Chinese classes
Whether you’re taking your first steps on your Mandarin journey or are a seasoned learner, we offer courses to suit all levels.
Our classes are taught in person on campus at The University of Manchester or online on Zoom.
We offer all students who complete a term with us the opportunity to apply for a two-week summer school in Beijing. Application for the 2026 Summer School will open in early 2026.
Autumn Term 2025
Our Autumn Term courses will run from 6 October to 13 December. We will update the course schedule and open enrolment in September.
Please make sure you read our Enrolment T&Cs, including our cancellation policy, before enrolling.
Term Dates 2025/2026
Autumn: 6 October - 13 December
Winter: 12 January - 28 March (Please note: there will be a reading week/break during the week beginning 9 February).
Spring: 13 April - 20 June
Summer: 29 June - 25 July
Conversational Mandarin courses
Our Conversational courses are designed for learners wanting to develop their speaking and listening skills. They do not cover Chinese characters.
| HSK level | CEFRL level | |
| Conversational 1 | HSK1 | A1 |
| Conversational 2 | HSK 1-2 | A1 |
| Conversational 3 | HSK 2-3 | A2-B1 |
| Conversational 4 | HSK 2-3 | A2-B1 |
| HSK level | CEFRL level | |
| Lunchtime Survival Chinese | HSK1 | A1 |
Comprehensive Mandarin courses
Our Comprehensive courses develop all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
| HSK level | CEFRL level | |
| Comprehensive 1 Beginner | HSK 1 | A1 |
| Comprehensive 2 Post-Beginner | HSK 2 | A2 |
| Comprehensive 3 Intermediate | HSK 3 (part 1) | B1 (part 1) |
| Comprehensive 4 Intermediate | HSK 3 (part 2) | B1 (part 2) |
| Comprehensive 5 Intermediate | HSK 3 (part 3) | B1 (part 3) |
| Comprehensive 6 Post-Intermediate | HSK 4 (part 1) | B2 (part 1) |
| Comprehensive 7 Post-Intermediate | HSK 4 (part 2) | B2 (part 2) |
| Comprehensive 8 Post-Intermediate | HSK 4 (part 3) | B2 (part 3) |
| Comprehensive 9 Post-Intermediate | HSK 4 (part 4) | B2 (part 4) |
Advanced Chinese
If you’ve passed the HSK 4 exam, we recommend enrolling on our Advanced Chinese courses.
| HSK level | CEFRL level | |
| Advanced HSK5 | HSK 5 | C1 (part 1) |
| Advanced HSK6 | HSK 6 | C1 (part 2) |
HSK exam preparation courses
Our HSK 3 and HSK 4 exam preparation courses focus specifically on revising the key grammar points and vocabulary, learning the exam skills, practising mock exams and preparing for the exams.
Other courses
- Chinese characters
- Chinese calligraphy
If you’re unsure about which course is right for you, please fill out the enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch to advise and arrange a free consultation if necessary.
Accessibility is important to us. If you’re planning to take a course with us and would like to discuss your accessibility needs before enrolling, please send an email to confucius@manchester.ac.uk.
If you are looking for a free, informal way to practice your Chinese and learn about Chinese culture, come along to our weekly Mandarin Corner. Visit the Mandarin Corner page for more information.