Intercultural and International Communication

Our globalized world — and the cultures and subcultures within it — have specific communication needs.

In the Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program, you'll develop the communication skills to bridge relationships in our media-rich, global community.

Informed by theory and practice, you'll learn to engage with multiple channels for communication like media, social marketing, advocacy and public culture.

You'll take a strategic approach to media and public relations, applying your knowledge and writing skill to different fields: sport, health, diplomacy and social development.

You'll become familiar with different organizational structures — government, NGO, corporation and not-for-profit — and you'll learn ways to engage their audiences.

Graduates of the MA in Intercultural and International Communication will see how communication influences culture, and how culture shapes communities.

You'll be able to communicate effectively in complex cultural circumstances.

Program completion options

You have three options to choose from to complete your Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication:

1. internship
2. research paper
3. course work

Who it's for

This program is a good fit for people who want to hone their communication skills for a diversified and globalized world.

Some of our students are:

• strategic communication managers
• individuals with an arts or science undergraduate degree who want to pursue a career in professional communication in the intercultural or international sphere

Program outcomes

Once you've completed this program, you'll:

• have a full understanding about intercultural communication in Canada and around the world
• be able to explain intercultural and international communication through the lens of global political, social, economic and cultural processes such as migration, media policy and global media corporations
• critique current global events and trends
• solve problems in intercultural work settings

Our graduates find work in government, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations and education and in fields like social work and marketing.

Standard admission

• Completion of a four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• Evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study at a master's level
• Work or volunteer experience is an asset.

Flexible admission

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows: 

• Applicants without an undergraduate degree, but more than three years (90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education, should have at least three years of relevant work experience, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Applicants with 2-3 years (60-90 credits) of relevant post-secondary education should have at least five years of relevant work experience in a leadership capacity.
• Applicants with less than two years of relevant post-secondary education should have at least ten years of high-level, professional communication experience in a leadership capacity.

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements

Additional recommendations

• Academic writing skills are required for success in this program and an English composition course, at a recognized post-secondary institution, focused on academic writing is therefore recommended. The Academic Writing and Critical Thinking course offered through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University meets this recommendation.
• If your application is assessed under flexible admission, you may be asked to submit a digital portfolio (disk or flash drive) of your previous work, learning and accomplishments (e.g. written work, project management, consulting work, etc.) in the field of communication.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should outline educational experience, leadership* experience, personal and career goals, and discuss alignment between these and the learning outcomes of the MACAL program. Keeping that in mind, please organize your statement as follows using the following questions as subheadings. You must address all questions.

1. Why do you wish to enrol in the Climate Action Leadership program?
2. How is this program relevant to your career goals?
3. What experience (academic courses and/or training, work experience) have you that directly relate to the learning outcomes of the program?
4. What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
5. Please assess and make clear the linkages between your previous experience (paid or volunteer work; academic or training) and the focus of the program and learning outcomes. Consider the questions as you respond to this:
   1. How is my prior experience relevant to the program's focus on climate action, change leadership, and working in the context of complex challenges?
   2. What relevant strengths or competencies (knowledge and skills) would you bring to the program?

Detailed & structured resume

Your detailed resume should include the following:

• Education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
• Work experience: Please include the name of the organization, length of service (month & year), and a brief description of duties.
• Training and professional development: List career-related training and professional development programs completed within the past five years. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
• Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary/unpaid post-secondary employment and/or community service experience. Please include the name of the organization, length of service, and a brief description of your duties.
• Leadership*/change agent/trainer experience: Briefly describe any specific training and/or experience you have had as a group/project leader, coordinator of change initiatives, or trainer.
• Innovative learning methods: Briefly describe any training and/or experience you have had in the use of innovative learning methods including distance learning, community and team-based learning, mentoring, etc. Include both your experience as a 'learner' and as an 'educator/trainer'.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, the community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information : Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

* Leadership experience could include one or more of the following:

• • Roles in which you consult, negotiate with, or manage diverse interest groups through relationship, in a complex environment.
  • Roles in which you lead others toward shared goals and outcomes.
  • Roles in which you influence, organize, and coordinate groups of people.
  • Leadership roles in volunteer organizations.
  • Formal organizational leadership roles in which you directly supervise staff or complete performance-oriented work with individuals, groups, or teams.

Letters of reference

Two letters of reference are required; one reference letter should be based on work experience and the other based on academic performance.

The letters of reference must be from referees who have worked closely with the applicant, such as a supervisor or manager, and who can speak to the applicant's ability to research, critically analyze, synthesize and problem solve in ill-structured domains. Knowledge of the applicant's ability must be within the last two years.

If applicable

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.