Program Overview

Overview

The Cross-Cultural Communication and Education MA offers theory, research, and practical training in intercultural communication and its role in education. This programme is designed to support students' development over the course of the year, providing a foundational knowledge of key areas in intercultural communication and education.

What You'll Learn

The programme covers various aspects of intercultural communication and education, including:

• Language and communication
• Education pathway-specific modules
• Research portfolio

Language and Communication

Applied linguistics academic staff deliver this strand, which comprises one compulsory module and several optional modules. Students develop their understanding of intercultural communication theory and research and become familiar with professional practice in intercultural and cross-cultural contexts.

Education Pathway-Specific Modules

Academic staff in education deliver this strand of taught modules. Students study alongside other education students, gaining a greater understanding of the comparative context of educational organisations and the latest thinking and research on educational effectiveness and leadership.

How You'll Learn

The programme is delivered through a mix of:

• In-person lectures
• In-person small group teaching
• In-person small group workshops
• Online lecture videos and activities
• Online interactive lessons

Your Development

The programme is designed to support students' development over the course of the year. Semester 1 modules provide a foundational knowledge of key areas in intercultural communication, while Semester 2 modules allow students to build on this knowledge and select specialist topics suited to their interests and future goals.

Your Future

The Cross-Cultural Communication and Education MA prepares students for work in international and intercultural environments. Communication is an essential aspect of roles such as:

• NGO staff
• Study Abroad coordinators
• Teachers
• Educational trainers
• Educational consultants
• Educational leaders and managers
• Experts in technology-enhanced learning
• Educational researchers
• Communications consultants

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 150 for Communication and Media Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

As a student in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, you will have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including:

• A well-stocked Education Resource Centre
• A language analysis lab
• A phonetics lab
• An audio-video lab
• A recording studio
• IT systems and software
• Library resources (including electronic journals and databases)

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time: £11,400 (Home students), £25,900 (International students)
• Qualification: MA Part time: £5,700 (Home students)

Scholarships

The university supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in relevant disciplines such as:

• Anthropology
• Communication
• Education
• Ethnography
• Intercultural Communication
• International Relations
• Linguistics
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Politics
• Social Anthropology
• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• TESOL
• Modern Foreign Languages

English Language Requirements

Select your qualification: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other.

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification.

How to Apply

Before You Start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

Programme Codes

• Qualification: MA Full time: 4069F
• Qualification: MA Part time: 4069P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.