Intercultural Communications - Applied

Course Overview

The significance of the increase in global mobility is unquestionable. In many workplaces, cultural diversity is currently the norm. Intercultural communication plays an important role in the functioning of societies, organisations and in individual performance. However, whilst working in a culturally diverse environment makes interpersonal, social and professional interactions more interesting and exciting, cross- cultural communication comes with its challenges.



This course provides participants with novel perspectives and methods for effective intercultural communication at work, strategic partnerships, inclusive leadership and global engagement. Our applied mode relies on the use of case studies to illustrate how intercultural communication works on the ground in global contexts. The programmes combine international case studies, student-led case studies and practical activities, based on the participants’ experiences. The applied focus is complemented by theory, research and practice-driven components, potentially linking African, Asian, Latin American and Caribbean, and Middle Eastern case studies to European and North American cultures and contexts. Students gain an understanding of the concepts and models related to intercultural communication and learn how to apply Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) perspectives and digital literacy to develop equitable collaborations and partnerships with people from different backgrounds.



Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to communicate effectively within multicultural teams, showing an appreciation of different cultural perspectives and values; engage in collaborative learning and apply digital literacy and communicative features to produce a critical reflective account underpinned by a global outlook; relate the analysis of cultural diversity to different cultural perspectives in a variety of social and professional contexts; and design, analyse, reflect and present a project to diverse audiences using multiple media and platforms.



Is This Course For Me?

These programmes will be of interest to organisations and individuals wishing to further develop their skills, careers and business opportunities by applying intercultural communication methods to succeed in multicultural contexts. Our flexible course delivery, through full-time, part-time and multiple entry route options, will enable students to develop effective intercultural communication skills for successful engagements with diverse audiences.



We accept a range of students who bring different experiential learning abilities. Thus, the programme could equally suit those looking for reskilling and upskilling opportunities, either in employment already or seeking new horizons. Therefore, it is likely that a class could be shared with leaders, entrepreneurs, employers and employees and others looking for postgraduate training and education to acquire competency in applied intercultural communications for the workforce. Our flexible learning modalities include both online and face-to-face contact, with a view to supporting active learning and successful learner engagement in academic provisions.

Students take four core modules, including: Introduction to Intercultural Communication; Communicating in a Culturally Diverse Workplace: A Practical Toolkit; Language, Culture and Communication; Multimodal Communication.



Students can choose from a range of elective modules. The modules may vary year by year and some options may not be available every year. Electives offered in recent years include: Reflective Learning Project on Intercultural Communication Practices; Cultural Technical Systems; Europe, America and the East and West Europe; Postmodernist Literature in East and Central Europe; Research Methods and Design; Translation Studies Methodologies; Theory and Practice of Digital Humanities.



In the final phase of the course, students complete a dissertation under expert supervision.

Admission Requirements



A minimum 2.1 Honours class degree from an Irish university or its international equivalent.



For candidates who are not native English speakers and have not completed a degree through the medium of English, a minimum IELTS score of at least 6.5 in each category is required.



Applicants must demonstrate their ability to write clearly and persuasively in an academic register (via the writing sample, described in the application site).



Applicants will need to provide the names of two academic referees



Please note that previous region-specific knowledge and additional foreign language skills are not required.

Closing Date: 31st July 2024

M.Phil.:1 year full time/3 years part time / P.G.Dip.: 1 year full time/2 years part time / P.G.Cert.: 1 year part time

Next Intake: September 2024

Career Opportunities

This course prepares graduates for communication, facilitation, international relations, leadership and/or Equality Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) roles in Creative Industries, Media and Publishing, Consultancy, Education, Government Agencies, Public Administration, Environmental and CleanTech Products and Services, Human Resources, Management and Business Administration, and Services.