The Centre for International and Regional Affairs began its third session of the Postgraduate Certificate in International Relations programme on 23 January. The two-course programme was launched by the Roving Ambassador to the Pacific Islands, Ms. Litia Mawi. The Postgraduate programme will run from 23 January to 4 February.

This year, eighteen students enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate programme which was officially launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in January 2010.  CIRA’s Postgraduate programmes in International Relations are designed to prepare graduates to utilize their academic studies in practical career applications. The Postgraduate Certificate, the Postgraduate Diploma and the Masters in International Relations & Diplomacy are structured to assist the professional development of diplomats, public servants, political analysts, military professionals, journalists, NGOs and others requiring sophisticated analytical skills to interpret and assess the implications of global and regional issues.  These programmes also assist those hoping to prepare themselves for careers with Government, industry, media, international organisations and NGOs where a thorough grounding in international relations is helpful.

The lecturers who will be delivering the courses are Dr. Michael O’Keefe, Visiting Fellow, Centre for  International and Regional Affairs, University of Fiji and Senior Lecturer in International Relations at La Trobe University (Melbourne), Dr Hugh Craft, Visiting Professor, Centre for International and Regional Affairs, University of Fiji, former Australian Diplomat and former Chief Political Adviser to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat and now visiting Fellow at the Asia Pacific college of Diplomacy, Australian National University in Canberra, Nicholas Farrelly, Research Fellow, School of International, Political and Strategic Studies, Australian National University and Mr. Robin Nair, Director, Centre for International and Regional Affairs , University of Fiji, Visiting Fellow, Asia Pacific College of Diplomacy, Australian National University, former Fiji Diplomat and former Australian Diplomat.