Course Summary

This innovative course is the first of its kind in the UK, providing in-depth training in intercultural communication, drawing on the latest developments in linguistic and psychological theory. The focus on cultural diversity and communication issues will develop your ability to analyse and explain cultural differences in language use and intercultural interactions, and to design effective intercultural training programmes.

You will also examine and critically evaluate theories and research findings relating to communication across cultures. Together with the core topics in intercultural communication, you may choose pathways to suit your interests and career ambitions in areas such as management, marketing and public relations, travel and tourism, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). For those wishing to take options

from the TEFL pathway, previous experience in this area is expected.

Differences in the way we communicate can affect interpersonal and intercultural relations; with the help of business and education case studies, you will learn how perceived cultural differences can be analysed and notions of miscommunication and negative stereotyping can be minimised.

The course will also teach you how to design, implement and effectively evaluate intercultural training programmes, equipping you with the practical and professional skills of the trainer/adviser. This will enable you to address contemporary issues affecting todays multicultural societies, both nationally and internationally.

Why choose this course?

By successfully completing the Master's course in Intercultural Communication, you will gain skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide. You will be able to draw on empirical evidence to explain how linguistic and cultural factors can influence the effectiveness of communication and the appropriate management of relationships. You will have the knowledge, understanding and experience to help deal with cultural diversity issues effectively, in areas such as international business, aid agencies, local authority service providers and education.

During the course you will:

• Study at a University that is the national centre for the European Social Fund Project, Language and Culture for Business - so you will benefit from the resources and expertise this brings, as well as from a highly experienced teaching team
• Gain institutional membership of the Society for Intercultural Education Training (SIETAR)
• Benefit from highly regarded visiting professors, including Charles Hampden-Turner and Alan Barrell, and professional trainers from organisations such as SIETAR as guest speakers

Areas of study you may cover on this course include:

• Cultural diversity and change
• Exploring culture: concepts and methods
• The communications process
• Language and intercultural relations
• Intercultural training
• The methodology of language teaching
• Issues in TEFL
• International tourism
• World-making and globalisation
• Managing for results
• International marketing
• Public relations

Further Information

MAXIC

Assessment

A range of assessment methods are used throughout the course. You are required to undertake a variety of group and individual based assessments throughout the duration of the course. These assessments include individual essays, reports, presentations, and group based reports and presentations. The assessments are designed to test knowledge and understanding of the appropriate subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified above.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Critically discuss the concept of culture and its role in the communication process.

2. Draw on empirical evidence to explain in depth how linguistic and cultural factors can influence (positively or negatively )communication effectiveness and the appropriate management of relationships.

3. Carry out sophisticated pragmatic/discourse analyses of cross cultural and intercultural data, using appropriate theoretical and analytic frameworks, and explain their relevance to intercultural communication and training.

4. Critically evaluate cross-cultural and intercultural research.

5. Apply your understanding of intercultural communication to help deal effectively with cultural diversity issues in domains such as international business and education.

6. Demonstrate a range of strategies for developing intercultural competence.

7. Apply appropriate theoretical and analytic concepts in order to design effectively, implement sensitively and evaluate critically an intercultural training / briefing programme.

8. Debate effectively the ethical and practical issues associated with intercultural research, or training.

9. Present ideas/research both in discussion papers and orally in presentations.

10. Plan and undertake in-depth research into intercultural communication.

External Benchmarking

Linguistics

Educational Aims

The programme of study aims to achieve the following:

• To examine in depth theories and research findings relating to intercultural communication and to critically evaluate them


• To explore the methods used to research intercultural communication and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses


• To demonstrate the relevance of intercultural communication theory to cultural diversity issues in domains such an international business and education


• To train you to design, implement and evaluate effectively intercultural training/briefing programmes, applying appropriate analytic frameworks


• To increase your understanding of the complex interplay of factors(especially linguistic and psychological factors) that affect intercultural communication


• To debate the ethical and practical issues associated with intercultural training and behavioural change


• To enable you to carry out an in-depth study of an issue relating to intercultural communication


• To allow you to specialise in different aspects of intercultural communication according to your interests and career aspirations

Student support

You will attend a number of induction sessions in your first week (administrative, academic, corporate and safety). Ongoing support regarding academic matters is provided by the Academic Advisory Service. Other support is provided by Student Services (including the Chaplaincy) and by the Students Union.

