Mandarin Chinese 1 (Beginners)

Location: South Kensington Campus | Level: Beginners

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for complete beginners or those with very little experience of the Mandarin Chinese language.

If you are not entirely new to Mandarin Chinese please contact us for a free level check prior to enrolment.

Course overview

The course is ideal for those planning to visit China, those interested in Chinese culture, or those wanting to begin systematic study of the language. Emphasis will be on communicating and understanding, but we will also lay the foundations for further study for those wanting to take their knowledge of Mandarin Chinese further.

On the course will learn basic vocabulary, including pronunciation (Pinyin system for Romanised Chinese), how to read basic characters, and how to construct essential phrases for everyday communication.

The course combines language learning with cultural insights, helping you understand Chinese customs and traditions while developing practical communication skills.

This course uses a textbook and other material to teach the course. Advice on which course textbook to buy will be given in the first class.

Course term dates

•  Autumn/Michaelmas Term: week beginning 12 October 2026 until week ending 11 December 2026

•  Spring/Lent Term: week beginning 4 January 2027 until week ending 19 March 2027

For course content and language level enquiries: Contact the Mandarin Chinese Coordinator, Dr Ruth Herd, at ruth.herd@imperial.ac.uk

For enrolment and booking enquiries: Contact Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. Regular attendance may also lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).