International Communication, Liaison and Advocacy MA

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Course Overview

UK Fees £4,250 *
International Fees £7,500 *
Alumni Discount See details
Duration 2 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our International Communication, Liaison and Advocacy MA is a dynamic, pioneering interdisciplinary course, which meets the demand for greater professionalism in interpersonal and inter-institutional bilingual communication in an international arena. We focus on enhancing your skills as a communicator and facilitator of communication. This can be as an advocate, as a mediator, communication strategist, intermediary or communication facilitator. Grounded in the latest international communications theories and using real-life simulations, you'll learn to locate and analyse resources, pre-empt communications challenges and develop strategies to overcome obstacles to successful interaction.

The course will enrich your knowledge and application of the key models of international communication, information handling and presentation in a range of contexts, from the field of public diplomacy to international media, intelligence, public diplomacy, business and international NGOs. It will also enhance your competencies in handling information across and between languages and cultures, in various professional settings. You'll have the training and preparation to make significant contributions in your chosen profession.

This MA is for you if you have high-level bilingual competence and experience in mediation between peoples from different cultural backgrounds. Applicants to this course typically come from fields such as language studies, translation and interpreting, social work, teaching, journalism and other areas of the media, as well as from public office. 

Top reasons to study with us 

  • Designed for professional development – Our course enhances your skills in interpersonal and inter-institutional bilingual communication, preparing you for careers in international and multinational organisations and institutions, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and public and cultural diplomacy
  • Learn in the heart of London – Studying at our Regent Campus in central London, you'll be part of a diverse, global community
  • Informed by industry experts – This MA draws on the expertise of specialists who work in international liaison and communication roles, with input from academic applied linguists 
  • Opportunity for real-world research – If you take our International Partnership Management module, you'll have the opportunity to develop and enhance your research skills in a professional rather than purely academic context

Course structure

You'll take five core modules, four taught and one research-based.

Your research component is an important element of the course. You can choose to write a Dissertation or you can take International Partnership Management, where you apply your knowledge and expertise by simulating a collaborative international project and devising a communication strategy for it.

To complete the MA, you need to choose two out of three option modules.

The following modules are indicative of what you’ll study on this course.

Core modules

You can choose to write a Dissertation or to take the International Partnership Management module.

Dissertation
You’ll work on the development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic of your choice. All students will attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance.

International Partnership Management
As the culmination of the MA, this module will give 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. Here you’ll have the opportunity to develop and enhance your research competences in a professional rather than a purely academic context. Through your research, you’ll identify a collaborative international business, network or project opportunity on behalf of an employer. You’ll then devise appropriate advocacy, management and communication strategies for the successful implementation of the partnership you have created. The module outputs are in three parts: an initial proposal to the tutors, a project report and a commentary. In this way the module will bring together the theories you’ll have studied throughout the MA, communication competences and linguistic sensitivity as well as demonstrating your own critical and reflective abilities.

This module aims to develop the communication skills necessary to facilitate interaction and engagement in global and bilingual professional settings. It considers current theories and concepts that underpin communication and co-operation in international and transnational contexts and examines the role of international organisations, both inter- governmental and international NGOs in promoting global collaboration in various fields. 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 advocacy and international partnerships. It also examines the ethical dimensions and challenges of international liaison. Particular emphasis is placed on the enactment of the role of the international liaison official as facilitator, negotiator, advocate, and representative of others.

This module introduces the key theories of international 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 an international communicator - in both face to face and virtual scenarios, and how you can develop them so as to succeed in increasingly fluid multilingual international contexts.

The module examines a wide range of theorists of intercultural communication and how these can be used to explore concepts of identity and communication strategies. You‘ll be encouraged to explore your own cultural background and how this may impact of your own world views and understandings. You’ll also examine the kinds of challenges that international and intercultural communication can involve and the communication skills and strategies that can be used to cope with those challenges. The module will also require you to apply theories and models critically with a view to refining your own intercultural behaviour in personal and professional contexts.

