MA Intercultural Communication / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

My time at the University helped me big time in finding out my career path and what I wanted to do.

My field of interest became clearer and I got more confident with my English.

Cæcilie / MA Intercultural Communication Alumna

Each member of the teaching team is so willing to share their knowledge with us and any questions are very welcome to ask.

The first semester’s amazing study experience enhanced my awareness of my major, and I not only discovered the love of learning but also got to know brilliant teachers and made lots of friends.

Manshu / MA Intercultural Communication Student

Our MA Intercultural Communication master's course brings together a wide range of expertise to explore the cultural complexities and diversity of our current times from a variety of conceptual, disciplinary and professional perspectives.

The degree is designed for students who are interested in intercultural matters. Some knowledge of a foreign language is preferable, although not a prerequisite.

You can choose from a range of course units covering subjects such as:

  • migration
  • memory
  • media
  • translation
  • language contact
  • English as a global language
  • communicative interaction
  • intercultural relations
  • intercultural competence.  

It is also possible to study a foreign language. 

For queries about academic content of the course, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Leonie Gaiser .

Aims

We have interests in intercultural studies, intercultural training, translation, communication, linguistics, and modern languages and cultures.

These interests allow us to offer a comprehensive course that aims to:

  • provide you with a cutting-edge critical approach to the field of intercultural communication;
  • offer a rich range of language and cultural studies-oriented options;
  • enhance your intercultural awareness and communication skills.

Teaching and learning

All course units are taught on a seminar basis, with group sizes varying depending on the course unit. Seminars offer opportunities for developing group work and presentation skills.

Coursework and assessment

Most course units are assessed by assignments and other marked work, rather than by written examination.

Course unit details

This course consists of core and optional course units and a dissertation.

Core units

  • Introduction to Intercultural Communication
  • Developing Researcher Competence in Intercultural Communication

Optional units

You will take five options, at least three of which must be taken from the electives the course offers, while two may be taken from certain other courses offered by the University.

Dissertation

You will undertake a 15,000-word dissertation during the summer, with individual supervision by staff members.

Your choice of course units and dissertation topic will enable you to specialise in areas such as intercultural relations, intercultural training, translation, language studies and migration, depending on your preferred career paths and/or research interests.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Introduction to Intercultural Communication ICOM60001 15 Mandatory
Intercultural Communication Dissertation ICOM60070 60 Mandatory
Research Methods in Translation and Intercultural Studies ICOM70201 15 Mandatory
Research Development Seminar ICOM70302 15 Mandatory
Foreign Language Learning for Intercultural Competence ICOM60022 15 Optional
Language and identity in multicultural spaces ICOM60031 15 Optional
Memory, Mediation & Intercultural Relations ICOM60042 15 Optional
Multilingualism and Language Policy ICOM60081 15 Optional
Social Media, Culture and Migration ICOM60091 15 Optional

Facilities

You will benefit from the facilities of the Graduate School, as well as the wider University of Manchester Library and cultural assets across campus and the wider city.

Find out more on the Facilities page.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk