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Cross-Cultural Communication, MA, Newcastle University

the United Kingdom

Newcastle University

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MAFull-time12 monthsfind outfind outfind out
MAPart-time24 monthsfind outfind outfind out

About Cross-Cultural Communication, MA - at Newcastle University

Our course enables you to meet the growing need for increased knowledge in cross-cultural communication. You will receive communication-focused training and develop expertise in cross-cultural communication. The course covers understanding how cultures and human behaviour reflexively interconnect.

Changing social conditions and circumstances require new ways of dealing with people, and fresh ways of interacting and communicating with people of other cultures.

There is an urgent need to improve our knowledge and understanding of the processes and issues involved in cross-cultural communication, and to discover how such knowledge can be effectively applied in everyday experiences.

What this means in practice is that we need to develop our knowledge of why and how communication 'works' and how and why it sometimes does not 'work'.

The course answers questions including how cultural background impacts upon successful communication and how language, thought, and behaviour are interrelated.

The Cross-Cultural Communication (CCC) MA is relevant if you wish to study communication, language and culture. It will also suit anyone intending to work, or are already working, in international and cross-cultural environments where communication is an essential aspect of that work, as for example:

  • communications consultants
  • interpreters
  • social workers
  • international sales representatives
  • journalists
  • medical and healthcare professionals
  • humanitarian aid staff
  • teachers
  • local government officials

The course is theoretically, practically and research oriented, and allows selection of one of six specialist pathways.

Our CCC courses are the only ones in the world to offer such a broad range of specialisms. This unique combination of expertise in cross-cultural communication and an additional area provides our graduates with enhanced employability in the competitive global marketplace.

We have an international student cohort, with up to 35 countries represented. Former students identify this as one of the main strengths of the course, as they are regularly working with peers from a wide range of national, linguistic and professional backgrounds. This provides everyone with an opportunity to develop their interpersonal and intercultural skills while studying.

Through the research portfolio, you are equipped with the analytical and theoretical skills required to understand and analyse communication in a wide range of settings. You learn about research in communication and cross-cultural communication from a range of perspectives, including:

  • social psychology
  • communication studies
  • intercultural communication studies
  • ethnography
  • discourse studies

The course has received praise from external examiners and the University's Internal Subject Review committee for the emphasis on teaching and assessing empirical, data-driven research. You receive training on the practical, theoretical and methodological skills required to conduct research relevant to the field of cross-cultural communication. This includes the various ways of collecting and analysing empirical data:

  • ethnographic observation
  • research interviews
  • questionnaire-based statistical analysis
  • discourse analysis

Delivery

Work experience

You are encouraged to apply your research interests to real world case studies, particularly of international organisations or workplaces with which you have a connection.

For example, your empirical project submitted in research file three can be in connection with voluntary work (for a charity or NGO) or an internship, arranged over the summer towards the end of the course.

As a part time student you can conduct a research project of relevance to your employer and/or industry.

Pathway

The Cross-Cultural Communication MA has six specialist pathways:

  • Applied Linguistics
  • Education
  • International Management
  • International Marketing
  • Media
  • International Relations

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

Notes about fees for this course

See our course fees and funding webpage - http://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/degrees/cross-cultural-communication-ma/#fees&funding

Entry requirements

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

If you are a graduate in any of the following disciplines, we may also consider your application: Education, Area Studies, English, Geography, History and Law.

Work experience in an international organisation or cross-cultural context is desirable, but not essential.

We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant teaching or professional experience.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 4 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course. 

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

  • 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)     
  • 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.

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