The module will provide you with an understanding of crucial aspects of ‘issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone’ (UN). You’ll look at key political debates and challenges in our current Century, with a focus on human rights protection and international justice through, for instance, the study of migration pathways and refugees’ struggles. After engaging with dominant ideologies and policies, the module will give you an opportunity to observe how global challenges and related ‘crises’ are conveyed through international media, such as mainstream press, digital platforms, etc. The second part of the module will address forms of counter narratives and resistance to the hegemonic discourses; these will include actions of solidarity, advocacy, and resistance that will be analysed through the study of activism, protests, and artworks. Issues of identity formation, belonging, and citizenship will be discussed in relation to different forms of representation and communication. The module will host a series of guest lectures with experts working in and around global challenges (including NGOs, governmental organizations, collectives and artists).

Option modules

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.

This module examines concepts and issues in sociolinguistics; research methods; languages and factors such as age, class, gender, ethnicity; language variation, choice, planning, change; language in face to-face interaction.

This module will introduce you to the major theoretical frameworks for studying language contact by exploring the different processes, causes, types, effects, and outcomes that emerge from contact contexts: e.g. bilingualism, pidginization, creolisation, diglossia, borrowing, code-switching, linguistic change. The module adopts a cross-linguistic perspective and will include contexts ranging from dominant language ecologies to cases of severe language endangerment.

Professional recognition

The University of Westminster is a Higher Education Language partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open evenings

Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

The MA will prepare you for a career or further academic study in international liaison and communication.

It will be invaluable if you're working in a role such as bilingual liaison officer, or for organisations such as international agencies, NGOs, INGOs, embassies, or the international section of enterprises.

Enhance your communication skills

Our course is designed to enhance your skills in handling information across and between languages and cultures, and in various professional settings.

Take the next step in your career

Graduates have gained success in communications-related positions in NGOs, diplomatic missions, international divisions of business and international organisations, and achieved progression in their careers.

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Job roles

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles, including:

  • Community manager
  • Digital marketer
  • Immigration consultant
  • International web governance manager
  • Media and public relations specialist
  • National child safeguarding policy coordinator
  • Senior policy researcher
  • Social media officer
  • Stakeholder coordinator

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

  • Bloomberg
  • CropLife Europe, Belgium
  • European Union
  • Haymarket Media Group
  • International Development Law Organisation, Italy
  • JD Decaux, France
  • Kongsberg Automotive, Switzerland
  • Médecins Sans Frontières, Germany
  • Polish Embassy
  • Save the Cut, Italy
  • Sos Enfants, Belgium
  • United Nations

Westminster Employability Award

Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.

The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities. 

Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.

Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.

Westminster Employability Award

Course Leader

Why study this course?

Fantastic central London location

You'll be studying in the centre of one of the world’s greatest cities, within easy reach of London's unrivalled library, cultural and archive resources.

Dynamic, interdisciplinary course

Our pioneering course is grounded in the latest theory, informed by industry experts, and uses real-life simulations to enrich your knowledge and enhance your communication skills. 

A variety of teaching styles

You'll learn through lectures, workshops, task-based group work, field work, presentations by course participants, and visits from external guests.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Applicants must offer two languages, including English; you must be an habitual user or fluent in one language, and be capable of listening, speaking and reading in the other language to at least Council of Europe Level B2/C1. Applicants must also demonstrate valid reasons for wishing to study the course, understanding of the nature and demands of the course and the conceptual and intellectual foundations needed to study at postgraduate level. Applicants may be invited to an interview.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Applicants must offer two languages, including English; you must be an habitual user or fluent in one language, and be capable of listening, speaking and reading in the other language to at least Council of Europe Level B2/C1. Applicants must also demonstrate valid reasons for wishing to study the course, understanding of the nature and demands of the course and the conceptual and intellectual foundations needed to study at postgraduate level. Applicants may be invited to an interview.

If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Applicants are required to submit one academic or professional reference.

Recognition of prior learning and experience

If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Application process 

Visit our How to apply page for more information on:

  • the application process
  • what you need to apply
  • deadlines for application

More information

Learn new skills

Volunteer and gain new skills

We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.

Get extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £4,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).

Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £7,500 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Paying your fees

If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

Find out more about paying your fees.

Alumni discount

This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.

Funding

There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.

Find out more about funding for international students.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you’ll be taught

Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
17%83%
2
14%86%
Scheduled hoursIndependent study

How you’ll be assessed

Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
  • Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
18%82%
2
4%96%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Research groups

Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Find out more about our research groups related to this course:

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Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.

Our Humanities subjects are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

For more details, visit our locations page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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