Overview
Explore the relationship between culture and communication with our Cross-Cultural Communication MA programme.
You will be taught and supported by experts in intercultural communication. Our teaching staff has years of professional and research experience. They have lived, worked, studied and conducted research all around the world
Our Cross-Cultural Communication Master’s programme addresses questions such as:
- How do languages, cultures and identities affect communication?
- What is the role of intercultural communication in the global workplace?
- What is the importance of global citizenship?
- How can we minimise misunderstanding in intercultural communication?
- How can we teach, develop and assess intercultural competence?
- What is the role of multilingualism in intercultural communication?
We have a diverse cohort of students from a range of backgrounds, including home and international students. This means you’ll work regularly with peers from a wide range of national, language and professional backgrounds. This will help you to develop your interpersonal and intercultural skills. Former students identify this as one of the main strengths of the course.
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Important information
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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
By the end of the course, you will develop your understanding of intercultural communication theory and research.
You will also become familiar with professional practice in intercultural and cross-cultural contexts. Key topics on the Cross Cultural Communication MA will include:
- international workplaces
- intercultural communication online
- multilingual communities and individuals
- transnationally mobile groups (such as refugees)
- global perspectives on intercultural communication
- multimodality of intercultural communication
You’ll learn the practical, theoretical and methodological skills required to conduct research on intercultural communication topics. We will teach you various ways of collecting and analysing data, including:
- research interviews
- surveys and statistics
- linguistic analysis
- discourse analysis
- multimodal analysis
Our courses have received praise from external examiners and the University’s Internal Subject Review committee for the emphasis on teaching and assessing empirical, data-driven research.
Language and communication
This strand is delivered by Applied Linguistics & Communication academics within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. You will study a compulsory module which introduces key theories and topics in intercultural communication. You can also choose from a range of optional modules depending on your interests.
You’ll learn about communication and cross-cultural communication research. This will be from a range of perspectives, including:
- social psychology
- communication studies
- intercultural communication studies
- linguistics and discourse studies
We’ll encourage you to apply your research interests to real-world case studies. These can be international organisations or workplaces with which you have a connection.
Pathway-specific modules
Modules in this area will be delivered by lecturers from the relevant school. You’ll find details on the specific pathway webpage.
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 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 |
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 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 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
The Cross-Cultural Communication 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
- Translation
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
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)