The Course Manager and teaching team provide support through extra tutorials, language support where needed, regular surgery hours and an open door policy.

Team working

In all units you will be expected to work in pairs and groups, often with students from very different cultures to your own. In some specific units(LNG002-6, TAL002-6; MAR009-6) you will be involved in group assessment. Many units will also help you build the skills needed to be a successful team member, by helping you identify and understand different communication styles and the values that underlie different behavioural patterns among team members. Units LNG002-6 and SHR015-6 identify and develop team management skills for successful task achievement.

Career Management Skills

The course includes pathways which reflect your different interests or previous studies and you will be encouraged to choose options or pathways that will benefit your future career ie. in Management, marketing, travel and tourism or teaching. In many units you will be given the opportunity to prepare briefing papers for a chosen client. You are encouraged to join SIETAR (Society for Intercultural Education Training and Research) where you will be given the opportunity to attend conferences, and networking events.

The core unit LNG005-6, Intercultural Training is a vocational module, preparing you to become an intercultural trainer or to work in the relocation business, preparing people to live and work overseas. In LNG002-6 Communication in Business you will develop the skills for success in business ie. Writing reports, preparing CVs, using case studies, writing briefing papers, working in teams and giving presentations.

At induction you will be introduced to members of CETL and the Job Shop who are available to advise you on career opportunities, CV writing, and interview skills.

Career/Further study opportunities

Career:

Cross-cultural Training; Relocation; International business ; International Marketing; Travel and Tourism; Teaching; International organizations ; Aid Agencies; Peace Corps; Peace Keeping organizations.

Further study:

PhD.

Entry

Additional:

Any undergraduate degree; English Language as appropriate IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

UK students Undergraduate entry requirements

Standard entry requirements for Foundation degrees (FD/FdSc)

A foundation degree will be of particular interest if you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship, vocational A levels, BTEC National or equivalent.

Foundation degrees are also particularly suitable if you want to qualify while working.

• As a guideline, a typical offer would require you to obtain a UCAS tariff score of between 80-120 points, based on your level 3 studies.
• Students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa cannot apply for our foundation courses. For these courses the University of Bedfordshire is not able to sponsor Tier 4 Student Visa applications.

Many students studying for foundation degrees come to us through work-based routes so you can apply for a foundation degree even if you don’t have traditional academic qualifications.

We welcome applicants with relevant work experience.

Standard entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc)

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for both breadth and depth in your current studies as well as enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

The general requirement is one of the following:

• UCAS Tariff Score greater than 200, which should include either two A level passes or an AVCE Double Award
• An Access qualification
• Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate or BTEC National Diploma

Postgraduate taught courses

Postgraduate applications (MA/MSc) should be made direct to the University using the  standard University application form. There are some exceptions, please see individual course descriptions for details.

• UK/EU students application form
• International (non-EU) students application form
  

Students from the European Union

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications.

How to apply

International students

• Undergraduate applications (BA/BSc) can be made direct to the University or via our representatives in your home country. If you intend to apply to more than one university in the UK you should apply via UCAS. If you want to apply to the University of Bedfordshire only you should apply directly using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Postgraduate applications should be made directly to the University using our international application form (link below) or via our representatives in your home country
• Healthcare, nursing and midwifery students Many of these courses are not available to overseas students due to UK immigration law in regard to bursary funding. Please contact international admissions to find out if you are eligible to apply
• BA Nursing Studies Level 3 (with or without Overseas Nursing Programme) is available to overseas students - please contact International Admissions by email at international-admissions@beds.ac.uk for further information

(Please note that applicants on a full student visa are not eligible for part-time study)

Course application form for international students

We recommend that you apply directly to the University where possible, as this allows us to offer the quickest turnaround time for your application.

• Course application form for direct applications [PDF]

How to complete your course application

Please read the Direct application instructions before completing the course application form.

Application forms for accommodation in the student halls at Bedford campus and Luton campus are available in the Student life section

Accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL)

APL is available for international students applying for undergraduate (Bachelor degree) study. Please do not use this APL form to apply for postgraduate courses.

Use the APL form to tell us about any non-standard qualifications and/or work experience you have that you think should be taken into consideration with your application. `

The APL form should be submitted at the same time as the course application form.

