Language, Culture and Communication MA

Whether you're interested in academic research or a career in communications fields like journalism, public relations, marketing or diplomacy, you'll gain the critical skills and theoretical rigour you need to understand how people use different linguistic strategies to communicate in and across different cultures.

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. If the course is available part-time then this pattern will be spread over two years.

We examine ‘culture’ as something that’s created by the stories we tell ourselves about others.

In one seminar, you might learn how to analyse everyday stylised discourse examples (e.g., a political speech) from cognitive-linguistic or socio-linguistic perspectives.

In another seminar you might consider how someone's social status, gender, ideology or ‘cultural’ assumptions are reflected in their interactions with others.

You'll benefit from our varied research interests in the Department of Linguistics and Communication to enhance your understanding of language use. 

In the second term there are optional modules you can choose from, allowing you to specialise in areas that capture your interest. Optional modules may include topics from Corpus Linguistics, to TESOL Language Education, to issues in Language and New Media or Language, Power and Identity. 

• Critique the concept of culture and how it’s connected to communication.
• Identify linguistic strategies used in different forms of discourse – for example mass media, social media political speeches, business meetings and adverts. 
• Develop the critical thinking skills vital for many careers.
• Become part of a World Top 30 Linguistics department that's renowned for research excellence (QS World University Rankings 2024). 

Learn from our experts making a real-world impact

In an age of ‘culture wars’, global fake news and misinformation, the ability to critically analyse the language used in politics and media is vital.

At Birmingham, we don't just teach you theory. You'll learn from experts across fields of Applied Linguistics who are working on real world issues, such as the impact of metaphors in different cultural settings.

On our MA you'll explore the ways ‘cultural’ assumptions play out in various forms of public discourse and identify the linguistic strategies used in communications in and across cultures. Crucially, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to assess the impact of different linguistic strategies on communications across cultures. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must take the following module:

Students should choose two options from those available. An indicative list of options is provided below:

You'll need a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in English Language, Media Studies, Journalism, Communication Studies or another relevant subject (e.g. Linguistics, Translation Studies, TEFL/TESL, English Literature).

Appropriate work experience will also be taken into consideration.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Linguistics and Communication graduates enter many roles, including:

• Secondary School Teacher
• Digital Communications Officer
• TESOL Tutor or Language Tutor

Employers our Linguistics and Communication graduates have worked for include:

• Regional councils/schools in the UK and worldwide
• Further Education colleges

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.

Living in Birmingham

As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.