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Accessibility statement
This introductory module is carefully structured and designed to develop the skills you need to speak and understand basic Mandarin Chinese in everyday contexts such as work, family life and travelling. You’ll also learn how to read and write simplified characters and explore the geography and history of Chinese-speaking cultures. The study resources include printed materials, a free Chinese@OU app and a dedicated website with a variety of activities which support independent learning. Together, they’ll give you not just language-learning skills, but also a real feel for Chinese-speaking cultures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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