Business Chinese, Spring semester 2026

Course information
Course: Business Chinese
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: Elementary level
Start date: Thursday 5 February 2026
End date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Classroom TBC.

Please note:
1. There will be no teaching during w/c 16 February, due to the SCI's planned activities for Chinese New Year.
2. Easter break will take place from w/c 30 March 2026 for three weeks. Classes will resume w/c 20 April 2026.

This course is ideal for people who want to communicate with Chinese speakers in business settings. The contents of this course are suitable for business professionals and business school students. The 12-week course provides a foundation in speaking, listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on speaking, listening, reading and writing from the Elementary level onwards. The course also features a talk by a guest speaker adding practical context to the language-learning.

Levels: The course will be suitable for those with an Elementary level of Chinese - those with HSK 1 equivalent, i.e., 150 vocabulary.

Course content: Topics cover working with a partner and promoting your business and your products. By the end of course, students will have covered the following topics:
Each topic is introduced in a two-hour learning session. With sufficient self-study, learners are expected to reach HSK 2/ CEFR level A2.

Location: All courses will be held at Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S3 7ND. Please refer to the timetable on our website for your specific classroom.

Course fees: An Early bird (EB) discounted rate is available on registrations made by Friday 23 January 2026. After this date the standard fees will apply.

Early bird Fees:
General public: £162
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £144

Standard Fees:
General public: £180
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £160

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the Spring semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact: Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk Tel: 07593502130

For more information, please visit: https://sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/business-chinese
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Open to people from all walks of life, including university staff, students and the general public.

Course information:
Course: Calligraphy
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: Open to all
When: Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm
Start date: Thursday 5 February 2026
End date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Classroom TBC.

Class limit:
Please be aware that there is a limit of 14 students for this course - so register as soon as possible!
Registration will close once the course capacity has been reached.

Please note:
1. There will be no teaching during w/c 16 February, due to the SCI's planned activities for Chinese New Year.
2. Easter break will take place from w/c 30 March 2026 for three weeks. Classes will resume w/c 20 April 2026.

In this course, you will practice the basics of Chinese calligraphy and become acquainted with Chinese calligraphy styles. You will also learn more about the cultural and historical messages behind the characters you write.

Calligraphy brushes, ink and paper will be provided for you to use during the course.

This course is suitable for anyone new to Calligraphy and for those who have experience with Calligraphy or have previously attended our Calligraphy courses.

More Information: https://sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/chinese-calligraphy-classes

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Chinese for Everyone, Spring semester 2026

Course information:
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: All levels, Beginners to Advanced
When: Monday - Wednesday, please check timetable for class day
Start date: W/c Monday 2 February 2026
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Please refer to timetable for classroom.

Please note:
1. There will be no teaching during w/c 16 February, due to the SCI's planned activities for Chinese New Year.
2. Easter break will take place from w/c 30 March 2026 for three weeks. Classes will resume w/c 20 April 2026.
3. There will be bank holidays on Monday 4 & 25 May 2026. Monday classes on these dates will be rescheduled to a different day.

Levels:
* Beginners 1 – Monday (online) and Tuesday (in-person)
* Beginners 2 – Monday (online) and Tuesday (in-person)
* Elementary 1 – Tuesday
* Elementary 2 – Monday
* Pre-Intermediate 1 – Tuesday
* Pre-Intermediate 2 – Monday
* Intermediate 1 – Tuesday
* Intermediate 2 – Monday
* Advanced 1 – Tuesday
* Advanced 2 – Monday

Location: All courses will be held at Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, S3 7ND. Please refer to the timetable on our website for your specific classroom.

Course fees: An Early bird (EB) discounted rate is available on registrations made by Friday 23 January 2026. After this date the standard fees will apply.

Early bird Fees:
General public: £126
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £108

Standard Fees:
General public: £140
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £120 

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the Spring semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact: Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk Tel: 07593502130

For more information, please visit: 
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Open to people from all walks of life, including university staff, students and the general public.

Course information
Course: Chinese Painting
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: Open to all
When: Wednesdays, 7:00 -9:00pm
Start date: Wednesday 4 February 2026
End date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Classroom TBC.

Class limit:
Please be aware that there is a limit of 15 students for this course - so register as soon as possible!
Registration will close when the course capacity has been reached.

Please note:
1. There will be no teaching during w/c 16 February, due to the SCI's planned activities for Chinese New Year.
2. Easter break will take place from w/c 30 March 2026 for three weeks. Classes will resume w/c 20 April 2026.
 
Please wear comfortable clothing that isn't too loose and be mindful of the risk of spillages.
 
Chinese painting, known as "Guóhuà," is a venerable art form that dates back to the Neolithic age. It's a dance of subtlety and strength, where every brushstroke carries the weight of history and every ink wash speaks a language of its own. Unlike Western painting, it's not just about replicating the world on paper but about capturing its essence, its spirit.

In this art form, artists use brushes, ink, and rice paper or silk to create landscapes, floral scenes, and portrayals of animals that are more than just depictions; they are expressions of the artist's inner world, philosophical insights, and a deep connection with nature.

