Oxford University Language Centre
Mandarin
General Programme
Develop practical communication skills flexibly alongside your studies, research or work or just for pleasure
•1 academic year = 1 stage (3 parts)
•Term-by-term commitment
•6 weeks per term; 90-minute weekly classes
•Optional assessment at the end of Trinity term
Fast Track Programme
For motivated learners wanting to progress more quickly and keen to achieve more
•1 academic year = 2 stages
•Full academic year commitment
•22 weeks across the academic year; 2-hour weekly classes
•Continuous assessment (with possibility for learners to opt out)
Course Timetable: Michaelmas Term Courses 2026
| University Students and Staff may enrol using the links below | Course programme | Mode of delivery | Stage | Part* | Duration | Days and times of classes | Date of first class | Date of final class |
| ENROL | General | In person | 1 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Tuesday 12:30 to 14:00 | 20 October | 24 November |
| ENROL | General | In person | 1 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Wednesday 12:30 to 14:00 | 21 October | 25 November |
| ENROL | General | Online | 1 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Thursday 12:30 to 14:00 | 22 October | 26 November |
| ENROL | General | In person | 2 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Wednesday 12:30 to 14:00 | 21 October | 25 November |
| ENROL | General | Online | 4 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Tuesday 12:30 to 14:00 | 20 October | 24 November |
| ENROL | General | Online | 5 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Friday 12:30 to 14:00 | 23 October | 27 November |
| ENROL | General | Online | 7 | 1 | Weeks 2 to 7 (6 weeks) | Thursday 17:30 to 19:00 | 22 October | 26 November |
| ENROL | Fast Track | In person | A1 | Weeks MT 2 to 8, HT 1-8, TT 1-7 (22 weeks) | Tuesday 17:00 to 19:00 | 20 October 2026 | 8 June 2027 | |
| ENROL | Fast Track | Online | A1 | Weeks MT 2 to 8, HT 1-8, TT 1-7 (22 weeks) | Wednesday 16:00 to 18:00 | 21 October 2026 | 9 June 2027 | |
| ENROL | Fast Track | In person | A2 | Weeks MT 2 to 8, HT 1-8, TT 1-7 (22 weeks) | Wednesday 17:00 to 19:00 | 21 October 2026 | 9 June 2027 | |
External Learners
If you do not have a University SSO, please see Information for External Learners to find out about how to enrol.
Pre-course requirements and learning outcomes
Our programmes are calibrated to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). The tables below outline the recommended entry level for each course and the level you are expected to achieve by the end of it.
For example, Arabic General Stage 3 is for learners at A1 level, with an expected exit level of A2.
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Textbook Information
| Course | Textbook | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Discover China Student Book 1 (Units 1-6) | 9780230405950 |
| Stage 2 | Discover China Student Book 1 (Units 10-12) | 9780230405950 |
| Stage 3 | Discover China Student Book 2 (Units 1-8) | 9780230406391 |
| Stage 4 | Discover China Student Book 3 (Units 1-9) | 9780230406414 |
| Stage 5 | Discover China Student Book 4 (Units 1-9) | 9780230406438 |
| Stage 6/7 | No textbook required | - |