MSc Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

The MSc Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication at Heriot‑Watt University combines business-psychology insights with culturally-aware communication skills, equipping graduates to support performance in multinational and diverse organisations. It is suited for psychology, business, communications or cultural studies graduates who want to work in international, diversity, leadership or consultancy roles.

Curriculum Structure:
In the first term, students study core modules such as Intercultural Communication in the Workplace and Social and Organisational Change, where they explore how cross-cultural contexts influence organisational behaviour and change processes. They may also choose optional units like Business Communication 1: Communication in the Workplace, Coaching Psychology or Organisational Culture, which deepen understanding of communication, coaching and cultural dynamics in business. In the second term, mandatory modules such as Business Communication 2: Communicating with External Audiences, Selection and Assessment: Tools and Techniques in Business Psychology, Psychology of Leadership and Research Methods build advanced skills in assessment, leadership psychology, intercultural external communication and empirical research. The programme concludes with the Independent Project in Psychology, allowing students to apply their learning in a substantive research or consultancy-style project.

Focus areas: “intercultural communication, leadership psychology, organisational assessment, change & diversity”
Learning outcomes: “Graduates will be able to apply psychological frameworks to global organisational settings, conduct assessment and research across cultures, and deliver evidence-based solutions for leadership, diversity and performance challenges.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is aligned to business-psychology and intercultural communication practice; while not specifically accredited by the British Psychological Society for chartered psychologist status, it offers strong credentials for consultancy, HR, diversity & inclusion, and international organisational roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): Heriot-Watt University is ranked among the top UK institutions for graduate outcomes, and this globally-oriented MSc is designed to meet the needs of multinational organisations and diverse workplace contexts.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical skills through applied research projects and professional skills training. They utilise the School of Social Sciences resources and have access to business psychology research facilities. The programme's experiential components include:

Research Project: A dissertation applying psychology to workplace issues
Professional Skills: Training in psychometric testing and assessment
Software: Training in statistical analysis software for organisational data
Applied Focus: Development of evidence-based business solutions
Research Methods: Practical training in organisational research techniques

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication at Heriot-Watt University gain specialist skills to work effectively within multinational organisations, combining expertise in business psychology with intercultural communication. Typical job roles include Organisational Development Specialist, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, International HR Manager, and Business Psychologist. The program prepares students to enhance organisational performance through improved communication, leadership, and cultural understanding in global contexts.

Progression and Future Opportunities:

Heriot-Watt’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored career consultations, CV and interview workshops, and access to global networking opportunities through the Go Global program.
The university ranks 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK for graduate employability, reflecting strong positive employment rates.
Partnerships with multinational corporations and industry experts offer students practical projects, placements, and networking to enhance employability.
The MSc's accreditation and interdisciplinary focus affords long-term professional credibility and versatility in various sectors.
Graduates enjoy robust employment outcomes with competitive salaries in HR, consultancy, organisational development, and global business roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue doctoral research (PhD) in business psychology, intercultural communication, or organisational psychology, or seek advanced professional coaching and leadership qualifications to advance their careers.