Does the Certificate in Chinese Language use simplified or traditional characters?

Simplified characters are the teaching standard, which is the convention used in mainland China and Singapore. Traditional characters (used in Taiwan and Hong Kong) are introduced for recognition but not separately examined.

Will the Certificate in Chinese Language prepare me for HSK 1?

Yes — comfortably, with stronger learners reaching HSK 2 by the end. HSK certification is taken separately through accredited HSK centres in the UK; we provide preparation guidance.

How are tones taught on the Certificate in Chinese Language?

Tones are drilled from week one and revisited every week throughout the course. Recorded practice with tutor feedback is built into both on-campus and online routes. The four-tone system is the foundation that everything else depends on.

Can I take the Certificate in Chinese Language fully online?

Yes. The online route runs live small-group classes (typically twice a week), recorded review material and structured written and spoken feedback on your work.

How many characters will I know at the end of the Certificate in Chinese Language?

Around 300–500 simplified characters, depending on your pace. That maps to HSK 1 (150 characters) comfortably and into HSK 2 (300 characters) for stronger students. The Diploma in Chinese Language extends this to around 1,000 characters.

Certificate in Chinese Language in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Chinese Language at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a short, structured UK introduction to Mandarin Chinese. Across three to six months you will master pinyin, develop the four-tone system, learn around 300–500 simplified characters, and reach the level expected at HSK 1 (with stronger students moving into HSK 2 territory).

Chinese is a strategic language for working in international business, trade, diplomacy and cultural-policy work. This Certificate is for adults who want a real, sustainable foundation — not a phrase-app level — and who want a recognised UK credential that maps to the international HSK framework.

Key Features

Mandarin with simplified characters — the standard used in mainland China, with traditional characters introduced for context.
Pinyin and tone drilling from week one — the foundation that makes everything else possible.
HSK 1–2 vocabulary mapped — around 300–500 characters across the course.
Small live-class sizes (8–12 learners) on the on-campus route.
Three study modes — on-campus, fully online or distance learning.
Cultural strand — short readings, contemporary Chinese music, an introduction to current affairs.

What You Will Learn

The Certificate in Chinese Language is built around what a Mandarin beginner needs to do in the real world — pronounce with correct tones, recognise everyday characters, hold a basic conversation, write short structured messages.

Pinyin and the four-tone system — full coverage with sustained drilling.
Around 300–500 simplified characters (HSK 1 to lower HSK 2 range).
Greetings, introductions and everyday courtesy in Mandarin.
Numbers, dates, time-telling, currency and transactions.
Describing people, places, daily routines and past experiences using basic structures.
Reading short authentic Mandarin texts at HSK level.
Listening to slow-paced conversation and beginner news clips.
Writing short structured messages — text messages, brief notes, simple paragraphs.

Who This Course Is For

Adult beginners with no prior Mandarin.
Professionals working with Chinese markets or counterparts.
Students preparing for time in China, Taiwan or Singapore.
Heritage Mandarin speakers wanting a formal UK qualification.

Career Pathways

The Certificate in Chinese Language is a foundation credential. Typical applications include:

Bilingual Account Management roles (UK companies trading with Chinese-speaking markets)
Junior Communications roles (organisations operating in China or Greater China)
Cultural and Heritage Roles (museums with Chinese collections)
Preparation for HSK 1 and HSK 2 certification
Continued Study (Diploma in Chinese Language, BA Chinese Language Studies)
Foreign Service or international affairs roles where Mandarin is an asset

The Certificate articulates into the Diploma in Chinese Language at LSJHML for students continuing.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 16.
Secondary school qualification (GCSE/O-Level or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) for non-native English speakers.
No prior Chinese required.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.