中国) Student Book One
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0230406386
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0230406384

Discover China Workbook One
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 752131445X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-7521314458

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Langenscheidt dictionary
• Oxford Beginners’ dictionary
• Macmillan-FLTRP Chinese Character Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin Level 1+ at UCL CLIE, or equivalent

Course Overview

This course builds on your foundational knowledge of Mandarin, offering:

• A chance to revise and consolidate your skills in Chinese characters, vocabulary, sentence structures, and pronunciation.
• New ways to handle everyday situations in Mandarin more confidently.
• Opportunities to deepen your understanding of Chinese culture.

Aims and objectives

Functions

• Asking for and giving directions.
• Talking about different types of transport.
• Describing recreational activities.
• Asking and answering questions about holiday plans.

Course content

Main topics/themes

• Locations and directions
• Advertisements and transportation.
• Sports and recreational activities.
• Likes, dislikes, and holiday plans.

Phonetics

• Pronunciation:
  • The retroflex “r”.
  • Differences between “q” and “ch” and “zh” and “ch”.
  • Sentence intonation.

Grammar

• Expressing existence with 有.
• Asking questions with 有没有.
• Using 在 to describe locations.
• Directions and types of student housing.
• Forming alternative questions with 还是.
• Questions ending in 好吗.
• Expressing superlatives with 最.
• Using the particle 吧.
• Describing modes of transport and holiday activities.
• Using modal verbs 可以 and 会.
• Pivotal sentences.
• Talking about past experiences with 过.
• Types of sports and abilities.
• Expressing alternatives using 或者 and 还是.
• Describing regular events with 每……都…….

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China (走遍中国) Student Book One
  ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0230406386
  ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0230406384
• Discover China Workbook Two (Units 9-12), Macmillan
  ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0230405950

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 2 at UCL CLIE, or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

This course is designed to build on your foundational Mandarin skills, helping you achieve an intermediate level. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Communicate effectively in everyday situations.
• Engage in discussions on cultural and practical topics.
• Read simple texts in Mandarin without relying on pinyin.

Functions

• Making invitations and explaining your reasons.
• Talking about weather and appropriate clothing.
• Hosting or visiting someone at home.
• Asking for/giving directions and making suggestions.

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Daily routines.
• Weather, seasons, and clothing.
• Home visits and Chinese New Year traditions.
• Transport, distance, and giving directions.

Phonetics

• Pronunciation differences:
  • "z" vs. "zh"
  • "c" vs. "ch"
  • "uo" vs. "e"
  • The initials: "zh," "ch," "sh"

Grammar

• Using auxiliary words like 得.
• Topic-comment sentence patterns.
• Functions of 了 (particle and auxiliary word).
• Expressing succession with 一……就…….
• Comparing things:
  • A和B差不多/一样 (A and B are similar).
  • A比/没有B+adjective (A is more/less than B).
• Talking about future actions using 要/会.
• Describing ongoing actions with 正在.
• Expressing “both…and…” using 又……又…….
• Sequencing actions with 先……然后…….
• Talking about distance with 从A到B.
• Using 以后 or ……的时候 for timing.

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China: Student's Book Two, edited by Chen Xin, Jing Lili, Macmillan, Chapters 1-4
  ISBN: 9780230406391
• Discover China: Workbook Two, Chapters 1-4
  ISBN: 9780230406407

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 2+ at UCL CLIE, or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

This course helps students build confidence in using Mandarin across all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. By the end of the course, you will:

• Communicate effectively in most common situations.
• Gain an intermediate command of the language.
• Enhance your understanding of Chinese culture.

Functions

• Understanding hotel check-in procedures.
• Describing historical periods.
• Ordering food and drinks at restaurants.
• Bargaining while shopping.

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Hotel accommodation: check-in and room facilities.
• Museums, history, and cultural relics.
• Eating out: Chinese dishes, food, and drink.
• Shopping for souvenirs and postal services.

Phonetics

• Pronunciation:
  • Tone sandhi: 3rd + 3rd tones.
  • Differences between “ü” and “üe”.
  • Differences between “en” and “eng”.
  • Finals: “ian” and “üan”.

Grammar

• Expressing adequacy with 够/不够.
• Forming the passive voice with 被.
• Describing continuous actions or states with 着.
• Using 是……的 constructions for emphasis.
• Structuring sentences with 把.
• Expressing progression with 越……越…… (The more...the more...).

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China: Student's Book Two, edited by Chen Xin, Jing Lili, Macmillan, Chapters 5-8
  ISBN: 9780230406391
• Discover China: Workbook Two, Chapters 5-8
  ISBN: 9780230406407

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 3 at UCL CLIE or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

This course is designed to enhance your conversational Mandarin skills and cultural understanding. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Engage in fluent discussions with native speakers on personal, social, and current issues.
• Use appropriate linguistic structures to express yourself effectively.
• Explore Chinese culture further using authentic materials.

