About Course
The Certificate in Mandarin Chinese for Business (CMCb) is designed for learners who wish to acquire practical Mandarin skills and apply them in business environments. With China’s rise as a global manufacturing and economic centre, the ability to communicate effectively in Mandarin significantly enhances business relationships with partners, suppliers, customers, and employers in Chinese-speaking contexts.
The programme develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, while introducing students to cultural, social, and business practices essential for professional communication. Learners progress from beginner-level language skills to business-oriented Mandarin proficiency.
Certificate in Mandarin Chinese for Business — Overview & Rationale
Programme Rationale
- Equip students with the linguistic skills necessary for communication in Chinese-speaking business environments.
- Introduce the evolution of Mandarin, character formation, and cultural traditions to develop well-rounded language competence.
- Prepare students for travel, work, and professional engagement in Chinese-speaking countries.
- Build cross-cultural understanding and confidence in interacting with colleagues, partners, and clients.
- Provide a pathway to advanced study or degree-level programs involving Chinese language and culture.
Programme Components
- Chinese Character & Radical Modules — Structure, radicals, and stroke order to strengthen reading and writing foundations.
- News & Literature Modules — Engage with contemporary Chinese texts, social issues, and media language.
- Business Mandarin — Learn authentic business conversation, negotiation, and communication in international trade contexts.
- General Language Modules
- Beginner Modules — Pinyin, greetings, self-introductions, basic grammar, and everyday vocabulary.
- Practical Chinese — Skills for daily activities such as ordering food, travel, and making inquiries.
- Conversation Chinese — Strengthens oral expression and speaking confidence through applied dialogues.
The full programme runs across four semesters over two academic years. Students who complete the entire CMCa Foundation (parts I–IV) achieve A2-level proficiency and are eligible for the Business Chinese certificate (CMCb).
Course Description
The CMCa curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to spoken and written Mandarin, using textbooks and instructor-prepared materials. Cultural and societal topics help contextualise language learning. Students gain intensive practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using authentic materials such as news articles and media clips.
By course completion, learners will have reached a high basic to near-intermediate level of Mandarin suitable for continued academic study or professional application.
Entry Requirements
- No formal prerequisites.
- Co-requisite: English at A2 level.
- Japanese cannot be taken simultaneously.
- Open to visiting students; no special requirements.
Course Delivery Information
- Programme delivered primarily online; exchange students may have one face-to-face semester depending on partner institutions.
- Flexible delivery options for individual and corporate learners.
- Total learning time: approximately 230 hours per module (lectures, practical work, formative assessments, independent study).
Assessment Structure
- Written Exam — 20%
- Coursework — 80%
- Oral Exam — 40% (within coursework components)
- Two Language Tests — 40%
- Additional oral and written assignments, class participation, and group work are required.
Feedback
Students receive written and informal feedback throughout the course. Correct answers for language tests are provided after each assessment. Learners are encouraged to use feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Learning Outcomes
- Use basic Chinese grammar and phrases for everyday communication.
- Describe simple tasks and routine matters using Mandarin.
- Compose short texts expressing opinions and preferences.
- Identify and resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings in common scenarios.
Reading List
- Essential: QI, S. & ZHANG, J. (2011). Discover China Student’s Book Two. Macmillan Education.
- Essential: WANG, D. (2011). Discover China Workbook Two. Macmillan Education.
Graduate Attributes & Skills
- Reflective awareness of ethical and social responsibilities.
- Ability to plan and use resources effectively.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
- Improved verbal communication and active listening abilities.
- Enhanced multicultural and global awareness.
Additional Information
- Programme includes personalised or corporate-customised delivery options.
- Students may study in Taiwan during year 1 and complete year 2 online.
- BCT (Business Chinese Test) is required upon completion; fees apply.
- Mock exams and diagnostic placement tests are provided.
- Certificate awarded upon meeting attendance, assessment, and grade requirements.
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