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International Development and Education with Cross Cultural Communication MA

Explore how education and communication can drive global change - gain the skills to lead in international development across cultures.

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Start date(s):

  • September 2026
Explore Our Global Scholarships for 2026. Join our webinar 29 October 1pm, GMT

Overview

Deepen your understanding of international development, cross-cultural communication, entrepreneurship, and education. Our Master's in International Development and Education with Cross-Cultural Communication takes a multidisciplinary approach. You will examine global change through different perspectives, including:  

  • social  
  • political  
  • historical  
  • environmental  
  • economic  

The program equips you with skills to tackle complex global challenges. It prepares you to work effectively across diverse cultural and educational contexts. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) run through the modules. This helps you understand where the world is today in working toward a better future for people and the planet by 2030. You will also explore current debates about how education contributes to the development process.  

On this MA you’ll: 

  • learn through case studies to think critically about development issues  
  • explore data from secondary sources
  • do your own research through a unique placement module. This hands-on experience lets you apply your learning in real development and education settings. This will allow you to work on creating positive change

Ranked in the World Top 100 for Development Studies

Important information

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

What you'll learn

You'll develop an awareness of the role of government and markets in education. You'll also explore the links between communication, culture and cultural identification.

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.

How you'll learn

Your development

Placements

The two to four-week placement module offers an exciting opportunity to visit a country in the Global South (Africa, Asia and Latin America).

We're currently working with local charities and NGOs, Coco and Emerging Leaders to offer exciting placements in Tanzania and Kenya. We also offer placements in schools with our contacts at Avasar Academy in India. The self-funded visit provides an invaluable experience that will bring issues learnt on the course to life.

The placement module can also be taken in the UK, across, Europe, as a virtual placement, or in your country of origin, with the agreement of the Degree Programme Director.

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

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:

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)

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:

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

 

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply

Using the application portal

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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.


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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Dr Steve Humble MBE
Degree Programme Director
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 5047
Email: steve.humble@newcastle.ac.uk

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