**There are course fees detailed below which will qualify students to receive a dedicated painting kit to aid in the execution of the course. This will consist of paint, painting pads and paper, brushes and other assorted items, all contained within the course price.**

If you have attended this course before and received a painting kit already, please choose the relevant price which does not include a painting kit.

Course fees: An Early bird (EB) discounted rate is available on registrations made by Friday 23 January 2026. After this date the standard fees will apply.

Early bird Fees:
General public: £153
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £126

Standard Fees:
General public: £170
Concessions (Senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff & students): £140

Additional cost for a painting kit for new attendees: £30 (Please choose relevant option when registering)

About the instructor:
Tao Ting has taught and collaborated with the Sheffield Confucius Institute and schools and educational platforms all across the South Yorkshire area. She has many years of experience engaging in and teaching the art of Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Cancellation Terms:

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Open to people from all walks of life, including university staff, students and the general public.

Course information:
Course: Tai Chi
Duration: 12 weeks
Level: Continuing/Post-Beginners students only
When: Thursday evenings
Class 1 6:00-7:00pm
Class 2 7:00-8:00pm
Start date: Thursday 5 February 2026
End date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Classroom TBC.

​Class limit:
Please be aware that there is a limit of 15 students per class - so register as soon as possible!
Registration for each class will close when the capacity has been reached.

Please note:
1. There will be no teaching during w/c 16 February, due to the SCI's planned activities for Chinese New Year.
2. Easter break will take place from w/c 30 March 2026 for three weeks. Classes will resume w/c 20 April 2026.

Please wear loose and comfortable sportswear, including sports shoes or flat-soled shoes. These courses involve physical exercise: remember to inform the instructor about any health issues in advance, and bring along a bottle of water.
 
This class allows you to master some basic moves of Tai Chi, a martial art form extremely popular both in China and abroad. A typical daily exercise for many Chinese people, this calm yet powerful form of training is well known for its beneficial effects on health, coordination and the ability to focus.

About the instructor:
Tao Ting has taught and collaborated with the Sheffield Confucius Institute and schools and educational platforms all across the South Yorkshire area. She has many years of experience engaging in and teaching the art of Chinese painting, calligraphy, and Tai Chi.

More Information:  https://sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/tai-chi-course

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for course fees, excluding the fees for the attended sessions, are available within the initial three weeks of the semester.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Available by collection in-person, no posting service.

Books can only be purchased by current learners at Sheffield Confucius Institute, for either adult learners or young leaners. Please note: books can only be collected in-person. No posting service is provided. (You can always purchase books on the market, where postage can be included.)

1. For 12-week Mandarin Language courses, adult learners

(1). HSK Standard Coursebook, priced for one volume, Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4-1, Vol 4-2. 

 (2). HSK Standard Workbook, priced for one volume, Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4-1, Vol 4

( 3). Chinese in Steps, Volume 1-4, priced for one volume and subject to availability.

2. For young learners at the Star Mandarin School

 (1). My First Chinese Reader, priced for one volume, Vol 1-4

 (2).Chinese Paradise, priced for one volume, Vol 1-3

 (3). Kuaile Hanyu, priced for one volume, Vol 1-2

 (4). Youer Hanyu, Vol 1-4, four volumes together.

 (5). Zhongwen Textbook + Workbook A and B, priced for one volume, Vol 1-12

 (6) . Easy Steps to Chinese, Volume 1-3, priced for one volume and subject to    availability.

Please add your selected textbook to the basket. At Questionnaires, we collect information on the "Learner's Name" and "Which Volume."

Upon completing a purchase, you can collect your order of the book at the CI office located at 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE. Alternatively, for adult learners, book collection is also available on the first evening of your course, week 1, at Bartolome House, School of Law, where your course is held. In addition, for young learners, book collection can be available when the Star School is open on Saturdays.

Please be aware that no posting service is provided for the books. Basically, you can always purchase these books on the market, where postage can be included. 

*** Our appreciation:***
 After finishing your course, we welcome your donation of textbooks back to the office if you no longer need them. However, please note that no refunds will be given for returned books.

Aiming high and meeting your needs.

Tailored to meet individual learning objectives, our one-to-one private Mandarin tuition can be available throughout the year.

Before registering, please reach out to us to discuss your aims, objectives, mode of participation, and preferred time for regular sessions. You can choose 1 hour per week, two sessions of 1 hour per week, or 2 hours per week. We will check our teachers' availabilities to accommodate your preferences.

Upon completing registration and payment of fees, and if you are new to us, a complimentary meeting should be scheduled to assess your unique learning requirements. This meeting, lasting up to one hour, is provided free of charge and aims to formulate a personalised program before the start of the first private tuition session.

Mode of Participation: Sessions can be delivered either in-person or online. If it is in-person, the place will be the Confucius Institute office, located at 2-4 Palmerston Road, Sheffield S10 2TE.

