About Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations, MA - at Newcastle University

The Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations MA provides theoretical, research and practical training in areas of international and intercultural communication and international relations. It addresses contemporary international dynamics through a range of theoretical, empirical and area-based approaches.

The International Relations pathway is a specialism on the Cross-Cultural Communication MA. It is designed for students who wish to combine the study of cross-cultural communication with a comprehensive grounding in the approaches to understanding contemporary international politics and society.

This specialist pathway is delivered by academic staff in politics from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.

You will develop:

• advanced knowledge and understanding of areas such as international relations theory and international studies politics topics
• knowledge of the more important approaches and methods in social science research and the techniques required to carry out advanced research
• theoretical and practical research skills, including the synthesis of materials from a variety of primary and secondary sources

The pathway is designed to give you the expertise and skills appropriate for a range of public and private sector careers where an advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary international society is needed or desirable.

Rigorous training in international relations theory and in theories and approaches to the study of politics will help you to develop the specialist knowledge and research skills from which to embark upon a career with significant international dimensions or pursue a postgraduate research degree in international studies.

Delivery

Modules are delivered through a range of means, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• group projects

Each module tends to last one semester. Some optional modules are taught in short, intensive blocks and/or on occasional weekends.

The course consists of three main parts, each comprising 60 credits.

Language and communication

This strand is delivered by academic staff in applied linguistics within the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. The strand comprises one compulsory module and a number of optional modules available to all cross-cultural and communication students.

International relations pathway-specific modules

The international relations strand of taught modules is delivered by academic staff in politics from the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. You will study with other politics students.

Research portfolio

The research portfolio is equal to an MA-level dissertation. It involves three separate research files which take place over the course of the academic year:

• an essay on a theoretical matter in cross-cultural communication, submitted early January
• a presentation on a methodological approach to research in cross-cultural communication
• an empirical research project conducted over the summer months, submitted at the end of August

Lectures and seminars provide support for the research portfolio. You will also receive one-to-one supervision from an academic member of staff.

Placements

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

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

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