Overview
Our Master’s in International Development and Education with Cross Cultural Communication uses a multidisciplinary approach to international development. It considers contemporary global change through various perspectives, including:
- social
- political
- historical
- environmental
- economic
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) run through the modules. This provides a contemporary stance on where the world stands today at building a better world for people and our planet by 2030. You’ll gain an understanding of and explore current debates around how education contributes to the development process.
Learning through case studies will cultivate your ability to think critically about development issues. You’ll explore data using secondary sources. You’ll also carry out your own research study through our unique placement module. This extends your learning into the field of development and education. This hands-on experience is an opportunity to co-create and co-develop impactful change.
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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
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.
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.
International Development and Education w Cross Cultural Communication modules
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Social Psychology of Communication | 20 |
| English in the World | 20 |
| Multilingualism | 20 |
| The Future of Learning in the Digital Age | 20 |
| International Development: Theory and Practice | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
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.
You’ll get the opportunity to study with our world-class academics, including:
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, Coco and Team Kenya, to offer exciting placements in Tanzania and Kenya. We also offer placements in schools with our contacts in Barbados, Ecuador, India and Nigeria. 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
- 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 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 50 for Developmental Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 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 150 for Education – 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
- Language Analysis Lab
- a phonetics lab
- an audio-video lab
- a recording studio
You will have access to a range of IT systems and software and library resources (including electronic journals and databases).
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience.
