ObjectivesThe current move towards globalisation has made it imperative that commercial and public sector organisations and institutions be aware of the importance of intercultural communication. Every workplace benefits from individuals who have an understanding of intercultural communication issues, whether in an international or local multicultural community. Intercultural Communication is a relatively new field of study and incorporates a fascinating mix of elements. As well as giving you a critical understanding of interculturality, this programme provides research training in the collection of insights and data. The course takes an unusually multi-disciplinary approach, enabling students with interests as diverse as business, education, journalism, languages, linguistics or politics to approach the subject from their particular perspective. Through its multi-disciplinary character, the MA brings together students and staff from diverse backgrounds, so that participation in the programme is a significant intercultural experience in itself. The course will interest students, practitioners as well as those wishing to pursue careers in academia, international management and relations, business community and international development. It will also appeal to those who wish to become more effective communicators in other professions, or act as cultural consultants.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements You must hold a UK or equivalent degree (at least 2.2) or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of competence in English. Accredited Learning (AL) may be granted in some cases. If you intend to claim Accredited Learning, please discuss this with the Programme Director before you apply.
Academic titleMA Intercultural Communication
Course descriptionContent
You will be introduced to current theoretical debates with respect to Intercultural Communication. These approaches offer an integrated, interdisciplinary, multi-method and multi-level explanation of intercultural encounters and go beyond the traditional reliance on personal experience and anecdotalism.
You must gain a total of 120 credits in the taught modules before going on to take the 60 credit MA Dissertation.
Core modules:
-Intercultural Communication
-Trading and Transacting across Borders
-Research Methods for Intercultural Communication
Option modules:
-Language and Social Interaction (30 credits)
-Globalisation, Multinationals and Business Culture (15 credits)
-International Journalism (30 credits)
-The Politics of Human Rights (30 credits)
-Intercultural Communication Project (30 credits)
-Comparative Approaches to Cultural Diversity (30 credits)
-Chinese Studies (15 credits)
Examples of multidisciplinary possibilities are to choose any of the optional modules and to combine those with a specialised dissertation in a specific area.
MA students submit a 15,000 word dissertation (60 credits) which provides a framework for reflecting on intercultural issues. In addition to the Research Methods module (which also looks towards a potential PhD), a one-day methodology session gives you training in library research and IT, and helps you to formulate a dissertation proposal. Typical areas of investigation are intercultural discourse analysis, business communication, human rights and international journalism.
Teaching and learning
UWE staff contributing to the programme are principally attached to the field of Area Studies and Languages, but expertise is also drawn in from Linguistics, Politics, Journalism and Education. The teaching team at UWE has considerable experience, both in research and in practice, in the area of intercultural communication.
Study facilities
If you are interested in improving your language skills, you are welcome to make use of the Language Centre, which provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which to study. An extensive range of audio-visual and self-study material is available, with a particularly wide selection of audio tapes, videos, CD-ROMs and films, as well as newspapers and satellite television. We also keep a range of self-study material for more than 20 languages.
Assessment
All modules are assessed through examination, coursework or project work. Assessment of the MA is by dissertation alone.
You are expected to attend all relevant lectures and seminars.
Careers/further study
There is growing evidence that businesses and organisations need staff with appropriate qualifications in this area. The skills and competencies developed during the course will give you excellent career prospects in media organisations, multinational corporations and consulting companies.
The course gives you an excellent grounding from which to develop your interests into a PhD.