Intercultural Communication and International Development

Entry requirements

A 2:1 in an arts or social sciences subject and an advanced working knowledge of two languages (CEFR B1/B2).

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

This course is designed to produce international developers with advanced intercultural communication skills – it’s taught by the School of Languages and Cultures and the Department of Geography. A module on international project management integrates the two subjects and there are communication seminars designed for developers.

Fieldwork is important. The course includes a compulsory field class in the global south. Recent field classes were in the West Pokot region of Kenya and the suburbs of Cairo.

In a global society based on fairness, everyone’s voice should be heard. The world needs developers who can communicate across cultural boundaries and bring people together. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be well placed to make a difference.

In a global society based on fairness, everyone’s voice should be heard. The world needs developers who can communicate across cultural boundaries and bring people together. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be well placed to make a difference.

Your career

Our reputation for excellence means your MA will be highly respected by employers. You’ll develop the skills to work in translation, culture and communication internationally or in the UK. Recent graduates have gone on to work for employers such as SDL, Transact, The Big Word, Kaplan, the University of Leeds, the State University – Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Centre for French and Francophone Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University and as International Projects Director at a South Yorkshire College.

You may also choose to follow in the footsteps of students who have continued to PhD and have been awarded highly prestigious grants for PhD study such as Wolfson and WRoCAH scholarships.

About us

We constantly review and revise our degrees to make sure you keep on top of the latest developments in the field. You’ll learn academic theory and practical skills – and how to relate the two.

Sheffield is at the forefront of modern languages research. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) ranks us among the top ten Russell Group universities for impact in this field. Recent projects include e-learning and knowledge exchange with industry, and three initiatives looking at language teaching and learning.

Our facilities

You can practise your English, French, German, Italian or Spanish with native speakers at our Modern Languages Teaching Centre. Our specially designed building has modern spaces for teaching and research. We’re right next to the other arts and humanities departments, and there are lots of opportunities to share ideas.

Core modules

• Concepts and Approaches in Intercultural Communication
• Ethnography: reflective practice
• Ideas and Practice in International Development
• Spatial Planning and Development in the Global South
• Placement Dissertation

You’ll also take a ten-day field class overseas. There is an extra charge for overseas trips but it’s great experience and value for money.

Examples of optional modules

• International Management
• Language in Context
• Key Issues in Environment and Development
• Understanding Environmental Change
• HIV/AIDS
• Living with Climate Change
• International Project Management
• Approaches to Translation Genres
• Enhanced Languages Project 1
• Enhanced Languages Project 2
• Tandem Learning for Intercultural Communication
• Localisation for Linguists
• Critical Reading and Writing at MA Level
• Cities of Diversity
• Cities of the South: planning for informality
• Intercultural Communication in Practice
• Professional Problem-based Learning

Teaching and assessment

Lectures, seminars, small-group work and workshops. You’re assessed on coursework and a dissertation. The dissertation involves a work placement (often undertaken in the global south) with a development organisation.

Information for international students

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

Qualification and course duration

MA