Chinese is spoken by about 1.6 billion people, with one fifth of the world's population now using it as their mother tongue. Chinese has become more and more popular for language learners, and with the economic development of China and its overseas investments, speakers of Chinese are in high demand. Knowledge of the language can help you in a government career, but it will also be of benefit in business and in industries such as engineering, medical, and in the non-profit and international relations sectors. Speaking Chinese can help you build relationships with people in China and overseas Chinese communities.
They can be taken for credit or not-for-credit. Modules with 44 taught classroom hours are worth 15 credits, those with 88 taught classroom hours are worth 30 credits. Check your level or take a diagnostic test.
Most of our modules are year-long. Intensive modules (two sessions @ 2 hours a week) can also be taken over one semester only. All language modules are taught in-person, on the Mile End campus.
To register for a non-credit bearing module, fill in the online application form. Please read the General Information before submitting your application or to find out how to apply for a credit-bearing module.
All language modules are taught in-person, on the Mile End campus. The modules offered in 2024-25 are listed below.
To help with your application, you can use this form to find the right module code. You will then need to follow the instructions on the form to submit your application.
Chinese Language and Culture 1a (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 1a (two weekly sessions, semester 1 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 1a (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 1 (two weekly sessions over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 1b (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 1b (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 2a (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 2a (two weekly sessions, semester 1 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 2 (two weekly sessions over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 2b (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 2b (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 3a (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 3a (two weekly sessions, semester 1 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 3 (two weekly sessions over 2 semesters)
Chinese Language and Culture 3b (two weekly sessions, semester 2 only)
Chinese Language and Culture 4a (one weekly session over 2 semesters)
Please note that in some cases there may be changes to days/times or venue prior to the start of teaching. Any changes will be updated on this website.
Studying Mandarin at QMUL has been a truly enriching experience. Lessons are fun and interactive, and studying Mandarin has given me the confidence and basic skills to speak to a whole host of patients within the dental school. One notable moment was when a young girl turned up with her father (who spoke little English) and a translator had not been booked. To everyone’s surprise I was able to have basic communication with the father, asking his name and number to fill in forms and advising him on dates of further appointments. Being told I had made someone’s day, in an environment where they would not have been able to understand anyone, was particularly special!— Tallulah Hall, BDS Dentistry (2020)