Chinese

Chinese is spoken by over 1.35 billion people across the world, that is about 17% of the world population. With a rich history spanning over 5000 years and a written script that has remained largely unchanged since its standardization more than 2200 years ago, Chinese is a fascinating language to learn.  We offer both accredited learning module in Chinese as an option in a degree programme and non-accredited short courses in Chinese.

Where will your Chinese language learning take you?

Learning Chinese provides you with insights into one of the world's oldest and richest cultures, which enables you to appreciate Chinese history, literature, art, and much more in the original language. The development of this cultural competency through the learning of Chinese fosters cross-cultural communication, empathy, and appreciation for diversity, which are invaluable skills in today's interconnected world.

Learning Chinese challenges your brain in unique ways. As most of you know, Mandarin Chinese is a tonal language with a complex writing system quite different from European languages. It thus requires learners to develop new neural pathways for both speaking and reading. And as a result, it can enhance cognitive function.

Finally, employers greatly value language and communication skills in today’s global business world; having Chinese language skills and an understanding of Chinese cultures on your CV can give you a competitive edge in the job market and open up all kinds of employment opportunities.

Chinese module with credits

You can study 30-credit Beginners’ Chinese (L108) at Level 1 as an option in many qualifications such as Open Degree or as a standalone module. Our students cross all boundaries of age, background and experience, and so we provide a range of resources that you can choose to fit with your interests and your lifestyle. These include:

• Audio and video resources to motivate you and help you learn in a realistic environment
• Live tutorials to help you engage and connect with tutors, fellow students and the language itself
• Online forums and chat rooms that invite you to interact with fellow students in a friendly, supportive and safe academic community
• Learning materials and learning support accessible to all, regardless of your background, disabilities or environment.

Note:  another 30-credit module Intermediate Chinese will be available from October 2026.

Short courses to whet your appetite

We have a range of interactive short courses in Chinese language, designed to fit around you. With access to expert learning advisors, learner discussion forums, quizzes and digital badges, these short courses provide the perfect balance of high quality learning and  support with flexible self-study to schedule around other priorities. Enrol anytime and study at a pace to suit you.  Chinese language short courses are 16 weeks long and are offered at Beginner and Elementary levels.

We also have a short course in Chinese Business Culture Essentials.  In this short course you'll discover a broad overview of Chinese culture by completing 4 units, with each unit expected to take 8–9 hours to study. Over a total of 36 hours, you'll explore topics including language and culture, building trust, hierarchical society and gift-giving. It will also identify the potential challenges these present. You'll even learn some useful expressions in Mandarin Chinese and simplified characters along the way.

You can also try a taster version of some of the above short courses for free on OpenLearn.