Overview
An HSK 1 course (Mandarin Chinese) is a 40-hour part-time short course for Mandarin beginners.
HSK is an international standardised exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency.
There are 6 test levels, and test takers who pass the HSK6 exams will be able to progress from being able to master simple Chinese phrases to effectively expressing themselves both in speaking and writing.
We offer HSK certificates levels 1 to 6. See further information on the CITCM website.
By completing an HSK 1 course, you learn 150 words and become able to understand and use simple Chinese phrases to make conversations on self-introduction, convey gratitude and apology and talk about numbers, time and date, weather, etc. You will also learn to read and write pinyin.
An HSK 1 certificate is an internationally recognised qualification evidencing your competency in Chinese.
This course is delivered by the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM) which promotes Chinese culture and medicine by providing a range of workshops and courses.
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for HSK level 1.
We consider applications from those who have gained relevant skills through a wide range of vocational qualifications or responsible experience.
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Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
The cost of the course is £288 plus an exam fee.
LSBU students are eligible for a discount and pay £144 for the course.
Further information is available on the CITCM website.
Apply direct to the Confucius Institute ci4tcm@lsbu.ac.uk, include your name and contact number.
Email enquiries: ci4tcm@lsbu.ac.uk
Telephone enquiries: 0207 815 7272
You are able to start studying in January, April or October.
For further details, please see the CITCM website.
Prepare to start
You will be given details about the course prior to starting and welcomed to the University.
Careers
LSBU Employability Services
LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market, you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interviewing techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:
- direct engagement from employers who come into an interview and talk to students
- Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
- mentoring and work shadowing schemes.
The HSK qualification is an international examination scheme which gives employers evidence of your linguist abilities in Mandarin Chinese. We offer HSK certificates levels 1 to 6 - see further information on the CITCM website.
Teaching and Assessment
You will receive:
- Two hours contact teaching per week
- Seven hours self study per week
- There is no coursework but you will be given exercises and worksheets to help you with your self-study
- There is an examination which tests reading and listening skills
Student feedback
"HSK level 1 was a very friendly introduction to Mandarin. We learned about Chinese culture as well as the language, and the teacher is excellent. After sitting my level 1 exam, I looked forward to beginning level 2.
Christina Higgins,
"HSK level 1 and 3 at CITCM, is a very exciting and fun way to learn Mandarin. The teaching is excellent and prepares you well for your HSK exams as well as teaching you about Chinese culture.
Farah Adam,
The HSK Mandarin course offered by the Confucius Institute makes learning another language fun and accessible for everyone. Lessons are well-structured, progression is intuitive and I enjoyed level 1 so much that when I finished I signed up for level 2 straight away. This course is very highly recommended!
Tasnim Patel,
I find that the classes are informative, helpful in understanding Chinese culture and traditions.The teacher encourages the class to work well together and we all seem to progress. I feel the class is helping me understand acupuncture more and I am glad I started the course.
Barbara Thurogood,