Intercultural Business Communication Heriot-Watt University

Overview

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 Expertise

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. 

Your Learning Environment

You’ll learn alongside students from all over the world and will find yourself working in multicultural teams to apply your learning in real-time. As a result, you’ll be uniquely prepared for a career in international business and global leadership by the time you graduate.  

This degree is taught through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including group-based work, projects and the completion of a dissertation.   

Outside of the classroom, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Business Society which holds regular social events and provides networking opportunities and insights into career prospects in business and other relevant industries.   

Customise Your Learning

You may have the opportunity to Go Global on our Inter-Campus Transfer. Opportunities for postgraduate study abroad are assessed on a case-by-case basis and if you are interested in studying at our Dubai campus or Malaysia campus for a semester or longer, you should contact the Go Global Team. 

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

Accreditation

The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). We are also an official higher education partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists– a professional body that maintains the highest standards for practising interpreters and translators. In addition, we are founding members of CIUTI.