🎓 GLA Language Institute — Glasgow, Scotland
🇨🇳 Mandarin Chinese Programme

Chinese Language
Course Structure

普通话课程结构 · A1 — C2/C3

A world-class Mandarin Chinese programme spanning A1 Beginner to C2/C3 Expert, aligned with CEFR and HSK frameworks for academic, professional and specialist pathways.

6CEFR Levels
HSK1–6 Aligned
3Specialist Tracks
4+Extra Modules
4000+Vocabulary at C2
Proficiency Levels 课程等级

CEFR A1 → C2/C3 · HSK-aligned · Mandarin-focused curriculum

A1 入门 Beginner

Beginner — Basic User HSK 1

🎯 Understand and use basic Chinese expressions

📚 Course Contents

  • Introduction to Mandarin Chinese
  • Pinyin System (Pronunciation & 4 Tones)
  • Basic Chinese Characters (50–100)
  • Simple Vocabulary (150–300 words)
  • Sentence Structure: SVO pattern
  • Pronouns — 我, 你, 他 / 她
  • Basic Verbs — 是, 有, 去
  • Greetings & Self-Introductions
  • Numbers, Dates & Time
  • Daily Conversation (shopping, food)

🧪 Assessment

  • Pronunciation test (tones)
  • Basic speaking task
  • Listening recognition

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ Visa basic requirement
  • ✔️ Travel communication
⏱ 4–8 weeks 📅 3 intakes/year 🖥 In-Person / Online
A2 初级 Elementary

Elementary — Basic User HSK 2

🎯 Communicate in simple everyday situations

📚 Course Contents

  • Expanded Vocabulary (300–600 words)
  • Basic Sentence Patterns
  • Question Forms — 吗, 什么, 哪里
  • Present & Past Expressions (了 usage)
  • Daily Life Conversations
  • Directions & Transportation
  • Writing Simple Characters (stroke order)
  • Listening Practice

🧪 Assessment

  • Dialogue speaking
  • Short paragraph writing
  • Listening comprehension

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ Basic job communication
  • ✔️ Entry-level interaction
⏱ 6–10 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
B1 中级 Intermediate

Intermediate — Independent User HSK 3–4

🎯 Handle common real-life communication

📚 Course Contents

  • Vocabulary (600–1200 words)
  • Aspect Particles — 了, 过, 着
  • Comparison Structures — 比, 更
  • Reading Short Passages
  • Writing Simple Paragraphs
  • Everyday Discussions (travel, work, family)
  • Role Play — office, market, school

🧪 Assessment

  • Reading comprehension
  • Writing task
  • Speaking test

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ Students
  • ✔️ Office-level communication
⏱ 8–12 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
B2 中高级 Upper-Int.

Upper Intermediate — Independent User HSK 4–5

🎯 Use Chinese in professional and academic contexts

📚 Course Contents

  • Vocabulary (1200–2500 words)
  • Complex Sentence Structures
  • Formal Chinese Expressions
  • Essay Writing
  • Presentation Skills
  • Listening to Chinese Media / News
  • Business & Academic Vocabulary

🧪 Assessment

  • Essay writing
  • Oral presentation
  • Listening test

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ University admission
  • ✔️ Professional jobs
⏱ 10–14 weeks📅 3 intakes/year
C1 高级 Advanced

Advanced — Proficient User HSK 5

🎯 Achieve fluent and accurate communication

📚 Course Contents

  • Advanced Vocabulary (2500–4000+ words)
  • Advanced Grammar Patterns
  • Academic Writing
  • Translation (Chinese ↔ English/Urdu)
  • Business Communication
  • Public Speaking
  • Cultural & Idiomatic Expressions (成语)

🧪 Assessment

  • Research writing
  • Translation test
  • Advanced speaking

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ Business professionals
  • ✔️ High-level employment
⏱ 12–16 weeks📅 2 intakes/year
C2+ 专家 Expert

Expert Level — C2 / C3 HSK 6

🎯 Master Chinese at near-native level

📚 Course Contents

  • Classical Chinese Basics
  • Advanced Idioms & Expressions
  • Media & Journalism Chinese
  • Interpretation (Consecutive / Simultaneous)
  • Advanced Translation
  • Cultural & Historical Context
  • Legal & Technical Chinese

🧪 Assessment

  • Thesis / project
  • Live interpretation
  • Debate & analysis

📌 Use Cases

  • ✔️ Interpreter / Translator
  • ✔️ Embassy / Corporate sector
  • ✔️ Teaching Chinese
⏱ 16–24 weeks📅 2 intakes/year
Specialised Tracks 专项课程

Purpose-built optional courses for specific professional and academic needs

🛂

Chinese for Visa & Travel

Essential survival Mandarin for immigration, consular visits and tourist communication.

  • Basic conversation
  • Airport & travel communication
  • Survival Chinese
💼

Chinese for Business

Professional Mandarin for trade, corporate communication and China market engagement.

  • Business vocabulary
  • Email writing in Chinese
  • Negotiation language
  • Trade communication (import/export)
🎓

Chinese for Students

Academic Mandarin for university admission, research and scholarly communication.

  • Academic vocabulary
  • Essay writing in Chinese
  • Lecture understanding
  • Presentation skills

Additional Modules 附加模块 (Optional)

🗣
Spoken Chinese (Beijing / Standard Mandarin)
Pronunciation Focus
💹
Business Chinese (Trade-focused)
CPEC / Trade Ready
🤖
Chinese for Technology / AI
Tech Sector
📝
HSK Exam Preparation (Level 1–6)
Certification
Suggested Course Duration 建议学习时长

Approximate timelines — adjusted per student pace and schedule

Level Title HSK Duration Hrs/Week Requirement Apply
A1
Beginner HSK 1 4–8 weeks6–8 hrs None Apply
A2
Elementary HSK 2 6–10 weeks8 hrs A1 Certificate Apply
B1
Intermediate HSK 3–4 8–12 weeks10 hrs A2 Certificate Apply
B2
Upper Intermediate HSK 4–5 10–14 weeks10–12 hrs B1 Certificate Apply
C1
Advanced HSK 5 12–16 weeks12 hrs B2 Certificate Apply
C2/C3
Expert HSK 6 16–24 weeks14–16 hrs C1 Certificate Apply
Frequently Asked Questions 常见问题

Common queries about the GLA Mandarin Chinese programme

Do I need any Chinese knowledge to begin A1?
No prior Chinese knowledge is required. A1 starts with the Pinyin pronunciation system and the very basics, making it fully accessible to complete beginners.
What is the difference between HSK and CEFR levels?
CEFR (A1–C2) is the European language framework used internationally, while HSK (1–6) is China's official proficiency test. Our course aligns both frameworks so your qualification is recognised worldwide.
Can I take the specialised tracks without doing the main levels?
Yes — specialised tracks (Visa & Travel, Business, Academic) are available independently. However, a minimum A2 level is recommended for Business and Academic tracks.
How do I apply? Where do I visit?
Visit www.glca.uk to apply online. You can choose your level, preferred intake and mode of study (in-person or online). Our admissions team responds within 2 working days.
Are evening and weekend classes available?
Yes. Both evening and weekend classes are offered for all levels to accommodate working professionals and students with daytime commitments.
Is there an HSK exam preparation track?
Yes — HSK Exam Preparation (Levels 1–6) is one of our additional modules, available alongside any main level course to help students gain internationally recognised Chinese language certification.