Cross-Cultural Comms MA
Cross-Cultural Communication MA
Full time: 12 months, part time: 24 months
Profile
Our course enables you to meet the growing need for increased knowledge in cross-cultural communication. You will receive communication-focused training and develop expertise in cross-cultural communication. The course covers understanding how cultures and human behaviour reflexively interconnect.
COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
About this course
Changing social conditions and circumstances require new ways of dealing with people, and fresh ways of interacting and communicating with people of other cultures.
There is an urgent need to improve our knowledge and understanding of the processes and issues involved in cross-cultural communication, and to discover how such knowledge can be effectively applied in everyday experiences.
What this means in practice is that we need to develop our knowledge of why and how communication 'works' and how and why it sometimes does not 'work'.
The course answers questions including how cultural background impacts upon successful communication and how language, thought, and behaviour are interrelated.
The course is theoretically, practically and research oriented, and allows selection of one of six specialist pathways.
Our CCC courses are the only ones in the world to offer such a broad range of specialisms. This unique combination of expertise in cross-cultural communication and an additional area provides our graduates with enhanced employability in the competitive global marketplace.
We have an international student cohort, with up to 35 countries represented. Former students identify this as one of the main strengths of the course, as they are regularly working with peers from a wide range of national, linguistic and professional backgrounds. This provides everyone with an opportunity to develop their interpersonal and intercultural skills while studying.
Through the research portfolio, you are equipped with the analytical and theoretical skills required to understand and analyse communication in a wide range of settings. You learn about research in communication and cross-cultural communication from a range of perspectives, including:
- social psychology
- communication studies
- intercultural communication studies
- ethnography
- discourse studies
The course has received praise from external examiners and the University's Internal Subject Review committee for the emphasis on teaching and assessing empirical, data-driven research. You receive training on the practical, theoretical and methodological skills required to conduct research relevant to the field of cross-cultural communication. This includes the various ways of collecting and analysing empirical data:
- ethnographic observation
- research interviews
- questionnaire-based statistical analysis
- discourse analysis
Delivery
Modules are delivered through a range of means, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- group projects
Each module tends to last one semester. Some optional modules are taught in short, intensive blocks and/or on occasional weekends.
The course consists of three main parts, each comprising 60 credits.
Language and communication
This strand is delivered by academic staff in applied linguistics within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. The strand comprises one compulsory module and a number of optional modules available to all CCC students.
Pathway-specific modules
Modules in this area are delivered by lecturers from the relevant school. You'll find details under the specific pathways.
Research portfolio
The research portfolio is equal to an MA-level dissertation. It involves three separate research files which take place over the course of the academic year:
- an essay on a theoretical matter in cross-cultural communication, submitted early January
- a presentation on a methodological approach to research in cross-cultural communication
- an empirical research project conducted over the summer months, submitted at the end of August
Lectures and seminars provide support for the research portfolio. You will also receive one-to-one supervision from an academic member of staff.
Downloads
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Modules for 2020 entry
Module changes
Course content changes
The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Careers
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Career development
The Cross-Cultural Communication MAs are relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture. They will also suit anyone intending to work, or are already working, in international and cross-cultural environments where communication is an essential aspect of that work, as for example:
- communications consultants
- interpreters
- social workers
- international sales representatives
- journalists
- medical and healthcare professionals
- humanitarian aid staff
- teachers
- local government officials
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.
Work experience
Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.
Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.
Fees & Funding
2020-2021 fees
If your studies last longer than one year your fee may be subject to an annual inflationary increase.
The fees displayed here are per year.
MA
UK
Full time: £7,800
Part time: £3,900
EU
Full time: £7,800
Part time: £3,900
International
Full time: £18,000
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.
Entry Requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in the following disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Ethnography
- Intercultural Communication,
- International Relations
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Politics
- Social Anthropology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- TESOL
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Translation
If you are a graduate in any of the following disciplines, we may also consider your application: Education, Area Studies, English, Geography, History and Law.
Work experience in an international organisation or cross-cultural context is desirable, but not essential.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant teaching or professional experience.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
Use the drop down above to find your country. If your country isn't listed please email: international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
English Language Requirements
Select an English language test from the list to view our English language entry requirements.
Please email us at international.recruitment@ncl.ac.uk for further information.
If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.
Pathway courses
Our Business and Humanities Graduate Diplomas will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course. Depending on your level of English, you can choose from:
How to Apply
You apply online, track your application and contact the admissions team via our applicant portal. Our step by step guide can help you on your way.
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
- pay a deposit of £1,500
- or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.