Functions

• Talking about places of natural beauty through comparisons.
• Describing people’s appearances.
• Understanding and discussing medical instructions.
• Talking about personality traits and characteristics.

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Sightseeing and natural beauty spots.
• People’s appearances, sportswear, and sizes.
• Visiting the doctor, illnesses, and healthy lifestyles.
• Friendships and personal characteristics.

Linguistic structures/Phonetics

• Pronunciation:
  • Differences between “j” and “z”.
  • The neutral tone.
  • Tone sandhi: 不 and 一.
  • Differences between “s” and “sh”.

Grammar

• 除了……以外，还…… (Apart from...also...).
• Expressing percentages with 百分之…….
• Describing immediate actions using 就……了.
• Using auxiliary words 的/得/地.
• Forming Wh-questions.
• Differences between 有一点 and 一点儿.

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China: Student's Book Two, edited by Chen Xin, Jing Lili , Macmillan, Chapters 9-12
  ISBN: 9780230406391
• Discover China: Workbook Two, Chapters 9-12
  ISBN: 9780230406407

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 3+ at UCL CLIE, or low A-Level grade or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to enable students to:

• Attain a more sophisticated command of Chinese grammar and vocabulary
• Improve fluency and accuracy in using grammatical structures and vocabulary.
• Apply diverse structures and vocabulary to discuss academic topics effectively.
• Develop transferable skills to engage in discussions on personal and social issues.
• Gain foundational knowledge of Chinese historical events and figures

Functions

• Read, comprehend, and convey course-related information.
• Discuss historical classics and significant figures
• Summarise viewpoints effectively
• Request and provide clarification
• Express preferences with supporting agreement or disagreement
• Share personal opinions confidently
• Provide multiple reasons and justify them with examples, data, or evidence
• Suggest alternative solutions or approaches
• Invite diverse perspectives or comments

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Selecting an appropriate course: considerations and strategies
• Navigating a Chinese library or online resources to locate reference books effectively
• Discussing course assessments and assignments, including submission deadlines, course requirements, topic selection, etc.
• Planning and organising peer discussion activities to achieve course objectives

Linguistic structures/Phonetics

• Using pauses to make the utterances of complex sentences understandable

Grammar

• Expressing complex reasons using 再说 (furthermore) and 而且 (and)
• Understanding and applying resultative complements.
• Using the contrast structure: 不是……, 而是… (not…but…)
• Expressing purposes with 为了 (for) and 由于 (because of)

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China: Student's Book Three, edited by Chen Xin, Jing Lili , Macmillan. Chapters 1-4                   
  ISBN: 9780230406414
• Discover China: Workbook Three, Chapters 1-4
  ISBN: 9780230406421

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Langenscheidt's Pocket Dictionary Chinese/English English/Chinese
• Macmillan-FLTRP Chinese Character Dictionary
• Oxford Beginners' dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 4 at UCL CLIE, or A level (or equivalent).  

Aims and objectives

The aim of this course is to strengthen students' communication skills across diverse contexts, including airport, home, and office scenarios. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate with a good degree of accuracy and fluency, enabling them to discuss practical, social, and environmental issues. The course will incorporate a significant number of written texts, building on students’ established reading and writing abilities. Additionally, it will foster students’ cultural awareness and expand their understanding of young Chinese people's career aspirations.

Functions

• Manage airport check-in procedures fluently and accurately
• Present ideas clearly and effectively
• Clarify points of view using phrases like 最主要的原因 (the primary reason).
• Strengthen arguments through exemplification
• Compare education systems in China and the UK
• Discuss catastrophic weather conditions
• Explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in big cities or remote areas for graduates
• Examine ecological challenges and measures to combat environmental deterioration

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Check-in at a Chinese airport
• A visit to Chinese families in remote areas
• Career ambitions of graduate and their living styles
• Sandstorms in Northern China
• Environmental projects in China
• Individual’s responsibility in protecting environments

Grammar

• Weather description
• Comparative constructions
• Concession with phrases like 要不 (otherwise) and 这样吧 (how about this)
• Passivity using 受, e.g. 受……影响 (to be influenced by...)
• Options or sequences of events in an orderly manner using 首先……; 其次…… (first..., secondly...)

Learning resources

Books

• Discover China: Student's Book Three, edited by Chen Xin, Jing Lili , Macmillan. Chapters 5-8
  ISBN: 9780230406414
• Discover China: Workbook Three, Chapters 5-8
  ISBN: 9780230406421

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Langenscheidt's Pocket Dictionary Chinese/English English/Chinese
• Macmillan-FLTRP Chinese Character Dictionary
• Oxford Beginners' dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 4+ at UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, or B1 CEFR or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to enable students with a solid knowledge of Mandarin to become as fluent as possible. Students will be able to follow discussions and express their opinions in any given situation using linguistically complex and accurate structures. Cultural awareness will be further developed.

