Professional Language and Intercultural Studies (Taught)

Foster your cultural understanding and language skills, paving the way towards international business, conflict resolution, and global cooperation.

Effective global communication is the cornerstone of any career that transcends borders. Today’s global professionals need to place complex cultural sensitivities and advanced language skills at the heart of what they do and say.

This course combines intercultural communication studies with a thorough grounding in professional language. The former involves exploring social interactions between cultural groups, analysing and confronting some of the tough debates the world faces today. The professional language element aims to develop your skills in translation, public speaking and written communication in English. You’ll then intertwine these disciplines by studying the role that culture and languages play in shaping our identity, social relations and aspects of power.

You’ll also delve into optional topics that suit your interests and aspirations, like applied translation, gender and equality, linguistics, and international organisations, among many others.

If you’re forging a career built on international travel and meeting people from all walks of life, this course will give you the confidence and expertise to make you invaluable on the global stage.

"This course is great for international students because you get to experience an intercultural life as you learn about theories about the kind of communication you take part in every day."

Jane Kennery, MA Professional Language and Intercultural Studies student

Why study at Leeds

• Get a flavour of this course: Explore whether intercultural communication is for you with a free two-week online course accessible on FutureLearn.

• Specialist facilities: Learn in state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Martin Thomas Translation Labs, which support our translation programmes and feature around 60 high-spec PCs and a range of specialist translation and subtitling software.

• Develop your foreign language skills: Access the Language Zone, with learning materials in over 50 languages, as well as study space, digital resources and workshops and activities.

Rankings and awards
Top 100 university in the world, QS World Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our Professional Language and Intercultural Studies MA graduates have obtained:

• Export Sales, Fujian Longxi Bearing (Group) Co

• Editorial and Digital Content Associate, Harrison Goddard Foote

• Modern Greek Language Teacher, Hellenic American Union

• Professional IT Communicator, NTT Data Vietnam

• Communications & Engagement Manager, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

• Money Dealer, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

• Head of International Cooperation Department, V Tianfu International Technology Transfer Center

• Senior Projects Assistant, Victvs

• Guest Relations Officer, Waldorf Astoria

Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.