Scientific and Business Cooperation with China: HSE Launches New Online Master’s Programme
The HSE School of Foreign Languages is launching a new Russian-taught online master's programme: Chinese for Intercultural Business Communication. Maria Dubinina, the Programme’s Academic Supervisor, Associate Professor and PhD (China), shares its advantages and unique features.
The modern labour market is in need of specialists who can conduct business negotiations in Chinese while considering China's cultural aspects. This is essential for establishing long-term and effective partnerships with Chinese businesses.
In light of this, the new programme aims to train highly qualified specialists with in-depth knowledge of Chinese language, culture, and communication practices. Graduates will be prepared for both academic and business settings.
— How did the idea for this master’s programme come about?
— This initiative is a response to the growing interest in the Chinese language and culture as interaction between Russia and China increases. China is a key player on the international stage, making specialists with Chinese language skills highly sought after across various fields.
— What are the key advantages and unique aspects of the programme?
— This is an interdisciplinary programme that combines language training with studies in culture, society, and management. This holistic approach provides students with the necessary knowledge for a successful career in Russian–Chinese business relations.
The key advantages of the programme include, firstly, a strong focus on language training. Secondly, the curriculum emphasises the importance of understanding cultural differences and business practices, the socio-cultural foundations of business communication, negotiation strategies and conflict resolution, as well as the specifics of managing joint projects.
What makes the course unique is its integration of theory and practice, with a strong emphasis on real-world case studies. As part of the mentorship seminar, students will engage in intensive interaction with professionals from various sectors of Russian–Chinese business. Moreover, the HSE School of Foreign Languages has an extensive network of partner companies that are interested in collaborative projects, internships, and potentially employing the programme’s graduates.
— Why will this programme be taught fully online?
— The online format provides flexibility in learning. It allows students from different regions of Russia to enrol in the programme, enabling them to combine their studies with professional activities while ensuring that the learning process adapts to their individual needs. Moreover, the online format makes it possible to utilise various tools for language practice and communication, maximise the use of modern digital technologies, and attract Chinese partners as lecturers.
— What courses will be included in the programme?
— The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive linguistic training, so it includes ‘Practical Chinese Language Course,’ ‘Business Chinese,’ ‘Business Correspondence in Chinese,’ and ‘Preparation for the Standardised Business Chinese Qualification Exam.’
Students will also explore contemporary Chinese society and communication behaviours through courses like ‘Socio-Cultural Foundations of Business Communication in China,’ and ‘Modern Social and Cultural Practices in China (in Chinese).’
The specifics of business relations and the business environment in China will be examined in courses such as ‘Doing Business in China,’ ‘Management of Russian–Chinese Projects,’ and ‘Conflict Resolution and Negotiations: The Chinese Business Context.’ These courses focus on political, legal, and cultural factors that influence the country’s investment and management climate, market entry strategies, the nuances of building partnerships, negotiations, and business communication as a whole. Additionally, they provide a comparative analysis of business practices and corporate culture in China and other countries.
When developing the programme, we also considered the fact that in the context of globalisation and expanding bilateral cooperation, proficiency in the Chinese language plays a crucial role in promoting Russian culture and shaping Russia’s image internationally. The course ‘Promoting Russian Cultural Identity in Chinese’ will provide students with practical experience in creating and promoting cultural projects related to Russia in the Chinese language.
— What career opportunities will graduates have?
— Graduates will have diverse career paths, including roles in business, academia, and education. The skills gained will be in demand in key segments of the present-day labour market, namely international trade, management, consulting, marketing, PR, culture, logistics, tourism, and other sectors.
— What are the admission requirements for the programme?
— Our applicants should have a bachelor's or specialist degree in linguistics, regional or Asian and African studies, sinology, management, tourism, international relations, or education.
The programme is designed for students with a Chinese language level of at least HSK 3+.
The entrance examination for the Master's programme in Chinese for Intercultural Business Communication is conducted in the form of a portfolio, which includes:
bachelor’s diploma(s) and transcripts
individual achievements of the applicant (confirmed with documents)
motivation letter (in Russian)
interview (in Russian and in Chinese)
More details about the portfolio requirements and assessment criteria can be found here (in Russian).
— What are the application deadlines for the programme?
— Applications will be accepted from April 1 to September 15, 2025 (inclusive). Entrance examinations will also begin on 1 April and will continue till September 18, 2025.
More detailed information about the admission process can be found here (in Russian).
An Open Day for the programme will take place online on April 5, 2025, at 12 pm. Registration is required for participation.
You can ask questions, receive a consultation, and subscribe to announcements about programme-related events on the programme’s official website.
Stay up to date with programme news on the HSE School of Languages’ website and social media channels, including Telegram and VK.