Mandarin Chinese Intermediate (Level 3)

This is for you if you have reached a Level 2 in the ELP self-assessment grid (equivalent to a good grade at GSCE) and/or completed the Post-beginners (Level 2) course.

Key information

Course starting in October 2026

• Course: Tuesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm 
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 6 October 2026 - ends 16 March 2027
  Length: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
  Fees: £312* (payable in two termly instalments of £156 each)
  Bursary Fund available for UoL Students (£156)*

This course will be taught in a small group. It requires a minimum of 7 and it can have up to a maximum of 12 students. The course fee includes all tuition, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook. 

Term 1 runs from October to December and Term 2 from January to March. A full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. UoL students can apply for the Bursary Fund. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language. For courses started in October, a third term will run from April to June, comprising 6 weeks.

Enrol now

Entry level

You have reached a level similar to the CEFR A2 or completed the Post-beginners (Level 2) or you have enough knowledge to be on track with the group.

You can use the ELP self-assessment grid to judge how competent you are in the language. Alternatively, if you require help to assess your level please contact us or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

Course content

This course is aimed at those who have acquired the basic sentence patterns, characters and grammar of Mandarin language and have attended around 100 hours of Chinese courses.

Level 3 continues on from Level 2 with some important grammar topics including: complements, the perfective aspect “le” and comparisons.

At this level, the grammar will play an important role in the conversational exercises. You will be expected to understand 1,000-1,200 words and to recognise the 500 most frequently used Chinese characters.

Resources

It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required.

Our approach

This course is taught in Mandarin Chinese; English is used when necessary or requested by students in particular situations or grammar explanations. Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary, writing system (characters) and grammar structures of the Mandarin Chinese language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of Mandarin Chinese language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. The group size is limited to 12 students and planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression

Upon completing the Intermediate Level 3, you can progress onto the Upper-intermediate Level 4.