Mandarin Chinese 1

We look forward to welcoming both new and returning students to the University of Southampton. Unless otherwise stated, all courses will be taught in person at our Avenue Campus.

We would like to advise that you will need to have the appropriate technology and suitable internet connection in place, as we will be making use of online materials. At Southampton, we use a virtual learning environment (VLE) called Blackboard which is used to deliver learning materials and real-time online teaching for our students.

We offer a variety of different options at Stage 1 (beginners). The taster course is an ideal opportunity to try out learning the language before committing to a longer period of study. After completing Stage 1a, there will be the opportunity to progress onto Stage 1b and 1c. Or there is the option to book the full 30 week course, (stage 1a, b and c). Our next Stage 1b and 1c course starts in January, and the details are below.

Our Language courses run for 10 weeks each term and include a half-term break. Please see our Book a course page for term dates, including half-term and seasonal holiday dates.

Move on in Chinese Stage 1b and 1c

This course is ideal for anyone who has completed the Stage 1a course or who is not a total beginner and would like to improve their knowledge and skills in the language. 

Classes will take place on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm on the following dates:  

•    Stage 1b - 4th January to 15th March 2027; and
•    Stage 1c - 12th April to 28th June 2027.

Please note: There will be no class on 15th February due to the half-term break. There will also be no classes on the Bank Holiday Mondays 3rd and 31st May.

Please see our price list below:

•    Standard price - £315
•    Staff/student/alumni price - £285

Please note: If you select the staff/student/alumni price option, you must use an online store account that has been set up with your University email address and fill out your University staff, student or alumni ID number when prompted as part of the questionnaire data section.

When booking a course please consult our Terms and Conditions which set out our cancellation and refund policy. 

Payment using the Online Store can only be completed via Visa and Mastercard Credit/Debit Card or PayPal. AMEX is not accepted.
If you have not previously created an account for the Online Store, you will need to create an account to make a payment.

Course Description

Taster Courses (Stage 1a)

These short courses are an ideal way for you to try out learning a new language before committing to a longer period of study. Our taster courses take place over a period of 10 weeks (usually the autumn term October – December) and will cover the material from the first part of our Stage 1 courses. If you decide that you would like to continue to learn the language you will then be able to either opt into one of our Language Stages or take one of our Move on in… courses which start in January. Either of these options will allow you to complete the language stage (1b and 1c) in order to be able to progress to the next stage in the following year, if you wish.

Move on in…courses (Stage 1b and 1c)

These courses have been specifically designed for anyone who would like to improve their basic skills in a language either gained through taking one of our taster, intensive or catch up courses or from prior learning (e.g. at school or informally). These courses are ideal for anyone who is not a total beginner but who feels a bit ‘rusty’ and not yet ready to progress onto one of our Stage 2 courses. These courses take place in the Spring term (January) and offer 20 weeks of study (2 hours per week), at the end of which you would be deemed to have completed Stage 1 in your language.

Language Stages courses (Stages 1, 2, 3, 4)

The language stages form the basis of all the courses we offer. They represent 4 levels of study from Beginners (1) through to Upper-intermediate (4) and offer an opportunity to really develop your skills in a language over a sustained period of regular study. These courses are ideal if you are committed to studying over a longer period of time and are keen to progress in your chosen language (you need to complete one stage before you can move on to the next stage). Teaching takes place for two hours per week over a period of 30 weeks (3 terms). As these courses represent a significant commitment in terms of time and money, we offer a significant discount on our normal short course prices.

For further information, please refer to our Modern Languages page.