Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA

Overview

The Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA offers theory, research, and practical training. This covers international and intercultural communication, as well as approaches to understanding contemporary international politics and society.

This Master's addresses contemporary international dynamics through a range of approaches:

• theoretical
• empirical
• area-based

The International Relations pathway is a specialism on the Cross-Cultural Communication MA.

Read more about the Cross-Cultural Communication element of the programme.

Academic staff in politics from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology deliver the teaching for the specialist International Relations pathway.

Read more about our Politics staff in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

Language and communication

Applied linguistics academic staff from the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences deliver this strand. The strand comprises one compulsory module and a number of optional modules available to all cross-cultural and communication students. Here, you develop your understanding of intercultural communication theory and research, and become familiar with professional practice in intercultural and cross-cultural contexts.

International relations pathway-specific modules

Academic staff in politics from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology deliver the international relations strand of taught modules. You'll study with other Politics students.

You'll develop:

• advanced knowledge and understanding of areas such as international relations theory and international studies politics topics
• knowledge of the more important approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research
• theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials from a variety of primary and secondary sources

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.

Course content changes

Module information 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.

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.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Research Portfolio	60
Introduction to Intercultural Communication	20

Optional Modules	Credits
The Social Psychology of Communication	20
Sociolinguistics	20
Professional Communication in Intercultural Settings	20
English in the World	20
Language and Social Interaction	20
Multimodal Communication	20
Multilingualism	20
European Union: Policy and Politics	20
Theories and Theorists of International Political Economy	20
Theories of International Relations	20
Global Justice and Human Rights	20
Development, Environment and International Politics	20
Critical Geopolitics	20
World Politics and Popular Culture	20

With the approval of the Degree Programme Director and depending upon the academic background of the candidate, alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

On our Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA, we deliver modules through a mix of:

• in-person lectures
• in-person small group teaching
• in-person small group workshops
• online lecture videos and activities
• online interactive lessons

We use a variety of teaching methods to:

• support your learning experience
• develop your learning potential
• prepare you for your career post-study

Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your learning. Weekly independent study tasks allow you to engage with and contribute to sessions and seminars.

If you choose to study part-time, we will work flexibly with you to develop a plan for your studies.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Research paper

Additional assessment information

The Cross-Cultural Communication 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:

• a reflective literature-based research skills assignment
• a presentation on a methodological approach to research in intercultural communication
• an empirical research project

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Your development

Our Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations programme is designed to support your development over the course of the year.

Semester 1 modules will give you a foundational knowledge of key areas in intercultural communication. Semester 2 modules will allow you to build on this. You will select specialist topics suited to your interests and future goals.

Through class discussion and assessment, you will reflect on your own intercultural communication, learning and development.

Through a research portfolio, you'll gain the analytical and theoretical skills required to understand and analyse communication in a social setting of personal interest or relevance to you.

As a part-time student, you can conduct a research project of relevance to your employer and/or industry.

You will develop valuable intercultural skills. These skills are essential for working in diverse academic and professional environments. 

You will enhance your ability to communicate effectively across cultures by:

• engaging with peers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• participating in intercultural group work
• critically examining global perspectives in your field

The programme’s curriculum:

• encourages reflection on your own cultural assumptions while fostering an appreciation for others
• equips you with the sensitivity and adaptability needed to navigate multicultural settings with confidence and respect

Your future

Intercultural communication and international relations careers

This Master's is relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture in contexts of international relations. The course will prepare you for work in international and intercultural environments.

Communication is an essential aspect of the work in roles such as:

• communications and public affairs consultants
• governmental civil servants
• NGO staff
• intergovernmental advisors
• human resources advisors
• international recruitment managers
• digital communications managers

See a selection of what our former students have moved on to.

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, you'll have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including:

• a well-stocked Education Resource Centre
• a language analysis lab
• a phonetics lab
• an audio-video lab
• a recording studio

You'll also have access to the School of Geography, Politics & Sociology's excellent facilities in the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building, including:

• contemporary cafe
• dedicated study and social areas
• computer clusters 

You will have access to a range of IT systems and software and library resources (including electronic journals and databases). 

Newcastle University Library is an award-winning service consisting of four buildings on campus and one off-campus facility, home to over 0.8 million print books, over 0.7 million e-books and over 54,000 e-journal titles. 

The library also has study spaces, a postgraduate study rooms, computer clusters, media room and café.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

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Pre-Master’s and English Language courses

Need an alternative route to study this course? Our International Study Centre offers Pre-Master’s degrees and English language courses to prepare you for study. 

Explore these courses

 

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

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