Certificate Programme in Chinese for International Relations (CIR)

Chinese for International Relations (CIR) is an eight-week online certificate course for students and professionals who want to use Mandarin in international and policy-oriented settings. As China's role in global affairs grows, a working knowledge of Chinese has become a practical asset for anyone in diplomacy, foreign policy, global business or the NGO sector. CIR teaches Mandarin through the world of international relations, so that from the earliest weeks participants are building language they can use directly in their field.

The course is organised around topic-based units drawn from diplomacy, international organisations, regional security, trade, human rights and climate change. Participants build focused vocabulary while developing listening, speaking, reading and writing. Learning is applied throughout: guided reading of news and official statements, short position papers, simulated meetings and press conferences, and role-plays of bilateral and multilateral dialogues.

Rationale and need for this programme

There is strong demand, particularly from the government sector, for specialised Chinese language programmes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Very few options in India teach Mandarin through the specific vocabulary and contexts of international relations; most teach generic or business Chinese. CIR is designed to close that gap, and forms the entry level of a progressive Mandarin pathway offered by CHS.