Taught course

Intercultural Communication and Education

Institution
Durham University · School of Education
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

An honours degree at 2:1 (or equivalent). Significant relevant experience will also be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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.

Course structure

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

Information for international students

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.

Fees and funding

UK students
£10,400
International students
£22,500

For further information see the course listing.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

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