Course summary
In an increasingly connected world with a myriad of global study opportunities, it is more important than ever that educators develop teaching practices that are effective in intercultural learning environments. The MA in Intercultural Communication and Education develops your critical understanding of education and communication in the context of global movements of people and the internationalisation of education. It provides students, educators and policymakers with resources for reflecting on and responding to the growing need for effective intercultural communication in relation to education. Core modules such as Intercultural Communication consider communication in the context of identity, stereotyping, prejudice and life transitions, including studying abroad, to give you a deeper awareness of cultural differences. Others, such as Intercultural and International Education, develop your critical understanding of the theories, approaches and practices of intercultural and international education. Our wide range of optional modules and the MA dissertation allow you to tailor the course to your individual interests and career path. Through studying this course, you will develop a greater awareness of cultural differences and be better equipped to make informed decisions in relation to teaching and research in intercultural and international environments. The course combines innovative teaching with exceptional support. You will gain valuable insight into education across the world as you study alongside students from different countries and backgrounds. To further enhance your experience, you will learn from world-class academics who are behind some of the leading research in the field. With full-time and part-time study options, the MA is accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds. It is likely to appeal to educational leaders and practitioners from around the world who are seeking substantive professional development and career opportunities, to those progressing from undergraduate study, as well as many other backgrounds.
Modules
Core modules: Intercultural and International Education develops your critical understanding of the theories, approaches, and practices of intercultural and international education in the contemporary world. You will cover issues including: globalisation and internationalisation; global citizenship; critical education; intercultural/multicultural education; socialisation and the nature of identity; international education; citizenship, and social justice. Intercultural Communication develops your critical understanding of the theories, approaches, concepts and practices of intercultural communication in the contemporary world, including engaging with people from other cultures and backgrounds. You will cover issues including: intercultural communication as embodied in communication, culture, context, globalisation and power; identity; stereotyping, prejudice; nonverbal communication, intercultural conflict; intercultural competence; and multilingualism. Design and Methods in Education Research introduces key issues, terms and ideas in education research. It teaches a range of research skills including the evaluation of research techniques across different research contexts, and the ability to conduct a high-quality study. You will learn to recognise the different purposes of education research, understand key terms and vocabulary in education research, and develop a critical standpoint in relation to research in education. The Dissertation is an opportunity to research and report on a topic of interest, under the guidance of a supervisor. Drawing on the research skills and techniques developed in core and optional modules the dissertation enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis. Examples of optional modules: Secondary Data in Education Research; Ethnographies of Education; Measurement in Education Research; Interviews; Narrative Enquiries; Experiments in Education; Systematic Reviews; Student Engagement: An agent of change for positive youth development and learning success; Effective Educational Leadership; Critical Perspectives in Education; Leading Reflective Organisations; International Development and Education in a Global World; The Case for Higher Education: From Precarity to Empowerment; Enhancing Teaching and Learning for Purposeful Productive Thought; Digital Technologies and Education: Critical Perspectives; Psychological Perspectives on Learning; Inclusive Pedagogies for Diverse Classrooms; Education Policy and Evaluation; Curriculum Analysis; Assessment; Arts in Education; Language Education and Power; Learning and Individual Differences.
Assessment method
The MA Intercultural Communication and Education comprises three compulsory core modules designed to provide you with a critical understanding of key theories, research and issues as well as choice of two option modules tailored to your interests. The taught modules introduce content which is further developed through the use of online resources, key reading, independent study and research. They enable you to cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking. The MA dissertation is a significant piece of independent research that brings together the theory, method and practice developed through the core and option modules. You will be supported in this by an individual supervisor, a dissertation coordinator and through specialist dissertation workshops. The majority of the MA is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, individual and group presentations, journal reviews and portfolio work. If you choose the Inclusive Pedagogies for Diverse Classrooms option module, assessment will also include a lesson plan. The 15,000-word MA dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits. 10% of your dissertation marks come from a presentation.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
A good honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £5800 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £5800 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £5800 | Year 1 |
Wales | £5800 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £5800 | Year 1 |
EU | £12400 | Year 1 |
International | £12400 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £12400 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE