Program Overview

Overview

The Cross-Cultural Communication and Applied Linguistics MA offers theory, research, and practical training in international and intercultural communication, alongside foreign and second language learning and teaching. This includes training on the analysis of language in use in a variety of settings, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

What You'll Learn

• Language and communication modules, delivered by academic staff in Applied Linguistics and Communication, which make up half the MA programme.
• Applied linguistics pathway-specific modules, which cover topics such as:
  • Theories, principles, concepts, and methodologies in applied linguistics and TESOL.
  • Critical awareness of key issues or debates concerning teaching and learning English as a second/foreign language.
  • Methodologies and techniques applicable to research in areas of applied linguistics and TESOL, including corpus linguistics, multimodal analysis, discourse analysis, and conversation analysis.

How You'll Learn

• Delivery and teaching methods include in-person lectures, small group teaching, small group workshops, online lecture videos and activities, and online interactive lessons.
• Assessment methods include case study, computer assessment, essay, professional skills assessments, oral presentation, report, reflective log, research proposal, and research paper.
• Additional assessment information:
  • The Cross-Cultural Communication research portfolio is equal to an MA-level dissertation, involving three separate research files over the academic year.
  • A reflective literature-based research skills assignment.
  • A presentation on a methodological approach to research in intercultural communication.
  • An empirical research project.

Your Development

• The programme is designed to support your development over the course of the year, with semester 1 modules providing foundational knowledge and semester 2 modules allowing you to build on this and select specialist topics suited to your interests and future goals.
• Through class discussion and assessment, you will reflect on your own intercultural communication, learning, and development.
• You will gain valuable intercultural skills, essential for working in diverse academic and professional environments.
• You will enhance your ability to communicate effectively across cultures by engaging with peers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, participating in intercultural group work, and critically examining global perspectives in your field.

Your Future

• The Cross-Cultural Communication and Applied Linguistics MA is relevant for careers in international and intercultural environments, such as marketing and communications, communications consultants, human resources advisors, international recruitment, digital communications, translators and interpreters, social workers, international sales representatives, NGO staff, Study Abroad coordinators, and teachers.
• This specialist pathway also supports careers in teaching English as a second or foreign language, teaching English for Academic Purposes, further studies and research, and publishing for English teaching and other materials.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of 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

• Access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including a well-stocked Education Resource Centre, the Language Analysis Lab, a phonetics lab, an audio-video lab, and a recording studio.
• IT systems and software, library resources, including electronic journals and databases.
• Newcastle University Library, consisting of four buildings on campus and one off-campus facility, home to over 0.8 million print books, over 0.7 million e-books, and over 54,000 e-journal titles.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • Home students: £11,400 (full-time), £5,700 (part-time).
  • International students: £25,900 (full-time).
• Tuition fee increases: As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
• Scholarships: We support our 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.
  • Relevant professional experience may be considered for graduates in other disciplines.
• English Language requirements:
  • IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications.
• Admissions policy: This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

• 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:
  • Full-time: 4067F.
  • Part-time: 4067P.