International Liaison and Communication MA

You will take three core modules, two of which are taught and the third is research based. Theories and Practices of Global Communication covers the key underpinning knowledge and analytical tools for the programme as well as your abilities as a presenter of information. International Liaison focuses on your practical communication competences. In the research component you have the choice of an MA Thesis (the Dissertation module), conducting research into a topic of your choice, or a Professional Project where you apply your knowledge and expertise to creating a communication strategy. In both you are required to demonstrate research competence at Masters level. You then have the choice of four option modules to complete the MA.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
DISSERTATION
As one of the two research options, this module will help you to develop an understanding of the major components of research methodology: locating and using available research sources, which include general and specialised libraries, reference works, indices and bibliographies, abstract services, and online databases; recording information and material collected; analysing data for reliability, comprehensiveness, bias and factuality; and finally assimilating material gathered into a dissertation.
As a result, you will have established research skills such as locating and using available research sources and being able efficiently to analyse the material that you have collected. For your dissertation you will be required to synthesise the skills, factual knowledge, methods and perspectives that you have acquired. You will also need to provide evidence of independent enquiry and a creative approach. Thus the Dissertation should accurately reflect both your personal development and the educational effectiveness of the course.
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON
This module considers current theories and practice of information processing, communication and interpretation and their relevance to global co-operation. It provides the knowledge and competencies needed to operate successfully in multi-cultural environments and examines, simulates and critically evaluates the techniques and strategies required to facilitate global bilingual/lingua franca advocacy and collaboration. It covers issues such as framing and reframing, active listening, and metacommunication. It also examines the ethical dimensions and challenges of international liaison. Particular emphasis is placed on the enactment of the role of the liaison official as facilitator, advocate and representative of others in a variety of professional contexts.
PROFESSIONAL PROJECT
As one of the two research options and as the culmination of the MA, the project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate not only your understanding of how theories apply in the real world, but also to show a wide range of research and international communications competences that will serve you in the workplace. The professional project gives you the opportunity to develop and enhance your research competences in a professional rather than a purely academic context. You will select and research a business, network or project opportunity on behalf of a client or customer and devise appropriate communication strategies. The module outcome is a four-part portfolio that follows the chronology of developing and implementing a communication strategy within a professional environment. It contains a proposal, research report, professional product and a commentary. In this way the module brings together the theories you have studied, language competence and critical and reflective abilities together with high-level research competence.
THEORIES AND PRACTICE OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATION
This module introduces the key theories of global communication that underpin the MA, and considers how they are applied to current environments. Topics include world system theory, cultural imperialism, language and power and the impact of the rise in the use of technology. As well as analysing the application of these theories in relevant contexts such as international business, public diplomacy and NGOs, the module encourages you to reflect on your own competences and strategies as a global communicator, and how you can develop them so as to succeed in increasingly fluid multilingual international contexts.
Option Modules
ANALYSING SPOKEN AND WRITTEN DISCOURSE
This module considers theories of genre and discourse analysis; audience design, purpose and style; rhetoric and persuasion; text-types, text structures, grammatical and lexical features typical of texts drawn from a wide variety of sources. By applying different techniques of discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis, you will enhance your ability to decode and understand spoken and written material.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
The module covers key theories and principles governing intercultural communication. It deals with the impact of cultural diversity on diplomacy and relations in the international community, an understanding of which enables you to develop your skills and competencies (cultural fluency) to be better prepared to live harmoniously and work effectively overseas. It provides you with coping strategies and models based on the practical application of intercultural communication theories and research by the main cultural ‘gurus’.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONAL DISCOURSE
This module aims to develop a critical understanding of the interaction between language, discourse and power, as it is projected in an institutional communication context. The module is designed to help linguists and communicators to analyse a number of social interactions (speeches, interviews, etc.), institutional discourses (European Union and United Nations) and to reflect on their own discourse building competences in a professional institutional context. The module supports linguists and communicators in understanding how institutional narratives are created and developed.
MIGRATION AND CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Starting from the assumption that migration is one of the key drivers of globalisation and of the evolution of contemporary societies, the module provides you with an understanding of crucial aspects of the interdisciplinary field of migration, from the specific perspective of intercultural communication. After a brief introduction to the political and social issues related to the most vulnerable areas affected by contemporary forms of global passages, the module will investigate various forms of representation of these very issues in different media, from mass media to visual arts (including documentaries, films and video art performances) in order to facilitate an understanding of the production of (in)visibility of migrants and refugees in social and cultural scenarios of migration contexts from around the world. Issues of identity formation, belonging and citizenship will be analysed in relation to these forms of representation and communication, in both mainstream and counter-narratives.
SOCIOLINGUISTICS
This module introduces sociolinguistics – the study of the concepts, issues, approaches, and methods involved in the analysis of languages as a means of communication in its social context. It also gives you the opportunity to carry out empirical work relating to the concepts and methods you acquire.
TRANSLATING CULTURES
This module offers an advanced introduction to transculturality and translation as an interdisciplinary critical practice. It is built around the work of key theorists in contemporary cultural and translation studies. Through selected readings of their work, it examines the complex interactions of translation and culture within and across societies.
VALUES, BELIEFS AND MEDIA NARRATIVES
The module will examine how values, ideologies and attitudes are broadcast via the media and how this impacts on communication between different communities. It will consider contemporary theories and issues such as agenda setting, the rise of infotainment and the phenomenon of citizen journalism. It will explore the way our perceptions of the world and its affairs are constructed and depicted by the news media and other media sources, as well as the issues of ‘media objectivity’ and ownership of narrative. Within this context, it will examine the effects of transnational mass media organisations on global communication as well as the rise of new digital forms of reporting and their impact and the role of the individual or non-professional.
Associated Careers
Course graduates have gained success in communications-related positions in NGOs, diplomatic missions, international divisions of business and international organisations, as well as achieving a step-change in their original professions.
Entry Requirements
You are normally required to have a good first degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Mature applicants with no formal qualifications but with appropriate work experience will also be considered. You need to be fluent to advanced level (C1 as defined by the CEFR) in at least two languages. Although not an absolute entry requirement, to succeed well on the course you need be up to date with world events and the different interpretations put on them by various stakeholders.
Additional costs information
To check what your tuition fees cover and what you may need to pay for separately, see our What tuition fees cover page.
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