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 MA
Academic staff in politics from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology deliver this specialist 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 2024-25.
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.
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 |
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
On our Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA, we deliver modules through a mix of:
- online lecture videos and activities
- online interactive lessons
- in-person lectures
- in-person small group teaching
- in-person small group workshops
We use a variety of teaching methods to:
- support your learning experience
- develop your learning potential
- prepare you for real-world challenges
Interactive sessions encourage you to apply new knowledge, concepts and skills to your practice. 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.
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
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
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
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
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.
Your future
Intercultural communication careers
This Master’s is relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture. The course will prepare you for work in international and intercultural environments.
Communication is an essential aspect of the work in roles such as:
- marketing and communications
- communications consultants
- human resources advisors
- international recruitment
- digital communications
- translators and interpreters
- social workers
- international sales representatives
- NGO staff
- Study Abroad coordinators
- teachers
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
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Communication and Media Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
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
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
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic 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
We will consider your application if you are a graduate in any of the following disciplines, and have relevant professional experience (for example in an international organisation or a cross-cultural context):
- education
- area studies
- English
- geography
- history
- law
- translation
We may consider your application if:
- you are a graduate in any other discipline and have relevant professional experience (for example in an international organisation or a cross-cultural context) or
- have lower or non-standard qualifications, and have relevant professional experience (for example in an international organisation or a cross-cultural context)
