Which two languages can I take on the MA Modern Language Communication?

You choose from the LSJHML modern language offer — currently including Italian and Turkish among others. Admissions confirms available combinations at application and matches you to a sensible main-and-secondary pairing based on your existing proficiency.

What language level do I need for the MA Modern Language Communication?

CEFR B2 minimum in your main language and B1 in your secondary, evidenced at application. The MA Modern Language Communication takes both languages substantially further over the year.

Is the MA Modern Language Communication good preparation for a PhD?

Yes — particularly for doctoral study in translation, intercultural communication or applied linguistics. The MA Modern Language Communication is structured around the research-readiness standards relevant doctoral programmes expect.

Can the MA Modern Language Communication be taken part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time, with the same applied project and dissertation requirements. Online and distance routes are available; many students are working multilingual professionals.

How does the MA Modern Language Communication differ from a translation Master's?

Translation Master's degrees focus on translator training. The MA Modern Language Communication focuses on multilingual professional practice — communication across cultures, project management in two languages — with translation as one component among several.

MA Modern Language Communication in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Modern Language Communication at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK Master's degree for graduates and working multilingual professionals targeting senior roles where two or more languages are core to the job. You will operate across two modern languages at advanced level, study intercultural communication theory and practice, and complete a substantive applied project plus a dissertation.

This is a research-informed MA for the people who already work across languages and want senior credibility and strategic depth. By the end you can lead a multilingual project, brief a cross-cultural team and contribute to communication strategy in an international setting.

Key Features

One-year UK Master's degree in modern language communication — twelve months full-time, twenty-four months part-time.
Two-language structure — advanced work in your main language, advanced work in your secondary.
Intercultural communication theory and practice at advanced level.
Applied translation in both languages — literary, commercial and institutional.
Substantive applied project — a multilingual brief or campaign across both languages.
Dissertation of 12,000–15,000 words on a multilingual or intercultural-communication topic.

What You Will Learn

The MA Modern Language Communication is structured around the working life of a senior multilingual professional — read the room across cultures, design the brief in two languages, defend the choices in either. You finish able to lead multilingual communication work and contribute at strategic level in international settings.

Main language — reading, writing, speaking, listening at advanced CEFR C1–C2 level.
Secondary language — reading, writing, speaking, listening at advanced CEFR B2–C1 level.
Intercultural communication — Hofstede, Trompenaars, contemporary critical voices at advanced level.
Applied translation in both languages — literary, commercial, institutional.
Multilingual project management — running briefs across two languages and two contexts.
International institutional context — political, legal and regulatory environments of the chosen languages.
Research methods — qualitative methods for multilingual communication research.
Dissertation craft — methodology, citation discipline, viva preparation.

Who This MA Is For

Modern languages or related Bachelor's graduates targeting senior international roles or doctoral study.
Working multilingual professionals in international firms, NGOs or cultural bodies.
Heritage speakers wanting a senior credential combining their heritage language with another.
Career changers from journalism or diplomacy moving into multilingual communications leadership.

Career Pathways

MA Modern Language Communication graduates move into senior multilingual roles across international firms, embassies, NGOs, cultural institutions and translation. Typical first or next roles include:

Senior Bilingual Communications Specialist (international firm, embassy, NGO)
Multilingual Content Strategy Lead (publisher, platform, broadcaster)
International Account Director (UK firm with international exposure)
Translator (commercial and institutional, often after specialist additional training)
Cultural Programme Manager (cultural institute, festival)
International Programme Officer (NGO, ministry)

The MA serves as a stepping stone toward doctoral study in translation, intercultural communication or applied linguistics.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in modern languages or a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant multilingual professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, language profile and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Main language proficiency at CEFR B2 minimum; secondary language at CEFR B1 minimum.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.