MA/MS in International communication

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: The aim of the Master’s Degree Program in International Communication is to train competent and responsible strategic corporate communications professionals with the professional skills to formulate and implement international communication strategies, to develop communication content taking into account different intercultural communication contexts and to critically and analytically evaluate communication phenomena. The Program is developed to provide a specialist with a broad attitude to social dialogue between different players in global communication (states, business and governmental, public organizations, different cultures, people). This is achieved by providing theoretical knowledge that deepens and broadens previous knowledge in the field of communication and information (expanding knowledge of applied communication and communication theory and research into areas such as global communication, political or business communication, intercultural communication); by providing additional theoretical knowledge revealing the specifics of international relations and sustainable development in the conditions of globalization, emphasizing the communicative aspect; by developing the skills necessary for communication professionals to work in government, business and non-governmental organizations, education and research institutions (analyzing and evaluating communication processes; analyzing, modelling, creatively solving communication conflicts); by encouraging to use and coordinate communication research methods and critically evaluate research findings as well as encouraging the decision making; by developing general self-development skills (promoting continuous learning, internships, independent studies). Learning outcomes: Program graduates gain the following competencies: (1) formation, application, implementation and analysis of effectiveness of corporate communication, corporate social responsibility strategy in multicultural organizations; (2) planning and implementing of communication of corporate responsibility strategy for sustainable development goals as well as for critical assessment of environmental factors for corporate social responsibility; (3) development and implementation of international communication projects, taking into account the international and intercultural environment; (4) critical attitude, analytical, planning and implementation skills of public diplomacy and state strategic communication, in perspective of state politics, economics, socio-cultural environment; (5) ability to perform research on international and intercultural communication and its application to business, public sector organizations activities; understanding and critical analysis of international and intercultural communication public and scientific discourse, assessing genres, actors, texts, contexts; (6) working in multicultural groups and international teams dwelling on the principles of leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. Activities of teaching and learning: In order to ensure the selection of the most relevant study methods to achieve the study program outcomes, different teaching and learning methods are combined, emphasizing student-centered learning methods through case studies, problem-based learning, discussions, project activities, and independent work. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The main method to evaluate learning outcomes is through an exam. Examinations are conducted in writing or in writing and orally. Students’ knowledge is rated from 1 (unsatisfactory) to 10 (excellent). Various assessment strategies can be selected when evaluating learning outcomes. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The program consists of several core blocks of subjects: 1) Subjects of Communication Theory and Research Methodology (Communication Theory, Methods of Communication Research, Research, Master’s Thesis); 2) International Environmental Studies (Public Diplomacy and Belief, Discrimination, Violence and Human Rights, International Business Environment, Intercultural Communication); 3) Communication of Multinational Corporations (Corporate Communication, Communication Project, Corporate Responsibility, International Crisis Communication); 4) the program provides with opportunity to conduct optional Research Practice. Optional courses: In the second semester the students can choose between conducting Research Practice (5 ECTS) and optional course “Discrimination, Violence, and Human Rights”. Distinctive features of a study programme: The program is conducted in Lithuanian and English. The study program is implemented in cooperation with the members of the G. Hofstede International Communication Consortium at Leeds Becket University (UK), International University of Languages and Media (Italy). Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: Graduates of the program may work in governmental, business, and nonprofit institutions that cooperate with foreign partners, as well as for global corporations or international institutions. Graduates can be self-employed entrepreneurs or professional consultants in the field of international communication or communications, and may pursue a research career. Access to further study: Graduate students in International Communication have the opportunity to continue their studies in doctoral programs.