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Royal Roads University was established as a public, applied a research university in 1995.  As an institution of learning, its history dates back to 1940, when it opened as a naval college, eventually becoming Royal Roads Military College. 

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 will: 

  • Engage with multiple channels for communication like media, social marketing, advocacy, and public culture
  • Take a strategic approach to media and public relations, applying your knowledge and writing skills to different fields: sport, health, diplomacy, and social development
  • Become familiar with different organizational structures – government, NGO, corporation and not-for-profit and you’ll learn ways to engage their audiences
  • Be able to communicate effectively in complex cultural circumstances

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

This dual-language offering of the Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication is offered in partnership with Royal Roads University. For more information on program details please click

Download the RBCo-RRU Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program brochure.

Directly following an eligible program of study, you may apply for an open work permit called a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). For details, please go visit Immigration and citizenship – Canada.ca

DUAL-LANGUAGE MODEL

Students whose English is their second language can benefit from bilingual classes.                                                                                                                                                                                

LOCATION

Royal Roads University Customized Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program is delivered at Royal Bridge College campus in Port Coquitlam, BC.

CLASSES

Royal Roads University Customized Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program offers flexible class times and small-size classes. Intakes: May and September each year

Who is it for?

Program description

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.

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.

Program completion options

We offer two options for you to complete your Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication. You can choose the option that works best for your goals.

Option 1: Research paper

In your research paper, you’ll integrate theory and practice and demonstrate that you are well-versed in intercultural and international communication. You’ll show you possess a well-developed perspective as a global citizen.

Option 2: Intercultural Learning Project

You’ll develop a capstone project that tackles real-world problems with a focus on communication.

Program delivery

This program is delivered entirely on campus.

Royal Roads University - Hatley Castle
Program Features
  • Small class size with Dual-Language teaching 
  • No additional IELTS or TOEFL required
  • Students will be admitted directly by Royal Roads University
  • Master of Arts Degree issued by Royal Roads University
  • Flexible course structure/Intake time/Class time
  • Work and study Balance
  • Royal Roads University professors teach directly
  • Master of Arts Degree – 36 credits accelerate to 18 months (equivalent to a 2-year program)
  • Courses delivered in Port Coquitlam at the Royal Bridge College Campus

The Master of Arts in Intercultural and International Communication program is a 36-credit program which is the equivalent of a 2-year program, but it is delivered in an accelerated model in 18 months. It’s important to note that the compressed academic programming that RRU offers includes the same or more number of instructional hours and the same or more number of out-of-class study and preparation hours as the more relaxed, or ‘normal,’ pace of programs offered by other Canada universities. 

Royal Roads University is authorized to grant degrees as a public university by the Province of British Columbia through the Royal Roads University Act and is a member institution of Universities Canada. 

Royal Roads University Designated Learning Institution Number: O19330635812

Admission Requirement
All flexible admission applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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 need a minimum of three full-time years of relevant work experience and some post-secondary education.
  • Applications will be adjudicated based on a consideration of all standard supporting documents (academic transcripts, resumé, statement of intent, reference letters), with a broad focus on work, life, and volunteer experience as well as any academic work or credentials.

English language proficiency

No additional IELTS or TOEFL required

Additional recommendation(s)

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.

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

Application form

You will be required to submit a paper application form, listing all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee ($900CAD) and a signed refund policy will be required. 

Download the Application form and Refund policy here, and the Application fee payment link.  

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.

If you have attended any post-secondary institution outside of Canada, please review our country-specific document requirements. All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should be at least a three-page letter indicating your motivation for seeking entrance to the program. Your statement should comment upon your personal and career goals, the expectations you have for the program in relation to the achievement of your goals, and the strengths you feel you can bring to the program. If you are seeking equivalency for some part of the required years of university/college study, please expand upon why you think your life and work experience and/or related formal education and courses merit adjudication under the flexible admission process.

Letter of reference

Your application requires two letters of reference. Ideally, these letters speak to your academic potential, your professional expertise and your personal attributes. The preferred letters of reference are academic references and professional references.  .

  • Academic reference: Academic letters of reference should attest to your academic achievement, study skills, teamwork, leadership potential, human relations, flexibility, communication and technical skills. 
  • Professional reference: Professional letters of reference assess your current or previous performance in your career. The letter can address areas such as communication skills, interpersonal and leadership skills, management potential, and work ethic. 

Structured Résumé

Your structured résumé should include the following:

  • Education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
  • Work experience: Include name of organization, length of service (indicating month and year), and a full description of duties and responsibilities.
  • International/intercultural experience: This could take the form of travel, competition, consulting, education, volunteer or professional experience in an international and/or multi/intercultural setting.
  • Training and professional development: List all career related training, professional development, and non-credit programs/courses completed within the past five years.  Include the source of training, 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, position(s) and a description of duties and responsibilities.
  • Information technology training and experience: Describe your level of training and experience in the use of information technology including computers, software and telecommunications networks as tools for business, education, teaching and personal use.
  • English language skills: List English (and related) courses completed, which will also appear on your official transcript(s). Include any other experience of written or spoken English (e.g., published writing, prizes and awards, debating club membership, etc.) that may assist us in adjudicating your application for admission.
  • Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you currently hold or have previously held in professional associations, service clubs, community and volunteer sector within the past five years.

Portfolio (upon request)

If a portfolio is requested, it should include digital samples (disk or flash drive) of completed work such as projects you have managed, reports, published writing, syllabus outlines of courses you have taught, etc.

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.
  • Other information or documents may be requested to determine your eligibility.
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