Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy MA

Important application information

This course is still subject to full university approval and is due to start in September 2026. The information given below is intended for guidance purposes only and may change once the course is fully approved.

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when:

• the course gets full university approval
• more in-depth course information becomes available
• we can start accepting applications

Overview

This interdisciplinary MA is the only Master’s in Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy delivered in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy provides training in conference diplomacy and UN Career Development.

By combining Newcastle University’s academic excellence with UNITAR’s practical expertise, this course will provide you with advanced professional competencies in interpreting and cross-cultural communication in global and diplomatic settings.

This course is open to applicants with linguistic proficiency in both Chinese and English. Graduates from any discipline are welcome to apply.

Experience the UN in action

The course includes a 10-day immersive residential at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

As part of this experience you will:

• have the opportunity to observe first-hand the UN system
• gain unique insights into the dynamics of real-world diplomacy
• meet and engage with diplomats, interpreters, and international civil servants

Academic experts in interpreting studies and experienced UN professionals and practitioners deliver this MA Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy.

UNITAR conference room

Students in Newcastle University's Conference Interpreting Suite

Student using Newcaslte University facilities

Newcastle University's Conference Interpreting Suite

The Frederick Douglass Centre's 750 seater conference and lecture theatre

The Language Resource Centre at Newcastle University

The newly refurbished King's Gate. A space for all Newcastle University students

UNITAR Human Rights Council

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

The MA Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy is designed around the following learning aims:

• Interpreting and diplomacy
  • develop advanced professional competencies in conference interpreting and diplomatic communication
  • gain an understanding of diplomacy and its role in international settings

• AI and the future of interpreting and diplomatic practice
  • expand your knowledge of AI tools and platforms used in international forums
  • understand their transformative impact on interpreting practice and diplomatic events

• Understanding international organisations
  • learn about the core components of the United Nations and its affiliated agencies
  • develop career management skills for careers in international organisations

Experiential learning 

The MA Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy places an emphasis on hands-on, practical learning to enhance your student experience and maximise your employability. You will:

• acquire the practical and technical competencies to perform as a fully-fledged interpreting professional using our state-of-the-art interpreting suites
• engage in intensive training in:
  
  • consecutive and simultaneous interpreting
  • managing multilingual communication in international diplomatic encounters
• develop a practical understanding of multilateral diplomacy and acquire key diplomatic skills by participating in Model United Nations simulations
• take part in student-led mock conferences which offer a unique learning opportunity in a simulated real-life environment
• combine case-study analysis and role-based simulations to develop:
  • practical and transferable persuasive communication skills
  • intercultural competencies
  • the ability to mediate international negotiations

Bridging theory and practice

Interactive lectures, webinars, and workshops support your practical experience. These provide you with a foundational understanding of key concepts and debates in interpreting and diplomatic theory. You will learn to use this knowledge to reflect critically on your practical interpreting experience.

You will also be trained in research methods and develop your own research project, opening up the path to doctoral study.

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

The MA Interpreting and Conference Diplomacy combines in-person learning on the Newcastle campus with online webinars delivered by UNITAR experts. The course also includes a 10-day practicum on the UN premises in Geneva.

In the summer, you will benefit from the support of a supervisor for your dissertation or interpreting project. 

Assessment methods

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

• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Performance
• Portfolio
• Report
• Research proposal
• Written examination

Additional assessment information

The varied portfolio of assessments reflects the wide range of skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course. Performance in simulated real-life settings (interpreting performance, Model United Nations, negotiation simulation) is a key assessed component.

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

On completing the programme, you will have:

• developed a deep understanding of international standards of diplomatic communication
• acquired the skills and expertise to perform as a fully-fledged interpreting professional for a global organisation
• developed the ability to apply advanced public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork skills in a diplomatic environment, and facilitate dialogue using mediation frameworks
• gained proficiency in using state-of-the-art interpreting technology, including AI tools and platforms used in international forums
• acquired knowledge of the current and potential applications of AI in international relations, and a critical understanding of the ethical considerations and governance of AI in diplomacy
• developed the ability to select appropriate academic research methodologies, and to design, evaluate and write up an academic research project

Your future

In addition to the academic and practical components of the course, you will have the opportunity to build a strong understanding of how to start a career within the UN system. The course enables you to:

• experience the UN work environment in Geneva first-hand
• benefit from networking opportunities with UN experts and staff members
• take part in tailor-made UN career development sessions  
• maximise your chances to secure an internship position in the UN

Careers advice and support 

The Careers Service provides tailored advice for international students. This includes the China Career Gateway, an exclusive career development programme for Chinese students studying at Newcastle University.

You will have access to expert advice and support throughout your studies and for up to three years after you graduate. Find out more about our Careers Service at the link below.

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

Facilities

You will train in facilities which replicate professional settings. You will have access to digital platforms for interpreting training and practice.

Our state-of-the-art interpreting suites include a UN-standard conference interpreting suite. The £1.2m suite provides an opportunity for cross-facility learning through video link: it is linked to a lecture theatre on a remote site – the Frederick Douglass Centre on Newcastle Helix – and enables training in remote interpreting. The suite was inaugurated by Christina Edwards, Chief Interpreter at the United Nations Office in Vienna.

In addition to the Philip Robinson Library’s extensive resources in international relations and interpreting studies, you will have access to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) Library.

Open days and events

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.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events