Key information
Our MSc Intercultural Business Communication programme will provide you with the opportunity to study culture and communication in an academic setting.
- 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
- September
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.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour 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
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Study Intercultural Business Communication at Heriot-Watt
Fasila Fasila, a graduate in MSc Intercultural Business Communication, discusses her time at Heriot-Watt University as an international student.
Student testimonials
The lectures of the amazingly talented and smart professors in the LINCS department were incredible learning experiences that I shall never forget. My experiences at HWU were eye-opening in so many ways, and I shall always cherish them.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,864 | £5,432 |
| International | £21,872 | £10,936 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
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.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
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.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Our MSc Intercultural Business Communication programme will develop the necessary skills that will allow you to work in major companies and organisations around the world where trained professionals are needed to liaise with international clients and/or support international workforces. Jobs that request business communication skills include:
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
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
