Mandarin
The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is a standardized examination designed to test and rate Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese speakers' abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives.
It is an internationally recognised standard in assessing your Chinese language level and the result can be used to apply for the Chinese scholarship, such as the Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS). It is also accepted by universities in China as proof of Chinese proficiency.
Why study this course?
Language graduates are very employable. Mandarin Chinese competency is useful for careers including those in Business and Finance, Economics, Advertising and Market Research, amongst others.
HSK certificates will increase your chance to gain a job in a multinational company, will boost your qualifications and give you an edge over other applicants.
How is the course assessed?
The HSK test is made up of listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing sections. The test is available every month throughout the year, you can retake the test as many times as you wish, and the test takers will receive the results for the new HSK test issued within three weeks after the test. The six levels within HSK are HSK1 to HSK6. HSK1 is the lowest level in terms of ability and HSK6 is the highest.
Who is the course suitable for?
Students with a strong interest in Chinese culture, history and literature, desire to communicate effectively with the Chinese people. You can transform yourself into somebody invaluable to the success of a project in China and demonstrate great intellectual capacity, making yourself stand out from the crowd.
Progression options
Universities are responding to employers’ demands and there is enormous growth in the number and type of combined courses available to study. Those who study language degrees combined with another subject such as Law, Economics, History or Politics find that they are valued higher than colleagues who do not have a skill in a language. A joint degree also allows students to take a year abroad as part of their studies. These students often have an opportunity to spend a year abroad in China.
*Level descriptions for HSK course:
HSK1 You can understand and use simple words and phrases.
HSK2 You can communicate simply and directly on daily topics you are familiar with.
HSK3 You can conduct basic communication in daily life, study and work. You can manage most communication when travelling in China.
HSK4 You can discuss a relatively wide range of topics in Chinese and can communicate with native Chinese speakers fluently in common situations.
HSK5 You can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, can write and deliver a full speech.
HSK6 You can easily understand what you read and hear, and express yourself smoothly in written and spoken Chinese.