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Course overview
Become a skilled communicator ready to work for multinational companies on our industry-focussed programme.
Intercultural communication is vital in our globalised world. You'll develop key intercultural communication skills by analysing different cultural contexts. Get ready to explore topics like the psychology of language and communication through advertising.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
Enhance your knowledge of intercultural communication across the globe.
Learn from translators and experts across the Department of Modern Languages. Our interdisciplinary approach lets you develop a deeper understanding of communication across cultures.
- The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report).
- Develop the employability skills you need for global communications. Study translation for business, intercultural communication and the psychology of communication.
- Uncover language use in a range of communication contexts - from advertising to translation and arts and culture.
- Access translation software, including translation memory tools, corpus and text analysis tools and post-editing tools, plus SDL Studio Freelance licences.
Access our interpreting suite on campus with opportunities for simultaneous and consecutive interpretation training.
Become an effective communicator in international professional and interpersonal settings.
Interdisciplinary approach across Modern Languages, Translation and Art History.
Go beyond theory
Combine theory with practice to enhance your skills as a global communicator and translator. You'll explore a range of global communication contexts - from the role of promotional language, to arts and culture, and issues of translation and access.
Put theory into practice with our dedicated facilities for interpretation and access to translation technology. You'll gain practical skills in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in our interpreting suite, with opportunities for you to use specialist translation technology.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Global Intercultural Communication.
- 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 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Facilities
You'll access a variety of tools and software used in the translation industry, such as translation memory tools, corpus and text analysis tools and post-editing tools. There's a variety of specialist software available, such as SDL Trados; Phrase; Wordfast (courtesy of Wordfast LLC and Yves Champollion); and the Sketch Engine corpus manager and text analysis.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
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:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods in Critical Cultural Studies | 20 |
| Intercultural Communication | 20 |
| Intercultural Dynamics in Promotional Texts | 20 |
| Psychology of Communication | 20 |
Students must take one of the Translating for Business modules listed below:
Students must take the following dissertation module:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation in Global Intercultural Communication | 60 |
Students must take 1 x 20 credit optional module chosen from a list provided by the department each year. This may include two 10-credit Languages for All modules.
Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints.
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Enterprising Culture | 20 |
| English-Chinese Liaison Interpreting | 20 |
| Languages for All | 2 x 10 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject.
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 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.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Modern Languages at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to work well with others, strong language and communication skills, plus an awareness of different cultures.
Our Modern Languages graduates enter many roles, including:
- Translation project manager
- Translator
- Secondary school teacher
- Copywriter
Employers our Modern Languages graduates have worked for include:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Morningside Translations
- Secondary schools
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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 is 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.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our 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.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.