MA Intercultural Communication and International Business

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MA Intercultural Communication and International Business at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to understand how people, cultures, and organisations communicate in today’s global business environment. The programme combines intercultural communication theories with international business perspectives, helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed for careers in multinational companies, international organisations, consultancy, and global development sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

During the programme, you will explore the foundations of intercultural communication through the Intercultural Communication: Key Concepts and Theories module, where you will examine topics such as culture, identity, communication differences, global interactions, and challenges faced in multicultural environments. You will also complete the Dissertation module, giving you the opportunity to independently research a topic related to intercultural communication and international business while developing advanced research, analytical, and academic writing skills.

Year 1 (Optional Specialisation)

You can personalise your learning by choosing optional modules that connect intercultural communication with international business themes, including areas such as entrepreneurship, marketing, international management, and human resource management through Exeter Business School. You may also take practical modules such as the Sustainable Development Goals Challenge, where you collaborate with students from different cultural backgrounds to address real-world global challenges and develop teamwork skills in an international setting.

Focus Areas

Intercultural communication, International business, Cross-cultural management, Globalisation, Culture and identity, Multicultural workplaces, Global communication strategies, International organisations, Sustainable development, Research methods, Global business practices

Learning Outcomes

Develop strong intercultural communication skills, understand the role of culture in global interactions, analyse communication challenges in international environments, apply intercultural theories to real-world business situations, develop independent research abilities, improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, collaborate effectively across cultures, understand international business practices, and prepare for careers in multinational organisations, consultancy, government, NGOs, and international development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme provides an interdisciplinary qualification that combines specialist knowledge of intercultural communication with international business perspectives. Students benefit from expertise across Modern Languages and Cultures and Exeter Business School, including teaching in areas such as globalisation, multilingual communication, international business, responsible management, and cross-cultural workplace practices.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter provides a globally recognised learning environment with strong research expertise in areas including intercultural communication, global cultures, business, leadership, and responsible organisations. Students benefit from access to specialist academic communities and research centres, supporting the development of knowledge and skills valued by international employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA Intercultural Communication and International Business at the University of Exeter provides a practical and globally focused learning experience that helps students develop the communication, research, and teamwork skills needed for international careers. Through interactive teaching, independent research, and collaboration with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, students learn how to understand cultural differences, manage global communication challenges, and apply intercultural knowledge to real-world business and social contexts. The programme is delivered by experts in intercultural communication, discourse analysis, language and globalisation, multilingualism, migration, and international business, giving students access to a strong academic and professional learning environment.

Students develop practical skills through international collaboration, research activities, specialist centres, and business-focused learning opportunities:

Participation in the Sustainable Development Goals Challenge module, where students work in international teams to address real-world global challenges and gain experience in intercultural teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Practical research experience through seminars that guide students in planning, developing, conducting, and presenting independent research for their dissertation.
Collaborative learning with classmates from different cultural backgrounds, helping students strengthen skills in cross-cultural communication, teamwork, negotiation, and managing international relationships.
Access to optional modules from Exeter Business School in areas such as entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, and human resource management, allowing students to connect communication expertise with business practices.
Opportunities to engage with research communities within Modern Languages and Cultures, including the Centre for Translating Cultures, Global China Research Centre, Exeter Centre for Latin American Studies, and Centre for Intermedia and Creative Technology, supporting deeper understanding of global cultures and communication.
Opportunities to explore international business research through Exeter Business School centres, including the Centre for Responsible Innovation, Exeter Centre for Leadership, Initiative in the Digital Economy at Exeter (INDEX), and Research Methods Centre.
Access to university library services, digital learning resources, and IT facilities that support postgraduate research, independent study, and collaborative learning.
Development of employer-focused skills including intercultural communication, presentation, research, critical analysis, teamwork, planning, and problem-solving.
Opportunities to apply knowledge of intercultural communication to real-world settings connected with multinational companies, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy, and public sector environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA Intercultural Communication and International Business at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers in international business, communication, management, and global development sectors. By developing intercultural awareness, global communication skills, research abilities, and knowledge of international business practices, the programme supports career pathways such as International Business Consultant, Cross-Cultural Communication Specialist, Global Marketing Coordinator, and Human Resources Specialist. Graduates can progress into roles within multinational companies, international organisations, NGOs, consultancy firms, education, and public sector institutions.

The programme supports your career development through dedicated university services, professional networks, and opportunities to apply your skills in global contexts:

Access to the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career advice, employability resources, skills workshops, events, and guidance to help students prepare for graduate opportunities.
Support from careers professionals who help students identify career goals, improve CVs and applications, prepare for interviews, and develop the skills needed for the workplace.
Opportunities to strengthen employer-valued skills including intercultural communication, teamwork, leadership, research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and working effectively in multicultural environments.
Access to Exeter’s extensive employer network, providing opportunities to connect with organisations through career events, workshops, and professional activities.
Support from Exeter Business School through employability activities, career guidance, skills development sessions, and opportunities designed to enhance students’ professional readiness.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme, combining intercultural communication with international business topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, international business, and human resource management, provides graduates with flexible career options across different industries.
The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for graduate employability, with Exeter graduates regularly recognised among those targeted by leading employers in the UK.
The University does not publish programme-specific employment rates or salary figures for the MA Intercultural Communication and International Business programme.
Graduates can use their expertise in global communication and cultural understanding for careers in international business development, global recruitment, cultural consultancy, education, government, and non-profit organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA Intercultural Communication and International Business, students can continue their academic journey through a PhD or other research-focused qualification in areas such as intercultural communication, applied linguistics, international business, globalisation, migration studies, or related social science disciplines. The programme’s focus on research methods, critical analysis, and independent dissertation work provides a strong foundation for advanced academic research and specialist career pathways.