The Landscape of Mandarin Chinese Teaching in UK HE and FE
I. Overview of Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE) in the UK
Higher Education (HE):
• Includes universities and higher-level colleges.
• Offers undergraduate (BA), postgraduate (MA, PhD), diploma, and certificate programmes.
Further Education (FE):
• Post-16 education below the level of a degree.
• Includes colleges, sixth forms, and adult education centres.
• Often focuses on vocational, professional, and community-based learning, including adult language courses.
II. Mandarin in Higher Education (HE)
1. Degree Programmes in Chinese / Mandarin Studies
• Some universities offer full BA/BSc degrees in:
• Chinese Studies
• East Asian Studies (with Mandarin as a core language)
• Chinese with Business/Politics/Translation
Examples of universities with well-established Mandarin degree programmes:
• University of Oxford (BA in Chinese Studies)
• University of Cambridge (Chinese Studies track in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies)
• SOAS, University of London (BA/MA Chinese, East Asian Studies)
• University of Edinburgh (Chinese Studies, MA Chinese)
• University of Manchester (BA Chinese Studies)
Curriculum Focus:
• Language acquisition (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
• Classical and modern Chinese literature.
• Chinese history, politics, economy, and society.
• Translation and interpreting.
• Cultural studies.
• Often includes a year abroad in China or Taiwan (though this faced disruption during COVID).
Student Profile:
• Mix of heritage learners, non-heritage learners, international students, and those interested in China-related careers (business, diplomacy, academia).
2. Mandarin as an Elective / Optional Language Module
• Many universities offer Mandarin as an elective course for students from other disciplines.
• Available at beginner to advanced levels.
• Often provided through Language Centres or Institute for Languages.
• Credit-bearing or extracurricular options.
• Aimed at students studying business, law, politics, international relations, arts, engineering, etc., wanting Mandarin for professional advantage.
3. Extra-Curricular and Lifelong Learning Mandarin Courses
• Evening and part-time Mandarin courses for the university community and public.
• Non-degree, certificate of participation or exam preparation (HSK).
• Often offered via university Continuing Education or Lifelong Learning departments.
4. Assessment and Qualifications
• Internal university exams.
• Optional HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) proficiency test (often used as a benchmark).
• Coursework may include translation tasks, essays, oral presentations, and research projects.
5. Challenges in HE Mandarin Teaching
• Resource-heavy: Mandarin requires more classroom hours than European languages.
• Shortage of qualified lecturers and native-speaking teachers with pedagogical training.
• Balancing heritage and non-heritage learners in the same class.
• Limited SEND/neurodivergent-focused materials.
• Post-Brexit decline in international students from Europe, but increasing interest from UK students.
III. Mandarin in Further Education (FE)
1. Mandarin in Sixth Form Colleges (Post-16)
• Some specialist sixth form colleges offer Mandarin A-level courses (typically Edexcel).
• Also offered in schools that continue Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) beyond GCSE.
• Mandarin can be taken alongside A-levels in other subjects (e.g., Business, Economics, Politics).
2. Mandarin as an Enrichment Course
• Some FE colleges offer short Mandarin courses for personal enrichment, especially in adult and community education sectors.
• Vocational pathways that include Mandarin for specific industries (e.g., hospitality, tourism, international trade), but these are rare and need development.
3. Mandarin in Adult and Community Learning (ACL)
• Offered in local adult learning centres, sometimes with Confucius Institute support.
• Focused on conversational skills, travel, and cultural knowledge.
• Non-exam based, flexible learning.
• Popular among retired learners, business professionals, travelers.
4. Assessment in FE
• A-level exams (Edexcel).
• HSK exams through Confucius Institutes or other centres.
• Informal assessment in ACL (completion certificates).
5. Challenges in FE Mandarin Teaching
• Very limited provision outside elite/specialist colleges.
• Lack of qualified Mandarin teachers in FE system.
• Little SEND support and adapted materials.
• Vocational and industry-aligned Mandarin courses underdeveloped.
• Need for more government support and funding to expand provision.
V. Final Thoughts
As Mandarin teacher educators, we can:
• Prepare teachers to work in both HE and FE sectors — not just schools.
• Advocate for vocational and adult learning Mandarin pathways.
• Encourage research on HE/FE Mandarin pedagogy.
• Help develop inclusive teaching methods for neurodivergent learners in HE/FE settings.
• Facilitate teacher networks that span schools, FE, and HE, supporting shared growth and innovation.
