Available online from September 2025
We are currently accepting applications for the three-year cycle of this online course, which will be delivered in the evenings and which, numbers permitting, will commence in September 2025. We will also accept applications for direct entry to second year from suitably-qualified candidates.
The Certificate of Continuing Education in Mandarin is a part-time qualification designed to take beginners in Mandarin to University level through a series of evening classes. The programme has been developed in collaboration with SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for Languages) and their strategic university partners in China.
Approved Qualification
This evening degree programme comprises undergraduate-level modules in Mandarin at first, second and third-year levels.
The two first-year modules, Introduction 1A and Introduction 1B, are intensive beginners’ classes. They are suitable for people with some or no knowledge of the language but with previous experience of language learning, and would equally suit those with qualifications in the language from some years ago who wish to refresh their knowledge.
The CCEd provides a qualification approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and has, in previous years, appealed to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including:
- secondary school teachers wishing to acquire an additional language
- teachers of classics
- primary school teachers
- musicians, journalists, lawyers and a range of professional people with an interest in Italy and its language
University standard in one year
The intensive beginners’ classes take students to first-year University level in one year, and open the door to the study of the language in second year and up to University Pass Degree level within three years. There is no long-term commitment, however, since enrolment is initially for one year and renewable on an annual basis. Students are free to opt out at any stage.
Direct entry to the second year is also possible for suitably qualified applicants, and the University will grant full recognition and credits for previous study.
Although this class is offered on a part-time evening basis, it mirrors the courses taken by our full-time undergraduate students and is taught by the same University staff. Students on the CCEd are therefore guaranteed access to genuine University standard courses on a part-time basis, leading to a reputable qualification, and have access to the same University facilities enjoyed by full-time students, including:
- the Library
- the Students’ Union
- IT facilities
- Sports Centre
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Teaching
The live two-hour online teaching session each week will take place on Wednesdays, from 6.00pm to 8.00pm, over 22 weeks, in line with the normal day-time University teaching semesters (i.e. from mid-September to early December and from late mid-January to late March). As well as the live teaching sessions, this online course includes a comprehensive range of interactive teaching and learning materials each week, hosted on the University’s virtual learning platform.
The assessment/examination periods are early December and April-May. Enrolments permitting, classes will begin in late September. Since full-time students have a period of grace in which to change courses, it will be possible to accept late applications after this time. Please enquire if in doubt.
Fees and funding
Annual fees for the CCEd courses are currently £950 all inclusive, covering 22 weeks of tuition and examination fees.
If you plan to undertake the course for reasons of continuing professional development and could make a case to this effect, you might wish to approach your employer for support.
Many teachers completing CCEd courses at Strathclyde are in receipt of full or partial funding from their schools or local authorities. If you fall into this category, we would recommend you enquire about funding.
Please note that all applicants for Professional Registration in a Modern Foreign Language will need to have met the residency requirements in full before submitting their application to the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Find further information on GTC registration.
Funding for part-time students is available via the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)