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Intercultural Business Communication at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Overview During your studies, you’ll apply your learning directly to intercultural business contexts which are relevant to international organisations and teams, allowing you to work with people from all around the world. This programme is embedded in Heriot-Watt University’s highly respected Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies. You’ll develop advanced practical communication skills in the context of diverse business settings, alongside a broad range of professional transferable skills. You’ll cultivate a critical cultural understanding of the complexities of communication in a globalised world. You’ll also gain insights from communication studies and cultural studies to develop a comprehensive understanding of effective communication in business settings, so you’ll be ready to thrive in dynamic workplaces. You’ll be taught and assessed entirely in English, which makes it suitable for those who would like to adapt their English language skills for a professional context and develop an understanding of intercultural issues in international business.

  • Our expertise*
The teaching team comprises interdisciplinary experts in communication, cultural studies, and business psychology, ensuring an interdisciplinary educational experience. Heriot-Watt's faculty includes active researchers who engage with cutting-edge research in the field, as well as experienced professionals with hands-on experience in cross-cultural communication who bring real-life examples to their teaching. Your learning environment You’ll learn alongside students from all over the world and will find yourself working in multicultural teams to apply your learning in real-time. As a result, you’ll be uniquely prepared for a career in international business and global leadership by the time you graduate. This degree is taught through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including group-based work, projects and the completion of a dissertation. Outside of the classroom, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Business Society which holds regular social events and provides networking opportunities and insights into career prospects in business and other relevant industries. Customise your learning You’ll have the opportunity to focus on the areas of intercultural business communication that interest you the most. You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by having the chance to choose specialist course options. Near the end of your study, you’ll ‘deep dive’ into your chosen area of international business communication in your dissertation. You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject area by demonstrating discursive and analytical skills required for original and creative thinking at a master’s level. You can choose whether to study the programme full-time or part-time and can start in September or January. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team. Accreditation The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). We are also an official higher education partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists– a professional body that maintains the highest standards for practising interpreters and translators. In addition, we are founding members of CIUTI, the world's oldest and most prestigious international association of universities that train interpreters and translators.

Modules

September Intake Year 1 Mandatory September -Business Communication 1: Communication in the Workplace -Intercultural Communication in the Workplace -Comparative Social and Cultural Issues Optional September -Organisational Culture Mandatory January -Research Methods -Business Communication 2: Communicating with External Audiences -Global Englishes and the International Workplace Mandatory May -Dissertation in Intercultural Business Communication Optional January -Psychology for Marketing -Psychology of Leadership January Intake Year 1 Mandatory January -Business Communication 2: Communicating with External Audiences -Research Methods -Global Englishes and the International Workplace Optional January -Psychology of Leadership -Psychology for Marketing Mandatory September -Business Communication 1: Communication in the Workplace -Comparative Social and Cultural Issues -Intercultural Communication in the Workplace Optional September -Organisational Culture Mandatory Second January -Dissertation in Intercultural Business Communication

Assessment method

You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your research project, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.

How to apply

International applicants

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.

Entry requirements

A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent. Applicants must have demonstrable evidence of essay writing. Degrees across humanities and social sciences and related disciplines are preferred: Modern Languages, Communication Studies, Culture Studies and Business Management. Non-related degrees with sufficient evidence of essay writing will be considered. We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details. English language requirements If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum. If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £10528 Whole course
Northern Ireland £10528 Whole course
Scotland £10528 Whole course
Wales £10528 Whole course
International £21192 Whole course

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

For part-time, the tuition fee is: £5,264 for UK Nationals and £10,596 for International Applicants.

Sponsorship information

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Intercultural Business Communication at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS