Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication and Translation (MAICT)

The Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication and Translation (MAICT)* is designed to cultivate students’ intercultural and multicultural awareness, enhancing effective language use in communication with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The programme combines theoretical coursework with practical training, addressing key areas such as practical translation techniques, professional discourses, sociolinguistics, and intercultural communication strategies. Students develop the skills to navigate and bridge cultural differences, facilitating the effective and nuanced translation of texts and dialogues across various professional contexts.

*MAICT will be launched in September 2025, subject to approval by the university.

1. Programme Objectives

The MAICT aims to provide a comprehensive and relevant professional education that surpasses traditional master’s programmes. It equips students with the necessary academic knowledge, professional skills, and industrial insights to meet the growing demands and challenges of globalisation and the digital era. More importantly, the programme enables students to achieve effective communication with people from different cultural backgrounds. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the dynamic relationship between languages and cultures in the global context, and the concepts of intercultural communication;
• Apply knowledge of linguistic theories and translation methods to make independent and professional judgments in professional and intercultural communication;
• Perform as a competent communicator capable of explaining professional discourse and meeting professional standards of workplace communication in a cross-cultural context; and
• Utilise specific digital technologies to conduct studies of languages and cultures, and to facilitate translation outcomes and other communication activities in professional settings.

2. Programme Structure

The MAICT programme can be completed on a full-time basis within one year. The primary language of instruction is English, but Chinese (Cantonese or Putonghua) is also incorporated as needed. This MA programme puts a strong emphasis on intercultural communication, practical translation skills, and the awareness of cultural and linguistic variations. The curriculum is composed of three core courses and five elective courses. The core courses establish a solid foundation for students in understanding and researching intercultural communication and the relationship between translation and intercultural studies. The elective courses focus on (1) introducing essential theories and concepts closely related to intercultural communication, such as language and identity, intercultural pragmatics and cultural conflicts and negotiation; and (2) providing students with opportunities to equip essential practical translation techniques and explore professional discourses. Students can also opt for delving into digital applications that enhance their understanding of the latest technologies applicable to translation practices, language studies, and intercultural communication. Moreover, a dissertation option is available for students interested in conducting research on intercultural communication, translation, and sociolinguistics. This option enables students to gain research experience and pursue a research degree.

In this programme, students are required to successfully complete EIGHT courses, consisting of four core courses and four electives or four core courses plus two electives and a dissertation. Some of the elective courses will be shared with other established MA programmes in Faculty of Humanities (FHM). Students with strong aspiration to pursue a research postgraduate degree may wish to take the Dissertation track (prerequisite: grade ‘B+’ or above in the Methods for Language and Communication Research course). Classes in the same or different semester(s) may be scheduled on weekday daytime/evenings, weekends and/or during long holidays at the Tai Po Campus / Tseung Kwan O Study Centre / North Point Study Centre / Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre and/or other locations as decided by the University.

The following table provides an overview of the programme structure:

3. Entrance Requirements

Applicants who meet the University’s general entrance requirements for postgraduate programmes are eligible to apply for MAICT. Details can be found at https://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/EnReq(Pg)/. In addition to the general qualifications required for admission to the graduate school, applicants must

• hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Journalism and Communication, Cultural Studies, Education, or related disciplines; 
• be able to provide evidence of competence in English, such as possessing one or more of the following qualifications 
  • a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (Internet-based); or
  • a score of 6.5 or above (with no subtest score lower than 6.0) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or 
  • other equivalent qualifications.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.

The results of IELTS/TOEFL provided should be within two years (i.e., for the 2025/26 intake, the IELTS/TOEFL test must be obtained on or after 1 Jan 2023); and

The results of IELTS/TOEFL should be “taken in test centres” (i.e., tests taken online such as IELTS indicator/IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Editions are NOT accepted).

Notes to Non-local Applicants

• Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should include their IELTS / TOEFL test result (taken within 2 years) in the application documents. Otherwise, the application may be delayed.
• It normally takes 6-8 weeks for the Hong Kong Immigration Department to process visa applications. You are therefore strongly advised to submit your application as early as possible.
• Your application can be completed online without going through any education agencies. Please submit your application online at http://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/online/. 

4. MAICT Courses

# Students are required to be proficient in both English and Chinese (Putonghua/Cantonese). The courses will be conducted in English, Cantonese or Putonghua as the teacher sees fit.

* The course list above is for reference only and is subject to change. Not all elective courses will be offered every year.

Disclaimer: 

Any aspect of course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by unforseeable circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

In 2025/26, the default mode of teaching of all classes will be in-person on campus using face-to-face mode. Students who are currently not in Hong Kong are advised to make their travel plans as early as possible.

5. Programme Enquiry

E-mail: maict@eduhk.hk