Introduction to Mandarin Chinese

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for those who have never studied Mandarin Chinese before, or have only the most rudimentary knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.

Course overview

This course for beginners aims to provide you with a thorough grounding in the sounds of Mandarin Chinese, as well as some basic speech patterns that will equip you to deal with everyday situations.

Taught one evening a week for ten weeks, this is a lively and fun course that will introduce you to the basics in speaking and understanding Mandarin Chinese.

Topics covered include basic greetings, the family, likes and dislikes, food, and shopping.

The focus of the course will be on speaking and listening, but students will be also taught the rudiments of Chinese script, after which they can choose whether to continue learning Chinese characters or concentrate on learning the language through the medium of Romanised Chinese.

Term dates

•  Summer Term: week beginning 27 April 2026 until week ending 3 July 2026

Any questions?

If not a complete beginner in the language please seek level advice. For this and any questions pre-enrolment about the content of this course please contact the Mandarin Chinese Coordinator, Dr Ruth Herd at ruth.herd@imperial.ac.uk

For general programme and enrolment questions please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class Recordings

These classes are not recorded

Attendance Certificate

Successful completion of this course leads to the award of an Imperial College attendance certificate

Terms and conditions apply to all enrolments to this course. Please read them before enrolment