About This Course
Have you ever wanted to learn Chinese (Mandarin)? Now is your chance to do so.
Our courses are available to Bangor University staff and students, as well as to those outside the University.
These 10-week language courses are designed to cater to a variety of levels—from beginners to learners who may want to brush up on rusty language skills and/or continue from GCSE/A-level studies.
*Courses run subject to minimum numbers. Some courses are very popular, so in cases where courses are oversubscribed, we will operate enrolment on a first-come-first-served basis. The minimum age is 18.
Why learn Chinese (Mandarin)?
Language learning is both enjoyable and challenging. It will encourage you to broaden your horizons, open doors to other cultures, and widen your social circle.
This page provides information on how to enrol in a language class, as well as timetable details and further information about materials and textbooks. The classes are designed to cater to various levels, from absolute beginners (A1) to advanced learners (B1) seeking to develop their language skills. Find out more about the different levels here.
Lecture Rooms
Lecture Rooms (LR) 1, 2, 3, and 4 are all on the first floor of the Main Arts Building (Bangor LL57 2DF). Turn left at the top of the stairs. This building has a car park, which is usually free in the evenings.
Online sessions take place on Blackboard: https://blackboard.bangor.ac.uk/ultra. If following registration you experience any problems to access your Bangor University email or the Blackboard site for your module(s), please contact shortcourses@bangor.ac.uk
Once registered, please check Blackboard frequently for further details and updates.
Materials and Textbooks
Our modules require students to purchase a textbook. As soon as you are accepted onto a module, please ensure that you purchase the relevant textbook for your level.
Languages for All Timetable
Each language module consists of 10 sessions, one session/week. Some courses are offered face-to-face, and some are offered online. All classes take place in the evenings from September 30th, 2024 (Semester 1).
Please check our for information about the exact day of the week when your sessions will be delivered.
SEMESTER 1
- Start: 6.10 pm. Break: 7.00-7.10 pm. End: 8 pm.
- First session: week commencing 7th Oct 2024.
- Reading week (1 week, no sessions): week commencing 4th Nov 2024.
- Final session: week commencing 16th Dec 2024.
SEMESTER 2
- Start: 6.10 pm. Break: 7.00-7.10 pm. End: 8 pm.
- First session: week commencing 3rd Feb 2025.
- Reading week (1 week, no sessions): week commencing 3rd March 2025.
- Spring break (3 weeks, no sessions): week commencing 14th April 2025.
- Final session: week commencing 5th May 2025.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR SEMESTER 1: Tuesday 9th September 2024
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR SEMESTER 2: Tuesday 12th December 2025
Please note: (1) Courses run subject to minimum numbers; (2) Many classes are popular - as class numbers are limited, places will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. We recommend you enrol as soon as possible to avoid disappointment; (3) While the University makes every effort to ensure that the information provided is correct, the timetables may be subject to change.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
LANGUAGES FOR ALL – WHICH LEVEL IS BEST FOR ME?
Below is a guide to the different language levels. If you are not sure which level is appropriate, you can ask the tutor for advice and guidance on your first evening with us. Our tutors will help you to find the right class and level to suit you.
Beginners (CEFR*: A1) You are a complete beginner, knowing virtually nothing of the language. You will develop competence in a range of predictable simple everyday language tasks. The course will provide a very basic knowledge of the structure and vocabulary of the language.
Beginners Plus (CEFR*: A1+) You may have studied the language at school some years ago or attended a beginners’ course. You have a very limited vocabulary and some understanding of basic structures. The course will introduce new tenses and help you to communicate in everyday social or work situations.
Intermediate (CEFR*: A2) You have a reasonable foundation in the language at school level, possibly to ‘O’/GCSE level or equivalent. You can deal with most common ‘survival’ situations confidently. You now want to start moving beyond merely practising simple language during your holiday abroad, learning to cope in non-routine situations.
Intermediate Plus (CEFR*: A2+) You have a solid foundation in the language at school level, almost certainly to ‘O’/GCSE level or equivalent. You can deal with most common situations confidently. You now want to start moving beyond practising simple exchanges during your holiday or work trip abroad, learning to cope in non-routine situations and contributing to conversations on topics of general interest.
Advanced (CEFR*: B1) You have a good vocabulary and a fair understanding of fundamental grammatical rules and how to apply them. You feel reasonably confident speaking in most common social or work settings and you are developing fluency in your reading and writing. You now want to use the language more flexibly and use appropriate terminology to suit the context
Advanced Plus (CEFR*: B1+) You have acquired a good vocabulary and a good understanding of grammatical rules. Your speaking and listening skills allow you to be relatively confident in most social or working settings. You can understand a wide range of demanding and long texts and produce clear and well structured texts. You now want to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, and use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
*CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for language levels.
For more help and advice regarding the language levels please contact us – be sure to tell us which language you are interested in.
Register here
I am a Bangor University Student
The Languages for All scheme has made it possible for all registered Bangor University students to enrol on one module per semester FREE OF CHARGE (subject to availability).
These modules are offered only in audit mode for all Bangor University students – that means there will be no formal assessment, and no credits will be awarded on completion of the modules. Please note they will not be shown in your timetable.
Additionally, Foundation Year students can register to Semester-2 Languages for All modules as part of their degree, obtaining 10 credits/module. Foundation Year students would be asked to complete 2 assessments/module.
Please note: you will need the module code and day from the timetable below. If you experience any difficulties with the form, please contact: shortcourses@bangor.ac.uk
I am a Bangor University Employee
Bangor University employees (with the exception of those also registered as full-time students): £120 per course.
The modules will be in audit mode only – that means there will be no formal assessment of the module and no credits will be awarded on completion of the module.
Register here:
Please note: if you experience any difficulties with the form, please contact: shortcourses@bangor.ac.uk
I am from outside the University and looking for part-time (community) evening classes.
The modules will be in audit mode only – that means there will be no formal assessment of the module and no credits will be awarded on completion of the module.
All members of the community can register to our courses. The fee is £150 per one 10-session Languages for All module. Please note each module is taught over 10 weeks.
Register Here:
If you experience any difficulties with the form, please contact: shortcourses@bangor.ac.uk
APPLY FOR A LANGUAGES FOR ALL MODULE HERE
Once you have been successfully registered, you will be given a Bangor University email address, password and access to Blackboard (where all the contents and course notifications are shared: https://blackboard.bangor.ac.uk/ultra). If you experience any problems to access your Bangor University email or the Blackboard site for your module(s), please contact: shortcourses@bangor.ac.uk