Functions

• Discussing a film
• Using exclamations
• Describing physical attributes and skills
• Giving instructions
• Asking for and providing medical aid
• Offering encouragement and reassurance
• Expressing concerns and worries
• Seeking and providing advice
• Presenting polite counter-arguments
• Expressing surprise
• Expressing certainty and hesitation
• Discussing life expectations
• Writing a film storyline, simple instructions and practical tips

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Shaolin Kung Fu
• Body parts, physical movements and injuries
• Emotions and feelings
• Dating, relationships and life expectations

Phonetics

• Using 光……就 or 光……不
• Using就算……也……
• Polite counter-argument using ……是……，可是/就是……
• Exclamatory sentences
• Imperative sentences
• Linking words in a conversation
• Expressions using 难道，估计，看来，我猜, etc.
• Tones and Intonations

Grammar

• Expressing potential/capability using potential complements
• Using 关于
• Expressing contrast of meaning using而
• The preposition 按照
• Expressing regularity using 等……了
• 刚 vs. 刚才
• Implicit comparison using ……一点
• Contrast of meaning using却
• 总是 vs. 老是
• Rhetorical questions using难道
• Using 像……这样/那样……

Learning resources

Books

• Qi, Shaoyan. 2013. Discover China: Student's Book Three (Units 9-12), London: Macmillan. ISBN 9780230406414
• Wang, Dan. 2013. Discover China Workbook Three (Unit 9-12), London: Macmillan. ISBN 9780230406421

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 5 at UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, or B1/B2 CEFR or equivalent.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to enable students with a solid knowledge of Mandarin to become as fluent as possible. Students will be able to follow discussions and express their opinions in any given situation using linguistically complex and accurate structures. Cultural awareness will be further developed.

Functions

• Expressing feelings and concerns
• Giving encouragement
• Talking about difficulties living abroad
• Asking for and giving opinions about a job interview
• Providing detailed explanations
• Expressing approximations
• Asking for and giving clarification
• Giving an opening speech
• Providing rules and regulations
• Writing an application letter, itinerary and notice

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

• Jobs and Internships
• CVs and job interviews
• Planning a trip
• Summer camp

Linguistic structures/ Phonetics

• Using 一……都/也……不/没
• Emphasising details of a past action using 是……的
• Introducing an extreme case using 连……都/也……
• Using 就 orally
• Tones and Intonations

Grammar

• Showing direction of movement with 回/进/上/下 + 来/去
• Indicating a high degree with 不得了
• Repeated actions with 再 vs. 又
• Expressing ‘a little bit’ using 一下 or 一点儿
• Indicating the beginning of an action or the start of a new state with 起来
• Introducing a new subject using 至于
• Comparative structures using 不如
• Expressing fractions and percentages with ……分之……
• Moderating positive adjectives with 还
• Using 通过 as a preposition
• Introducing the agent or performer of an action using 由
• Disyllabic words vs monosyllabic words

Learning resources

Books

• Qi, Shaoyan, Tan, Qiuyu. 2014. Discover China: Student's Book Four (Units 1-4), London: Macmillan. ISBN 9780230406438
• Tan, Qiuyu. 2014. Discover China Workbook Four (Unit 1-4), London: Macmillan. ISBN 9780230406445

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.

Prerequisite for entry

Successful completion of Mandarin syllabus level 5+ at UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, or a high A level grade (or equivalent). 

Aims and objectives

The aim of the course is to enable students with a high level of Mandarin to practise their linguistic skills through a variety of activities (debates, games, discussions, etc.). Students will be able to follow any debate, discussions or conversation and communicate in all situations at a near-native level. Cultural awareness will be further developed.

Functions

In this course students will have the chance to revise and perfect all previously studied functions.

Course content

Main topics/themes to be covered

The content of this course will focus on reflections on the nature of contemporary society and current affairs, including an analysis of cultural dimension. The topic may include various current issues, depending on students’ interests.

Linguistic structures/ Phonetics

Recognising/understanding various accents

Grammar

Perfecting all grammar points previously studied

Learning resources

Books

• No textbook
• Authentic materials from various sources (novels, newspapers, internet news articles etc…)

Reference Books

• Yip Po-Ching, Don Rimmington. Chinese - A Comprehensive Grammar, Routledge. ISBN 978-0415150323

Bilingual Dictionaries

• Oxford Concise English Chinese/Chinese English Dictionary
• MDBG Chinese Dictionary website

In addition there are supplementary materials for self-study in the Self-Access Centre.