Intercultural Communication and Education MA

Course Summary

The MA Intercultural Communication and Education course develops critical understanding of education and intercultural communication in the context of global movements of people and the internationalisation of education. The course provides students, educators, and policymakers with resources for reflecting on and responding to the growing need for intercultural education and communication in an increasingly intercultural/international world. This course is available for part-time and full-time students through the academic year.

Course Learning and Teaching

In all of our postgraduate taught courses we place an emphasis on empowering students to be autonomous, independent learners. The taught modules provide an introduction to module content which is then developed and extended through our use of online resources, key reading and independent study and research. We consider the development of independent learning and research skills to be one of the key elements of our curriculum and one which helps our students cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking.

On the MA Intercultural Communication and Education course you will take compulsory core modules worth a total of 90 credits plus one optional module worth 30 credits. Modules are delivered either mid-week or at weekends which provides flexible study options. Modules are delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars workshops and tutorials. The core modules are designed to provide students with a critical understanding of theories, research and issues relevant to their chosen programme of study. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to devote significant amounts of time to reading, discussing and preparing for classes, assignments and project work.

In addition to the taught core and option modules all postgraduate taught students following a Masters course will undertake a 60 credit dissertation. This crucial piece of work is a significant piece of independent research that constitutes a synthesis of theory, method and practice in education and is supported by an individual supervisor, specialist dissertation workshops and the Dissertation Coordinator. Throughout the course, all students meet regularly with an Academic Advisor, who provides academic support and guidance. In addition Programme Leads have regular office hours where they meet students to discuss any issues. Module staff are also happy to meet with students to discuss module specific issues as needed.

In term time, the department also has an extensive programme of departmental and research group seminars which postgraduate students are encouraged to attend. Before the academic year starts, we provide information on preparation for the course. On arrival, we have induction sessions and social events, headed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies and attended by both academic and administrative staff.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in education are wide and include classroom teaching, educational leadership and management, administration and policy development.