Professional Language and Intercultural Studies MA

Course overview

This course combines the study of intercultural communication/studies with a thorough grounding in professional language. The intercultural side encompasses the study of social interaction between cultural groups, including theoretical analysis of some of the thornier global questions which we currently face. In terms of professional language, you will develop skills in translation, public speaking and written communication in English. These two strands are closely connected through exploring the role that culture and languages play in shaping our identity, influencing social relations and affecting aspects of power.

You’ll also focus on additional topics that suit your interests and aspirations, as you choose from optional modules across different disciplines or contexts. You could study modules focusing on applied translation, gender and equality, linguistics, and international organisations, among many others. If you’re looking for a career with an international dimension, this course will allow you to develop the knowledge, cultural awareness, and practical skills to succeed.

Specialist facilities

Our students benefit from this stimulating learning environment while developing their skills in state-of-the-art facilities; as well as our world-class research library, you could practice translation in the Martin Thomas Translation Labs. These Labs support all of our translation programmes, complete with around 60 high-spec PCs and a wide range of specialist software for translation and subtitling. It’s an excellent place to gain an insight into the relations between cultural groups while gaining valuable practical skills.

If you’re looking to develop your foreign language skills, you can access the Language Zone, which provides learning materials in over 50 languages, as well as study space, digital resources and workshops and activities.

Discover intercultural studies with our online taster course

Explore intercultural communication by understanding the relationship between language and cultural identity. You can access this two-week online course for free on FutureLearn (using the limited access package). Find out more: Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture.

Course details and modules

In your first semester you’ll explore key issues in intercultural studies and begin to develop skills for effective research. You’ll also study the usage and role of English worldwide in different contexts.

Beyond these core modules, you’ll shape the course of your studies. You’ll choose from a variety of modules, either developing your specialised translation skills or getting to grips with language in different contexts. You’ll build on your knowledge by selecting optional modules from an impressive range, cutting across disciplines to suit your career plans and interests.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to showcase your skills when you hand in your individual project or dissertation.

If you study the programme part-time, you’ll take 90 credits in each year and complete the programme in two years.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Professional Language and Intercultural Studies MA Full Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by leading researchers and practitioners in a variety of disciplines, depending on the modules you choose. As a result you’ll experience a range of learning and teaching methods including lectures, seminars, practical classes and one-to-one tutorials among others. Find out more about the staff and research activities within Intercultural Studies.

We use collaborative technologies to support your learning and, for those who are studying translation, you’ll also receive specialised training in current software.

In addition, for students interested in translation, there is a regular programme of Professionalisation Talks with visiting speakers coming from the industry and sharing their experience as practising translators, interpreters, subtitlers or project managers.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The assessment types vary across the course. They could include traditional exams and essays as well as reflective logs, problem-solving reports, and group and individual presentations. Individual research projects give you hands-on experience of project management which may be useful in your future career or further study. Translation modules also use translation tests. For written assignments, usually a choice of a range of topics is provided, enabling you to decide which topics you want to explore in more depth.

Many of our assignments include reflective elements, encouraging you to think about your role as a researcher and consider how you can grow your skills beyond the classroom. We also use contemporary case studies so you can evaluate current events.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a translation related degree, specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under ‘Translation related subjects’.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in translation, or coming from an area of expertise to which translation is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

You may be required to submit a translation test for each language combination you wish to study and in each direction. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application.

Intercultural or professional language related subjects

• Intercultural Studies
• Professional Language
• Translation
• Teaching
• Cultural studies
• Language and literature
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Communications

Other areas

• Linguistics
• Sociology
• Politics
• Media studies
• Business studies
• Film
• TV
• Museum studies
• International business
• Advertising
• Media communications
• Social media management
• Healthcare communications
• Anthropology
• Tourism

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: translation, communication, teaching, advertising, marketing, journalism, film, TV, radio, photography, publishing, museums, libraries, international business, non-governmental organisations.

Next Steps

TRANSLATION TEST(S): you may be required to upload one or more tests depending on which language combination(s) you wish to study. If we require this from you, we will request this after you have submitted your application. Translation tests are available to download from our webpage.

If you require any further information, please contact the School’s admissions team.

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

Support for part-time and mature learners

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides support for mature and part-time learners across the University, including advice on how to apply to university and support throughout your studies.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Languages, Cultures and Societies

Contact us

Taught Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: lcspg@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,000 (Total)

International: £28,000 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Find out more about Funding and Scholarships.

Career opportunities

Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of fields, usually with some kind of international focus. Some of our graduates work in tourism, for local, regional and/or national governments, or for international publishing companies. Some are teachers, either working in international schools or teaching languages. Some are working as translators. This MA will help you to develop a wide range of skills that are useful to many different industries operating in an international environment.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.