The online CCEd in Mandarin is a qualification that, through evening classes, brings beginners to first-year university standard in a year. Students then have the option of continuing their studies into second year and up to the level equivalent to our BA (Pass) degree within three years. The programme has been developed in collaboration with SCILT (Scotland’s National Centre for Languages) and their strategic university partners in China.
We are currently accepting applications for the first three-year cycle of this new course, which will be delivered entirely online and which, numbers permitting, will commence in September 2024.
An Approved Qualification
The Certificate for Continuing Education is an evening degree programme comprising undergraduate level modules in the language 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. They would equally suit those with qualifications in the language from some years ago who wish to refresh their knowledge. Given that the course is delivered entirely online, we welcome applications not only from the Central Belt of Scotland but from throughout the world.
In term of the Scottish context, our CCEd courses in modern languages provide a General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) approved qualification, in previous years have appealed to candidates from diverse professional backgrounds including:
- people with professional and/or personal interests in other countries and their languages (e.g. journalists, marketing consultants, entrepreneurs, musicians.);
- secondary school teachers wishing to acquire an additional language;
- primary school teachers;
Although students can achieve a BA (Pass) degree level within three years, there is no need to make a long term commitment, since enrolment will initially be for one year only, and then renewable on an annual basis. Students are free to opt out at any stage.
On completion of the full course of six modules over three years, students qualify for the award of the Certificate of Continuing Education.
Facilities
Although this course is offered part-time and online via evening classes, it mirrors the classes taken by our full-time undergraduate students, and is taught by the same University staff, many of them native speakers, who teach the day-time students. Students on the CCEd course are therefore guaranteed access to a genuine University course on a part-time basis, leading to a reputable qualification, and they have access to the same University facilities enjoyed by our full-time students, on campus, including:
- The Library;
- Strath Union;
- IT facilities;
- Strathclyde Sport.
Teaching
The course is offered on a one evening per week basis over 22 weeks, and follows the normal University teaching semesters (i.e. from late September to early December and from mid-January to late May). The examination periods will be in early December, and between mid-April and late May.
Please note that CCEd courses run only if the minimum number of enrolments has been met. Enrolments permitting, classes will begin in mid-September 2024. Please note that, in exceptional cases, we will consider late applications. Please enquire if in doubt.
Fees
In 2024-25, the total annual fee for the CCEd courses will be £950. This will be the fee for all students, regardless of where they are domiciled. Please note that students who, under exceptional circumstances, are allowed direct entry into semester two of first year will have to pay the full £950 annual cost, covering 22 weeks of tuition and examination fees.
Applicants who plan to undertake the course for reasons of continuing professional development and who can make a case to this effect, should approach their employer for support. Practising teachers you should approach their school or local education authority. A good number of teachers in post who have recently completed the CCEd courses in Spanish and Italian have been in receipt of full or partial funding from their schools or local authorities.
Please note that all Scotland-based 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 GTCS registration. Applicants who wish to teach Mandarin outside Scotland should consult with their relevant national professional body.
Through the University’s collaboration with SCILT and their strategic partners in China, there will be opportunities for students, at various points during and after the CCEd, to attend courses in China. In addition, the course is supported by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) under the Chinese Ministry of Education, and students will be eligible to take part in the UK Chinese Bridge language proficiency competitions organised by CLEC UK.
Our CCEd courses also qualify for support of up to £500 from ILA Scotland for applicants whose earnings are below a certain income threshold. Visit SAAS for more information