The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
International Business and Intercultural Communication
MA or PGDip or PGCert
Key facts
Start dates
September 2021 / September 2022
Location
Course length
Full time: MA: 12 months, PGDip: 9 months
Part time: Option to be discussed
Department
Overview
Gain an intensive introduction to business studies and develop your intercultural communication skills through the MA / PGDip / PGCert International Business and Intercultural Communication.
You will combine campus-based study with a work placement in the UK or abroad.
Develop your career through a work placement and carrying out your own research alongside the supporting academic programme.
You will enhance your career prospects by acquiring vital transferable skills. These include:
- research skills
- report writing
- presentations
- team work capabilities
- time management.
This course provides an intensive introduction to business studies together with the development of your intercultural communication skills. It combines campus-based study with a work placement in the UK or abroad.

How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
A good first degree
Applicants for the MA may be asked to include a recent piece of academic work (approx. 1000 words in English).
A final decision about a candidate's suitability is normally based on interview, or by alternative arrangement.
Applicants are welcomed from a variety of academic disciplines, as well as those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Admission is normally open to those with a good undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) or other professional qualification relevant to one of the key areas of study, or an appropriate linguistic background.
Applications will also be considered from those who seek to formalise their prior experiential learning or qualifications and who have appropriate language competence.
Applications should be received no later than 1 August, though it is advisable to apply much earlier than this, in particular if you are intending to apply for a scholarship award, or are an international student.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Students with a first language other than English are required to give evidence of a good degree as well as minimum IELTS score 6.5, with 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking, or equivalent.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
International applications
International students who are offered a place on the MA course will be asked to provide a deposit of £3,000 to secure their place. Full terms and conditions will be provided to applicants with their offer letter.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
There are International Student Scholarships available for 2020 and other scholarships and funding options for postgraduate international students.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
You will be responsible for your own travel, accommodation, and other related costs whilst on work placement.
Learning and assessment
You will spend the first semester studying on campus in Oxford. For the second semester, you will complete a work placement in a multinational company or business. You will also complete a business research project or dissertation via distance learning.

Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You'll be taught through the following methods:
- lectures
- directed reading
- workshops
- seminars
- practical and project work.
You can opt to register for one undergraduate module credit as part of your tuition fees. The course is taught in English.
You'll be required to study for approximately 200 hours per module. Each module is usually delivered over a 12 week period.
Research
Research areas and clusters
- european integration
- european politics
- globalisation
- consultancy projects
- ethics and fair trade
- business strategy.

After you graduate
Career prospects
The course opens up a wide range of opportunities for careers in the media, publishing, public relations, marketing, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations. It is also a good base for further postgraduate study.
To find out about the experiences of our students on work placements, browse our MA in International Business and Intercultural Communication student profiles.
Student profiles
Our Staff
Mark Hull
Teach economics, finance, business strategy, digital literacy, consultancy
Read more about MarkProgramme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.