This course provides the opportunity for UK based non-Mandarin specialist teachers and learning support assistants to develop or enhance their proficiency in Mandarin up to HSK level 3. Teachers will develop Mandarin subject and pedagogical knowledge as a school subject, giving them the tools to support the introduction and implementation of Mandarin in their school curriculum.

This course has three progressive levels delivered through independent learning tasks, online support sessions, and face-to-face revision and assessment sessions. Each level is designed to be completed in an academic year.

Enrolling on the course at Level 2 or Level 3 is possible subject to the outcome of an assessment testing prior learning. This can be requested during the application process.

This course offers participants the potential opportunity to participate in a subsidised short-term overseas summer study programme, subject to completion of the course at Level 2, as well as the  availability of an appropriate overseas course.  An internationally-recognised Mandarin proficiency certificate can be achieved during the Level 3 course.

NB This course is only suitable for teachers whose language level is lower than HSK3. 

Open to
Non Mandarin-specialist trainee teachers enrolled on initial teacher training (PGCE/PGDE or school direct), QTS holders, and LSAs currently employed at a primary or secondary school in the UK

Availability
Available – Limited Places 

Location
Dedicated Online Platform & IOE Confucius Institute for Schools (15 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0NS)

Organiser
IOE Confucius Institute for Schools, Centre for Chinese Language Education
chinesenetworks@ucl.ac.uk

Programme Aims

• To develop or enhance proficiency in Mandarin up to HSK 3 level
• To develop and upskill with subject and pedagogic knowledge of Mandarin as a foreign language and as a school subject
• To promote and support introduction and implementation of Mandarin as a MFL subject in schools across the UK

Structure

Each level requires 30 weeks of  independent learning. 10 hourly online support sessions and 3 full-day face-to-face revision and assessment days are also delivered for each level throughout the academic year.

In line with UCL term dates, the course in 2025-2026 will start on 22nd September 2025 and end on 12th June 2026.

The online course platform for each level will be available from the course start date.

Workshop dates will be confirmed later in the year. The date and time for the 10 hourly online support sessions will be confirmed and announced by the tutor of each level on the dedicated online course platform.

Outcomes, Assessment, Certification and Re-enrolment 

Fees

The course will be funded by the IOE Confucius Institute for Schools.

How to apply for this programme

The deadline to apply for this programme is Friday 12th September 2025.

Please click APPLY NOW below and fill out the application form. If your application is successful, an admission email with instructions on how to complete enrolment will be sent to you and your line manager by the application closing date. Enrolment must be completed by the course start date.

Please note that applications may close earlier than the above deadline if all places on the course are filled. 

APPLY NOW

Programme Coordinators

Victor Wu    Teacher Training and Professional Development Coordinator
Michelle Tate    Teacher Training and Professional Development Coordinator 

Enquiries

Catherine Li

Project Officer
chinesenetworks@ucl.ac.uk