Explore this course:

    Applications for 2024 entry are now open. Apply now or register your interest to hear about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

    MA PG Certificate PG Diploma
    2024 start September 

    Intercultural Communication

    School of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

    Learn best practice for effective communication at work across a wide range of cultural groups, and develop your communication skills in more than one language. As one of the first UK universities to offer a course in this field, our staff are at the forefront of this developing discipline.
    Image of discussion between postgraduate students in the department of languages and cultures

    Course description

    If you want to work in an international, multicultural environment and develop advanced intercultural competence and communication skills in more than one language, this course is for you.

    You'll create a bespoke course with optional modules within a clear structure that reflects your unique interests and ambitions, acquiring cultural and linguistic expertise for the globalised workplace. You'll have the option to specialise in either Digital Information or Audio Visual Media.

    You'll develop essential skills in ethnographic research and form systematic approaches to complex problems and engage with major intercultural questions and issues relevant to your future profession. Our optional modules give you the chance to focus on your area of interest.

    Accreditation

    Our accreditation as a ZOO Academy partner means you'll get free-of-charge access to ZOO Digital software platforms as part of your learning.

    </div> " class="video-embed-field-lazy">
    Why study Translation and Intercultural Communication Studies at Sheffield?

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    The MA Intercultural Communication programme has five core modules (75 credits), optional modules (45 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits).

    If you wish, you can choose to use your optional modules to specialise in either Digital Information or Audiovisual Media as described below.

    Semester one:

    Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication

    This module aims to develop an understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of intercultural communication and the ability to analyse and evaluate their relative significance, including those originating from applied linguistics, management theory, anthropology and sociocultural theories. Students will consider the concept of culture from a variety of perspectives, and will study topics including stereotyping and prejudice, (non-)essentialism, identity, culture shock, and the role of language and dialogue in intercultural communication. A wide range of real-world examples will be examined, including media reports, international communications, multicultural situations, and intercultural problems raised by students. By the end of the module students will be able to: i) Analyse and critically evaluate the main concepts and approaches in intercultural communication; ii) Consider the implications for their application in practice; and iii) Develop their own perspectives and insights from these theories.

    15 credits
    Research Methods in Modern Languages and Cultures

    This module will introduce and explore a range of methodological approaches and techniques that are relevant to students of Modern Languages and Cultures. It will enable students to identify, assess and exploit sources and data, present the results of their research in (an) appropriate manner(s), and adhere to data protection, intellectual property and ethics requirements. Students will engage with different theoretical models and debates, and a range of tools for accessing information. Students will be required to attend generic research methods sessions as well as those which are of greatest relevance to their research topic(s).

    15 credits
    Ethnography/Reflective Practice

    This module aims: i) To explore aspects of linguistic theory in relation to the act of translation; ii) To offer an account of translation as an act of cultural and ideological mediation; and iii) To study key concepts of translation theory including equivalence and functionalism. By the end of the module, we expect that students will be able to: i) Understand, explain and comment critically on the main theories of translation; ii) Develop their own views and insights from an understanding of these theories; and iii) Relate theories of translation to practical translation scenarios

    30 credits
    Induction and Transition: SLC MA Study Support

    The aim of this module is to give students of the Applied Languages MA Programmes the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to complete successfully the requirements of their postgraduate programme, including writing an essay at MA level and undertaking a dissertation in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). Students will be introduced to library skills, academic requirements of writing an essay at MA level, referencing conventions, plagiarism issues and autonomous learning. Students will be introduced to the requirements of a dissertation at Sheffield, and follow appropriate support lectures supporting the student in identification of the research area; reading to be undertaken, adopting appropriate methodologies and the development of original ideas and insights.

    Semester two:

    Intercultural Communication in Practice

    This module is designed to develop your intercultural competence with a view to becoming an intercultural mediator and effective communicator in an international/multicultural workplace. It requires participants to combine their knowledge of approaches to intercultural communication with real-time situations, thus enhancing their awareness of the values by which they and others operate. Emphasis will also be placed on the centrality of language in the intercultural communication process. You will take an active role in seminars; these are designed to develop intercultural learning through consideration of critical incidents, materials analysis, simulation, role play, drama, and multilingual discussion. These activities will lead to a deeper understanding of the centrality of language in intercultural encounters; the values carried by language and the participants themselves as intercultural people.

    15 credits
    Dissertation- MA in Intercultural Communication

    The aim of this module is to give students of the MA in Intercultural Communication the opportunity to research a topic in the field (to be agreed with the dissertation supervisor). They will be expected to put into practice theories, strategies, methods and techniques already studied in the relevant preparatory modules; they may also link their dissertation to a work-placement or work-based project, in which case the dissertation approach may be more practice-oriented, drawing on theories. The normal length of the dissertation will be 12-16,000 words.

