Chinese beginners: module 1

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Learn Chinese Mandarineither an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online sessions.This course is designed for beginners who have little or no prior knowledge of Chinese.Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about the language and culture, this course will equip you with the essential skills to communicate confidently in Mandarin.Our emphasis on speaking ensures that you'll be able to engage in meani...

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Choose a starting date

Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.

  • Start Date: 21 Sep 2026
    End Date: 30 Nov 2026
    Mon (Daytime): 15:30 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: LC113
    Tutors:  Ting Poon
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 21 Sep 2026
    End Date: 30 Nov 2026
    Mon (Evening): 19:35 - 21:05
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: LC111
    Tutors:  Ting Poon
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 05 Oct 2026
    End Date: 14 Dec 2026
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30
    Online
    Location: Online
    Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: LC112
    Tutors:  Fei Wang
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00
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Any questions? languages@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 3443 9714

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
244669
Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00

What is the course about?

This course will provide you with a good grasp of the basics of Chinese and to provide a solid foundation in Mandarin Chinese. Throughout the course, students will learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures, enabling them to engage in simple conversations. The course will also introduce students to Chinese culture, customs, and traditions, providing them with a deeper understanding of the language and its context.

What will we cover?

Topics: Greetings, personal information (name, nationality, what you study, languages you speak, occupations), numbers, up to 100, talk about your family.
Grammar: Pronunciation and intonation practice. Talk about everyday topics in the present tense.

Please note that the content of the face-to-face and online courses may differ slightly, as tutors may select and adapt materials according to the delivery format.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Exchange greetings and other courtesies.
  • Introduce yourself and other people.
  • Ask and answer questions about occupations.
  • Give and ask for personal details.
  • Talk about family.
  • Use numbers 1-100.
  • Recognise 60 radicals or characters (optional).
  • Read basic sentences in pinyin.
  • Understand the Chinese phonetic system.
  • Practise correct Mandarin pronunciation and know the difference between the 5 tones.
  • Have a basic conversation with someone.

Please note that the content of the face-to-face and online courses may differ slightly, as tutors may select and adapt materials according to the delivery format.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for complete beginners. Also suitable for students who have attended a short intensive course in Chinese or have a basic knowledge of the language but who would like to start again from the beginning, consolidate and progress rapidly.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Our courses are characterised by spoken interaction and communication. Typical activities include pair work, group work, role plays and games. A range of resources will be used to support your learning including presentations, hand-outs, and audio-visual material.
Homework is highly recommended to consolidate learning.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course is based on the tutor’s own materials and also incorporates content from Discover China Student's Book 1. Please check with your teacher before purchasing the book, as some tutors may choose not to use it in their lessons. If your tutor does recommend a book, please note that not all activities from the book may be covered, as tutors often supplement the course with their own resources.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Chinese beginners: module 2.

Ting Poon See more See less
Fei Wang See more See less

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.