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Chinese (Mandarin) has official status in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and has 800 million speakers worldwide. Almost a quarter of internet usage is conducted in Chinese; this makes it the second biggest language online after English.

British Council (2014), Languages for the Future

What's it like to learn Chinese with the IWLP?

Read posts from former students on our blog. You can also read about how you’ll learn on an IWLP module and the reasons why you should take an IWLP module.

As an IWLP Chinese student, you may also get the chance for some extra-curricular activities, such as celebrating Chinese New Year, and you can join a society and learn more about Chinese-speaking cultures.

In addition, students recently voted Cong Xia Li, IWLP Lecturer, Mandarin Chinese as winner of the Reading Students' Union (RSU) Excellence Award: Diverse and Inclusive Teaching (university-wide).

She said:

Receiving the Excellence Award for Diverse and Inclusive Teaching is a profound honour, especially knowing it stems from the appreciation of my students. It represents recognition of efforts dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive. Throughout my 17 years of teaching Mandarin Chinese at the University, I have embraced various teaching methodologies to ensure accessibility for diverse learners. By integrating intercultural awareness into my teaching practices, I aim to create a classroom atmosphere that celebrates the richness of varied perspectives and backgrounds.

How do I sign up?

For detailed information, see our how to apply page.

New students arriving for their first year 
who are permitted and wish to take an Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP) module for credit, starting in Semester 1, must contact the module selection team at moduleselection@reading.ac.uk.  Please ensure that you use your university email account, providing the module code and title you would like to take. If you are unable to take an IWLP module for credit, you can still take the module non-credit - please see below.

Existing students who want to take an IWLP module for credit in the following academic year need to sign up via RISIS module selection. All non-credit students must submithe non-credit application form - please note that non-credit applications open in September.

Placement test

If you have any previous knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin), you must complete the placement test so that we can put you in the correct stage - please note that the placement test is only open from April to October.

Modules available

LA1PC1-IWLP CHINESE 1

This beginner’s module is for students who have no prior knowledge or virtually no knowledge of Chinese. This module will provide an introduction to Chinese, concentrating on its use in familiar, everyday situations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.

Chinese level 1 module description. 

LA1PC2-IWLP CHINESE 2

This post-beginner module is for students who have some basic knowledge of Chinese, such as that acquired by attending LA1PC1 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Chinese by consolidating and building on their existing knowledge of language necessary for everyday situations.

Chinese level 2 module description

LA1PC3-CHINESE 3

This lower-intermediate module is for students who have some previous knowledge of Chinese, such as that acquired by attending LA1PC2 or equivalent. Students will increase their ability to communicate in Chinese through engagement with a range of socially relevant and interesting topics and a short research project.

Chinese level 3 module description 

If you would like to take Chinese at a higher level than we currently offer, contact us via iwlp@reading.ac.uk.