    60 credits
    Further Ethnography

    This module builds on knowledge and skills developed in the module Ethnography. Students will further develop their knowledge and research skills through undertaking an ethnographic project, develop an understanding of the broad range of ethnographies published across disciplines and critically reflect on their own ethnographic practice. Commitment to active engagement in coursework, class discussion, sharing of experiences and reflection on the ethnographic process are central to this module

    15 credits
    Key Issues in Intercultural Communication Seminar

    Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication (Autumn), students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a 1-hour seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.

    15 credits
    Key Issues in Intercultural Communication and Translation Studies

    Following the module Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication/Translation Studies, students will work in groups on a range of concepts in more depth. Learning the principles of running a joint seminar, they will research, plan and deliver an interactive session to peers. They will also prepare for and contribute to seminars delivered by other peer groups. They will consider the implications for a range of workplace scenarios.

    15 credits
    Intercultural Communication and Translation in Digital Contexts

    This module introduces students to the characteristic features of today's continuously evolving globally interconnected digital communication worlds, in which online and offline practices are fused together to form linguistically, culturally and technologically complex work and communication environments.

    The module requires you to combine your knowledge of intercultural communication and translation studies with real-life situations in virtual environments. We will consider digital technology that is accessible to everyone and is used in professional contexts: from social media to machine translation, to virtual and augmented reality in the metaverse. In this way, you will become aware of how digital technologies both facilitate your engagement with people and processes online and actively shape your intercultural communication and translation practice. 

    We will explore the digital dimensions of translation and intercultural communication from a variety of practice-oriented perspectives, such as distributed work in virtual teams, technology-mediated communication, online communication cultures, localisation of digital texts, and online translation. Throughout, we will  focus on the impact of technology on professional practice and the way in which it shapes professional identities and agency, as well as modes of cultural transfer and contact. We will contextualise our understanding of digital practice in translation and intercultural communication by relating it to relevant theories of globalisation, trans-locality, digital culture and multilingual communication practices, the networked self, and online forms of community.

    15 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

    Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

    You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    • 1 year full-time
    • 2 years part-time

    Teaching

    There are a variety of teaching and learning methods used on the course, including staff and student led seminars, small group work, and one to one consultations with staff.

    Intercultural Communication modules usually have 20 to 22 contact hours with additional independent study over the academic year, but in situations where fewer than six students are registered on the module, this contact time may be reduced and/or the delivery method altered.

    Technical modules are drawn on up-to-date, industry-standard tools, including: WordfastPro, MemoQ, SDL Trados, Alchemy Catalyst, CatsCradle, OmegaT, WinCAPS and ZOO Dubs.

    Assessment

    You’ll be assessed on essays, presentations and a dissertation.

    Your career

    Our graduates have high-level intercultural knowledge and skills, which make them highly employable in industries such as human resources, international business, education, or international project management.

    Graduates have gone on to a variety of roles, including: communications officer, journalist, intercultural trainer, consultant, university teacher, project manager, company regional director.

    Companies and organisations our graduates have worked at include: Sheffield International College, University of Leeds, Together for Regeneration, Communicaid, Tesco, Lambson Fine Chemicals (Yorkshire), Landrover (China).

    Some of our graduates have also set up their own companies, or continued onto PhD study.

    Graduate profile: Elena

    Elena Romera discusses why she chose this course and how the skills she developed prepared her for her role as European Marketing Manager at Papa John's Pizza.

    </div> " class="video-embed-field-lazy">

    Department

    School of Languages and Cultures

    We're a leading hub for research in modern languages and cultures, translation and intercultural communication.

    Our work spans topics such as identity, gender, politics, film, audiovisual translation, migration, diversity in societies, multilingualism/multiculturalism, and literary studies. It examines the past, observes the present and probes into the future. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and communication within and across cultures, countries, and communities.

    Right from the start of your course, you'll work with the school's top specialists, who are all experienced teachers as well. Our students and staff are international, so studying with us will hone your intercultural communication competence.

    Our courses will enhance your career development and employability prospects through our links to industry and real-life workplace settings and experiences. You'll study modules which will give you an in-depth understanding of the theories, concepts and practices of your chosen field and specialisation .

    You'll be able to diversify and deepen your language skills, for example by studying advanced translation. Some of our programmes offer a specialisation in audiovisual media/translation and digital information.

    All of our programmes will nurture you to achieve your potential as a strategic leader in the global marketplace, where languages and cultures intersect, as well as in the increasingly culturally diverse, interconnected and networked local environments that characterise life today and in the future.

    </div> " class="video-embed-field-lazy">

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree and a working knowledge of one language other than your mother tongue (approximate level: CEFRB1/B2).

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Apply

    You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Contact

    slc-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
    +44 114 222 0631

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.