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Our Courses

The Confucius Institute at Newcastle University offers a range of Chinese language courses.

Welcome to our Evening Chinese Language Classes

Looking to learn Mandarin Chinese? Join the evening classes at Newcastle University Confucius Institute.

The levels of our classes

Our Chinese language courses consist of five levels: HSK1-HSK5. HSK stands for Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi. This is an internationally standardized exam that tests the Chinese communication skills of non-native speakers in daily life, study, and work. The levels of HSK1-5 cover beginner to intermediate-high proficiency in Chinese.

The courses we provide aim to help you make a leap from beginner to advanced level in Chinese and develop the ability to use Chinese in your daily life. Whether you are learning Chinese for personal or professional reasons, we can help you achieve your language goals. If you are interested in taking the HSK exam, completing the courses will prepare you to take the corresponding level of the exam.

Our teaching team

We have a team of highly qualified and experienced native Chinese teachers who specialize in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Our teachers will provide engaging and interactive lessons, and our curriculum is designed to ensure students progress comfortably.

When do classes run?

The evening classes run during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn terms, meeting once a week from 6pm to 8pm. Each level of the course consists of ten classes. Please refer to the timetable below for more information on specific class times and fees.

Join us now and embark on your journey toward becoming proficient in the Chinese language and culture.

HSK1(A) course

For complete beginners with no prior Chinese language learning experience and those interested in preparing for the HSK Level 1 test.

HSK1(B) course

For learners who have completed our HSK1A course or have about 20 hours of Chinese learning experience. Upon finishing this course, learners will be prepared to take the HSK Level 1 test.

HSK2(A) course

For learners who have completed our HSK1B course or have about 40 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 2 test.

HSK2(B) course

For learners who have completed our HSK2A course or have about 60 hours of Chinese learning experience. Upon finishing this course, leaners will be prepared to take the HSK Level 2 test.

HSK3(A) course

For learners who have completed our HSK2B course or have about 80 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 3 test.

HSK3(B) course

For learners who have completed our HSK3A course or have about 100 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 3 test.

HSK3(C) course

For learners who have completed our HSK3B course or have about 120 hours of Chinese learning experience. Upon finishing this course, leaners will be prepared to take the HSK Level 3 test.

HSK4(A) course

For learners who have completed our HSK3C course or have about 140 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 4 test.

HSK4(B) course

For learners who have completed our HSK4A course or have about 160 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 4 test.

HSK4(C) course

For learners who have completed our HSK4B course or have about 180 hours of Chinese learning experience. Upon finishing this course, leaners will be prepared to take the HSK Level 4 test.

HSK5(A) course

This course is ideal for learners who have completed our HSK4C course or have about 200 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 5 test.

HSK5(B) course

This course is ideal for learners who have completed our HSK5A course or have about 220 hours of Chinese learning experience. Upon finishing this course, leaners will be prepared to take the HSK Level 5 test.

HSK5(C)

For learners who have completed our HSK5B course or have about 240 hours of Chinese learning experience. It will also help them prepare for the HSK Level 5 test if they are interested in taking it.

Autumn 2025 timetable

Classes are held once a week for 10 weeks. They will take place either in person or online (please note that the delivery method - online or in person - will be confirmed shortly before the start date when we know the final registration numbers and preferences).

Note:  Our HSK classes will continue as normal during the half-term break this year.

HSK courses

Course Day & time Dates Target Full price Staff & students Concessions*
HSK1A 18:00-20:00
Wednesday

17/9/2025 - 19/11/2025

Public / University staff
£100
£50
£40
HSK1B

18:00-20:00
Tuesday

 

16/9/2025-18/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 £100

£50

 £40
HSK2A

18:00-20:00
Tuesday

 

16/9/2025-18/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 £100

£50

 £40
HSK2B

18:00-20:00
Thursday

18/9/2025-20/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 £100

£50

 £40

HSK3A

18:00-20:00
Wednesday

 

17/9/2025-19/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 £150 £75 £60

HSK3B

18:00-20:00
Monday

 

15/9/2025-17/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 £150 £75 £60

HSK3C

18:00-20:00
Monday

 15/9/2025-17/11/2025 Public / University staff £150 £75 £60

HSK4A

 

 

 18:00-20:00
Thursday		 18/9/2025-20/11/2025

Public / University staff

 

 £150 £75 £60

HSK4B

18:00-20:00
Friday

19/9/2025-21/11/2025

Public/University staff

 £150 £75 £60

 HSK4C

  

 

18:00-20:00
Tuesday

  

16/9/2025-18/11/2025

Public / University staff

 

 £150 £75  £60

HSK5C

 

 

18:00-20:00
Friday

 

  

19/9/2025-21/11/2025

 

Public / University staff

 

 £200 £100 £80

*Please note: there will no class on Bank Holidays and Half Terms 

 

*Concessions

You are eligible for the concessionary fee if you are over 60 years old or in receipt of:

  • council tax benefit
  • housing benefit
  • income support
  • jobseekers allowance - work-related activity group
  • employment support allowance - support group

You are also eligible for the concessionary fee if you are not in paid work and you are dependent on someone from one of the categories listed above. Please contact us about this.

How to enrol on one of our courses?

To register, please complete the Chinese Languages Evening Classes registration form .

How to pay for your course?

To secure your place, please follow the relevant payment link below:

Contact us

Do you have any questions or want further information about any of our Chinese language courses? Please email andrea.freeman@newcastle.ac.uk or Liujing Zhu, nljz@newcastle.ac.uk