We regret we are unable to process APL forms from students who have not submitted a formal course application form.

• APL application form for International students [100Kb] updated 041007

What next?

Return your completed application to:

University of Bedfordshire
International Admissions
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU
United Kingdom

Contact International Admissions

T: +44 (0)1582 489326 (non-EU Students)
F: +44 (0)1582 743469
E: international-admissions@beds.ac.uk

Awarding institution

University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Strategy

The proposed programme is varied, both in curriculum content and delivery methods. These include:

• Lectures for the description and explanation of theories, research findings and research methodologies


• Student presentations for the critical review and discussion of research studies and for the demonstrating of training materials and techniques


• Seminars for the discussion and debate of material presented in lectures and student presentations


• Workshops for the analysis and discussion of video/audio recordings of intercultural interactions for training in specific research procedures, such as transcription techniques and data analysis and for the development and critical evaluation of intercultural training materials


• Independent research for the completion of independent projects and the dissertation


• Tutorials for the supervision and guidance of independent research

You will be expected to carry out a large amount of independent study and will be trained to take increasing responsibility for your own learning.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body Accreditation

N/A

Students with disabilities

There are no foreseeable issues that may discriminate against students with disabilities, and all such students are able to undertake any element of the course.

Skills Development

Communication

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be given frameworks to understand the various aspects of human communication and the role of language and culture in the communication process (LNG008-6, LNG009-6, LNG002-6)

Information Literacy

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be given guidance and practice in preparing written and oral evidence of the knowledge gained in the subject of communication (LNG002-6, LNG004-6; TAL002-6; TAL004-6; MAR009-6) and other option modules)

Research and Evaluation

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be given direction and practice in gathering data and preparing briefing papers, or needs analysis relevant to the subject areas and evaluating each for its effectiveness (LNG004-6, LNG002-6; LNG006-6, LNG007-6; LNG005-6)

Creativity and Critical Thinking

To help with the development of this you will:

• Be encouraged and expected to produce written work that shows originality in thought and interpretation. You will be expected to relate theory to practice in understanding cross-cultural situations. (LNG002-6; TAL002-6; TAL004-6; LNG000-6)

Improving learning and performance

Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to discuss your performance with your tutors or course manager. The core units rely on class discussions and presentations of set readings by students to ensure that you engage fully with the concepts presented. LNG004-6 underpins the course by developing necessary research skills and here you will have the opportunity to prepare pilot questionnaires and interviews and understand data analysis. LNG002-6 develops the written and oral skills necessary to work in an intercultural/international setting, including team building, and including reflective thinking to improve your ability to learn from experience. You will be encouraged to use breo to enhance the learning experience and e-portfolios to store and distribute important information. The Division for Language and Communication provides free drop-in sessions for second language speakers to improve their English language or academic writing skills.

Progress files

You will be given instructions and practice in using e-portfolios in the Unit LNG002-6 Communication in Business. These can be used to enhance presentations or to send information to any prospective employer around the world.

Professional standards

To ensure you enjoy your studies and get the most from the course, we expect you to:

• Attend classes regularly. If you are unable to attend a class for some reason ie. Illness ensure that you contact your tutor and / or catch up with the work you have missed.


• Make use of your breo site for each module


• Ensure you have access to a copy of the essential reading for each module


• Prepare any set readings before coming to class so you can engage in discussions


• Demonstrate further reading (beyond the set readings) and research in your assessments


• Ensure you understand the rules and regulations regarding plagiarism and reference your work in the correct manner


• Be prepared to work in teams and with people from different cultures


• Where group work is part of your assessment, you must be prepared to meet teammates at agreed times and make an equal contribution to the assessments


• Turn off mobiles, laptops or other equipment during classes


• When undertaking primary research, ensure you understand and work within clear ethical guidelines

Strategy for developing and embedding the professional standards

During induction and at the start of each unit you will be reminded of how we require you to conduct yourself while attending this course. In the module, LNG004-6 Exploring Research Concepts and Methods, you will be given the research skills, including guidelines to embed academic and ethical issues in your work. Many of the core units deal with understanding different values that underlie communication and behaviour and you will be able to compare this institutions expectations with those in other cultures.

You will be given the opportunity to express your views and clarify your understanding of these professional standards in formal focus groups and Course Committee meetings and informally with your tutors and Course Manager.