Throughout this module, you'll learn about the concepts, skills and strategies required to learn Chinese successfully. Over six thematic units, you'll learn new language covering levels A1 and working towards A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It covers levels 1 and most of level 2 of the Chinese Proficiency Test Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK).
The six units centre around the following themes:
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts. This module teaches Mandarin Chinese pronunciation and Chinese script in simplified characters. However, the traditional characters for the vocabulary covered in the module are also available in the Resources section of the module website.
In addition to language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking in Chinese), you'll develop an awareness of cultural diversity in Chinese-speaking countries and regions.
You'll also learn key OU level 1 undergraduate study skills such as learning to work independently and using strategies which enable you to solve problems and analyse data. The module will also help you develop your intercultural communication competence, your critical thinking and digital literacy, all of which are considered important employability skills.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
There will also be weekend drop-in online speaking practice sessions with a student teacher, subject to operational capacity.
Course work includes:
TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. Your listening and reading skills will be tested by iCMAs. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.
You'll be provided with a printed Workbook which focuses on the learning of Chinese characters and you’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Chinese@OU is a free character learning app developed by the OU’s Chinese language team that can be downloaded via the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
L108 is an option module in our:
Beginners Chinese starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2037.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
No prior knowledge of Chinese is required to study this module. To help decide if this is the module for you, use our self-assessment quiz.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
As part of the module, there will be a selection of induction sessions to help you familiarise yourself with the module materials, website and OU terminology. You will receive detailed information after registration.
You can have a look at our free taster course on OpenLearn: Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course which gives a brief introduction of the Chinese language.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L108 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