Course Fees:
•    Fees for a minimum of 10 hourly sessions are £300 (at a rate of £30/h).
•    Fees for 33 hourly sessions are £900 (at a rate equivalent to £27.3/h).

Contacting us:
Email:  confucius@sheffield.ac.uk
Telephone: 0114 2228332 / 07593502130

For more information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses

- Open to children attending Sheffield Schools only

1. Introduction
The Confucius Institute Star Mandarin School is a Learning Destination where the children/young people can earn CU award credits because of their extracurricular studies with us. We provide Mandarin Chinese, Maths and Arts tuition at Bartolome House, School of Law, the University of Sheffield, over the weekends.

2. What is CU award credits?
Sheffield Children's University (CU) is part of Sheffield City Council, and is now working in partnerships with the University of Sheffield (UoS) and Hallam University, to encourage children and young people to develop essential life skills by takin part in learning activities outside school hours.
One credit is awarded for each hour of learning that takes place. These are then converted into awards:
Bronze (30 hours), Silver (65 hours), Gold (100 hours)… CU Degrees (400 hours) … CU Master Degrees (800 hours) … and these continue right up to 1000 hours!

3. Why do we join CU Credits?
Sheffield Research shows that children who take part in CU activities:
• do better at school
• achieve higher results in SATs and GCSEs
• exceed expected results
• make more progress than other children
They also tend to have more confidence, motivation, and higher self-esteem.

4. How to collect CU Credits?
(1). Your child may have already enrolled for the CU through their local school. Ask in your child’s school if they are subscribed to Sheffield Children’s University.
(2). If not, get enrolled through the Star Mandarin School. Buy a CU Passport to Learning for £3 at the Star School through the university online shop:
You will then collect the CU Passport to Learning at the Star School (Bartolome House, School of Law) on Saturdays.
(3). You may already registered your child for the CU at the Star School before the Covid-19. Please register a CU Passport to Learning for £0 at the Star School through the university online shop.
You must bring your previous CU Passport to Learning to us for a checking at the Star School.

5. Consent and Signature: Permission will be given by Parent/Carer for name, date of birth and school to be recorded by Sheffield City Council so CU credits can be awarded.

For more information please visit: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/children

Interested in learning Chinese? Immerse yourself in this essential language learning experience tailored for real-life situations.

Our 5-evening Chinese crash course Survival Chinese is back! Join us in January to start learning Chinese!

Course information
Duration: 5 evening classes
Level: Open to all
When: Monday to Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm
Start date: Monday 26 January 2026
End date: Friday 30 January 2026
Where: Bartolome House, University of Sheffield S3 7ND. Room TBC

•    Designed as an intensive 10-hour crash course, it caters to learners with little or no prior knowledge of Mandarin.
•    Offered twice a year, Survival Chinese is held just before the 12-week courses start to allow progression onto those courses.

Course materials: The course features a flavourful introduction to the Mandarin language, covering essential words and expression for everyday usage of the language, such as greetings, shopping, making an appointment, getting to places, checking in and out of a hotel and ordering food, and so on. The course uses materials developed by the CI, and handouts will be provided.

Course Fee:
The course is priced at £70 (General public) or £60 (Concession for senior citizens and current University of Sheffield staff and students).

An Early Bird offer is available until Friday 16 January 2026, 11:59pm GMT.

Registration deadline:
Monday 26 January 2026, 11:59pm GMT.

Open to all levels of Mandarin language abilities.

We aim to offer you a unique opportunity to explore Chinese language and culture over the autumn semester, tailored to meet your specific needs with a diverse range of topics.

For any inquiries, please contact:
Email: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk
Tel: 07593502130 

For more information, please visit: https://sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/survival-chinese
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/study/courses/mandarin

Cancellation Terms: 

Refunds for Survival Chinese course fees can be processed prior to the start of the course.

Refunds beyond this period can only be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Youth Chinese Test for School Students.

The Youth Chinese Proficiency Test (YCT) assesses primary and secondary school students' abilities to use Chinese as a second language in their daily and academic life.

The YCT is divided into a writing and speaking test, independent of each other. The writing test consists of four levels. The speaking test consists of two levels, including elementary and intermediate. 

The YCT consists of two independent parts: the written test (YCT Level 1 to Level 4) and the oral test (Basic Level and Intermediate Level). The two parts can be taken separately. Details can be found at: 
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/test/yct

Test time:
     YCT Level 1, 09:00 (login at 8:30)
     YCT Level 2, 09:00 (login at 8:30)
     YCT Level 3: 09:00 (login at 8:30)
     YCT Level 4: 09:00 (login at 8:30)
     YCT speaking, Basic: 11:00 (login 10:30)
     YCT speaking, Intermediate: 11:00 (login 10:30)

Test place: Room and Building at the University of Sheffield campus will be announced at the near time.

Registration deadline： 13 May 2026

It is essential to send an id photo of the Test Taker to confucius@sheffield.ac.uk for this internet-based and In-Person test. Failure to do so will result in incomplete registration and being unable to take the test.