Over six thematic units, you’ll learn about the concepts, skills and strategies required to learn Chinese successfully.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded, and provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.
Alongside language-specific skills and knowledge (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing including typing characters using a Western keyboard, listening, speaking, interacting, and cultural knowledge), you’ll develop intercultural communication and translation skills, as well as academic, digital, and employability skills. You’ll also learn about working practices in Chinese-speaking countries and regions and about using appropriate conventions for writing CVs and letters of application.
You'll develop good communication skills and learn how to analyse and evaluate the texts and information presented to you, use politeness expressions in formal settings, and use appropriate styles to contribute ideas and arguments effectively. You’ll also become adept at relating to other people and being open to different points of view, all of which are highly valued skills in many professional settings.
This module will develop your proficiency in Chinese to a level equivalent to B1+ and close to B2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is comparable to Level 3 and close to Level 4 of the Chinese proficiency test known as the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK).
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 tutorial recordings available.
We may also run weekend online drop-in speaking practice sessions with a student teacher, as well as a Day School to coincide with the Chinese New Year celebrations, subject to operational capacity.
Course work includes:
TMAs test your writing and speaking skills, while your listening/reading skills, cultural knowledge and study skills are assessed through computer-marked assignments (CMAs).
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
Intermediate Chinese (L118) 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 2039.
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 an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but you should have a working knowledge of Chinese at A1+ level, approaching A2, according to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. You may have acquired your knowledge through adult education classes, time spent in Chinese-speaking countries or regions, regular contact with Chinese-speaking people, or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials, know how to type Chinese characters, and hold a basic conversation in Chinese in everyday situations, such as discussing yourself, your family, and your hometown, asking for prices when shopping, or requesting directions.
Ideally, you will have successfully completed Beginners’ Chinese (L108 or its previous version L197) or have reached a similar standard before registering for this module.
To help decide if you have sufficient Chinese to take this module with confidence, try our self-assessment quiz. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Before the module begins, we recommend continuing to practise your Chinese in any way possible. You can do this by reading Chinese newspapers, using online resources, or watching films in Chinese. Any activity that helps you maintain your language skills will be beneficial. Once you have registered on the module, preparatory materials to revise the content from the previous module, Beginners’ Chinese (L108), will be available to you.
If you have studied the previous module, Beginners’ Chinese (L108), you can revisit some of the activities and access the audio materials. If you haven't completed this module, you can practise using free online resources from OpenLearn, such as Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course and Getting Started with Chinese 3.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L118 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.
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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.
