MSc Intercultural Business Communication

Our MSc Intercultural Business Communication programme will provide you with the opportunity to study culture and communication in an academic setting.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time, Part Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September, January
• Next intake: January 2026

During your studies, you'll apply your learning directly to intercultural business contexts which are relevant to international organisations and teams, allowing you to work with people from all around the world. This programme is embedded in Heriot-Watt University's highly respected Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies. You'll develop advanced practical communication skills in the context of diverse business settings, alongside a broad range of professional transferable skills. You'll cultivate a critical cultural understanding of the complexities of communication in a globalised world. You'll also gain insights from communication studies and cultural studies to develop a comprehensive understanding of effective communication in business settings, so you'll be ready to thrive in dynamic workplaces.

You'll be taught and assessed entirely in English, which makes it suitable for those who would like to adapt their English language skills for a professional context and develop an understanding of intercultural issues in international business.

Your Student Experience

Our teaching team comprises interdisciplinary experts in communication, cultural studies, and business psychology, ensuring an interdisciplinary educational experience. Our faculty includes active researchers who engage with cutting-edge research in the field, as well as experienced professionals with hands-on experience in cross-cultural communication who bring real-life examples to their teaching.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

Mandatory September

• Business Communication 1: Communication in the Workplace
• Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
• Comparative Social and Cultural Issues

Optional September

• Organisational Culture

Mandatory January

• Research Methods
• Business Communication 2: Communicating with External Audiences
• Global Englishes and the International Workplace

Mandatory May

• Dissertation in Intercultural Business Communication

Optional January

• Psychology for Marketing
• Psychology of Leadership

January Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

Mandatory January

• Business Communication 2: Communicating with External Audiences
• Research Methods
• Global Englishes and the International Workplace

Optional January

• Psychology of Leadership
• Psychology for Marketing

Mandatory September

• Business Communication 1: Communication in the Workplace
• Comparative Social and Cultural Issues
• Intercultural Communication in the Workplace

Optional September

• Organisational Culture

Mandatory Second January

• Dissertation in Intercultural Business Communication

Fees and Funding

January 2026 intake tuition fees

• UK: £10,528 (Full Time), £5,264 (Part Time)
• International: £21,192 (Full Time), £10,596 (Part Time)

September 2026/January 2027 intake tuition fees

• UK: £10,864 (Full Time), £5,432 (Part Time)
• International: £21,872 (Full Time), £10,936 (Part Time)

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent.
• Applicants must have demonstrable evidence of essay writing.
• Degrees across humanities and social sciences and related disciplines are preferred: Modern Languages, Communication Studies, Culture Studies, and Business Management.
• Non-related degrees with sufficient evidence of essay writing will be considered.
• English language requirements: The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.

Employability

Potential Career Paths

• Business Communications Specialist
• Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
• Global Business Development Manager
• Intercultural Consultant
• Advertising and public relations directors
• Sales accounts and business development managers
• Public relations professionals
• Marketing and sales directors
• Marketing associate professionals
• IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
• Sales related occupations

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.