Cross-Cultural Communication and Media Studies Newcastle University

The Cross-Cultural Communication and Media Studies MA provides theoretical, research and practical training in areas of international and intercultural communication and the media. It combines theory and practice of journalism, public relations practice, and theoretical analysis of the media.

The Media Studies 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 developing skills and knowledge relevant to various aspects of media.

This specialist pathway is delivered by academic staff in media and cultural studies from the School of Arts and Cultures.

The pathway is suitable if you have some journalism and/or PR knowledge through your undergraduate studies or voluntary work. It is also suitable for journalists or PR professionals wishing to develop academic knowledge and research methods. The pathway draws on our research in media, communication and cultural studies.

You will develop:

• critical understanding of media, culture and society
• knowledge to theorise and analyse media, journalism and public relations
• knowledge of media law and advertising regulations in a transnational context
• an understanding of strengths and weaknesses of different types of data dissemination
• analytical and critical skills to assess and conduct research in the field of media, journalism and PR
• the ability to deliver and evaluate a PR event in the public, private and voluntary sectors
• skills to set up a campaign network and deliver PR campaign messages
• skills to produce effective press releases and script, shoot and edit digital films
• skills to produce news reports in a range of media forms
• skills to script, shoot and edit digital films

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 from the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. It comprises one compulsory module and a number of optional modules available to all cross-cultural communication students.

Media studies pathway-specific modules

The media studies strand of taught modules is delivered by academic staff in media and cultural studies from the School of Arts and Cultures. You will study with other media 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.

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

Entry requirements

A 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
• Journalism
• Media Studies
• Public Relations

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

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.