Cross-Cultural Communication MA
Start in: September 2022
Receive communication-focused training and develop expertise in intercultural communication through this master's in Cross-Cultural Communication.
Overview
This course meets the demand for increased knowledge in intercultural communication.
Changing social conditions and circumstances need:
- new ways of dealing with people
- fresh ways of interacting and communicating with people of other cultures
Our cross-cultural communication master's covers how cultures and human behaviour reflexively interconnect.
We must improve our knowledge and understanding of the processes and issues involved in cross-cultural communication. We must discover how we can apply such knowledge in everyday experiences.
In practice, 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
- how language, thought, and behaviour are interrelated
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. You'll work regularly with peers from a wide range of national, linguistic and professional backgrounds. You'll develop interpersonal and intercultural skills.
The intercultural communication course is theoretically, practically and research-oriented. You can select one of six specialist pathways.
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Marketing MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Management MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Media Studies MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Applied Linguistics MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and Education MA
- Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA
- International Development and Education with Cross Cultural Communication MA
Our cross-cultural communication courses are the only ones in the world to offer such a broad range of specialisms. You'll receive a combination of expertise in cross-cultural communication and an additional area. This means enhanced employability in the competitive global marketplace.
INTO International Graduate Diploma - 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:
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
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.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
What you'll learn
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 cross-cultural communication students.
Pathway-specific modules
Modules in this area are delivered by lecturers from the relevant school. You'll find details under the specific pathways.
The course consists of three main parts, each comprising 60 credits.
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.
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.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
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Optional Modules | Credits |
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How you'll learn
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'll receive training on the practical, theoretical and methodological skills required to conduct research relevant to the field of cross-cultural communication. This includes various ways of collecting and analysing empirical data:
- ethnographic observation
- research interviews
- questionnaire-based statistical analysis
- discourse analysis
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- online lecture videos and activities
- online interactive lessons
- in-person small group teaching
- in-person small group workshops
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Research paper
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:
- a reflective research skills journal, submitted in 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
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:
- courses
- groups
- notifications
- messages
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- our University Student Services Team
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Through the research portfolio, you'll learn analytical and theoretical skills required to understand and analyse communication in a wide range of settings. You'll 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
We'll encourage you to apply your research interests to real-world case studies, particularly of international organisations or workplaces with which you have a connection.
For example, your empirical project submitted in research file three can be in connection with voluntary work (for a charity or NGO) or an internship, arranged over the summer towards the end of the course.
As a part-time student you can conduct a research project of relevance to your employer and/or industry.
Your future
Intercultural communication careers
The cross-cultural communication master's are relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture. They'll also suit anyone intending to work, or are already working, in international and cross-cultural environments. Communication is an essential aspect of the work in roles such as:
- communications consultants
- interpreters
- social workers
- international sales representatives
- journalists
- medical and healthcare professionals
- humanitarian aid staff
- teachers
- local government officials
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
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 (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), including:
- a well-stocked Education Resource Centre
- Language Analysis Lab
- a phonetics lab
- an audio-video lab
- a recording studio
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
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.
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
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
- additional costs
- living costs
- tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts
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.
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
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
How to apply
Using the application portal
The applicant 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 applicant portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Degree Programme Secretary
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8830
Email: CCC@ncl.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
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