Intercultural Communication – Master’s Programme in Sociology
In the times of unprecedented mass flow of people from virtually all cultural and national backgrounds around the world, after the great rural-urban migration and in the era of networked but individualized societies both communication and in-depth understanding of the other emerge as highly valuable skills. The given programme has been designed to train flexibility and the ability to adjust and apply those skills with tact and sensibility that will enhance the efficiency of intercultural interactions within one country and internationally.
All the courses within the programme are taught in English, which is the fundamental tool of international communication, on the one hand, and provides students with access to the world scientific literature, on the other. Moreover, nowadays it is a relevant skill which would be highly valued at any international company, governmental organization, NGO, or any other institution dealing with issues of emigration or immigration, multinational families, and ethnic minorities. Students will learn how to merge the humanistic with the analytical. They will be provided with emphatic approach to diverse phenomena and especially to the culture of the other: be it different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, classes, genders, and organizational cultures. It is combined with a systematic, analytical, quantitative or qualitative evidence based approach. We focus on the research skills, including specialist software (SPSS, Atlas.ti) as well as evaluation research, so that students are equipped with powerful tools to use in practice the theoretical knowledge they gain.
Tuition Fee
Intercultural Communication MA, 2 years- The registration fee is 85 PLN.
- Accommodation cost is not included.
- EU citizens and the Pole’s Card holders study free of charge.
Study In English in Poland
We have designed a special master’s programme (MA) in Intercultural Communication to meet the following needs:
- We teach it in English, providing you with an opportunity to improve this fundamental skill of the 21st century.
- We are located in the very middle of Europe, in a region that on the surface looks homogeneous, but in fact it is in the heart of all processes and complexities of emigration, multinational families and ethnic minorities.
- As sociologists, we are ones who merge the humanistic with the analytical. We provide you with an empathic approach to diverse phenomena and especially to the culture of the other: be it different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, classes, genders, and organizational cultures. It is combined with a systematic, analytical, quantitative or qualitative evidence based approach.
- We focus on the research skills, including specialist software (SPSS, Atlas.ti) as well as evaluation research, so that our students are equipped with powerful tools to use in practice the theoretical knowledge we provide.
- We have teamed up with business entities and non-governmental and governmental bodies to make your studies even more practical and to provide you with case studies for your final research projects.
The Structure of the Programme
I am from one of the largest cities in the world with officially more than 21 million population. In my opinion, Opole is a great city, it’s not too big and not too small – I can reach most of the places in 10 minutes by foot. Unlike some small towns in the U.S., Opole has all kinds of essential facilities, inexpensive products, and people here are very helpful and friendly. We have a lot of opportunities to work in groups, make presentations and have free discussions. I think it’s much better than test-oriented education. I will spend 3 years here to get the bachelor’s degree, and I’m planning to apply for the master’s degree here as well. I believe I will enjoy the life in Opole.
Primo - Zhao PuSemester 1 is devoted to the broad subjects, i.e. methodology, sociological theory and cultural practice, and social inequalities to ensure that all students, regardless of their first-cycle study programmes, will become sociologists. A basic philosophical training for analytical skills development and an academic writing course is also offered.
In Semester 2 students are introduced to the communication, conflict and migrations studies. They start working on their research problems applying the research methods in practice.
In Semester 3 the work on the graduate research project is accelerated. One more professor is appointed to assist students in conducting their research project. Students have a research analysis lab at their disposition where they have access to the research software and hardware as well as get all the necessary help to plan and carry out their projects.
During Semester 4 students write their theses and have MA Presentations Lab course which is meant to prepare them to communicating the results of their research projects efficiently.
The full programme of the study can be found here.
My friends who had already been to Opole told me everything was good in here: people, life, friendships and especially teachers. I chose this place to study the Intercultural Communication MA programme. After I came to Opole, I understood I would learn many things here. I am sure that by the time I graduate from the University of Opole I will have learnt lots of things and I will have great opportunities for my future life.
ÖzgeThe Most Important Courses
Social philosophy
The course focuses on issues affecting individuals and communities as a result of dysfunctions in the modern society using the tools of philosophical analysis. It seeks to define the perspective from which criticism can be formulated, and how possible solutions can be found. It draws on key social philosophers of the 20th century to address some of the most pressing issues faced by contemporary societies, such as human rights, recognition of all social groups, multiculturalism, conflict, social justice.The course is meant to develop students’ critical thinking and the ability to analyse a certain social theory on a normative level.
Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis
The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with the work-flow and analytical capabilities of the CAQDA software (Atlas.ti). With GTM (Grounded Theory Methodology) as an example, used by some sociologists, it will be possible to learn how to work with the software for one’s own analytical needs in different approaches of qualitative inquiry, including textual, audio, image or video analysis. The course is not only a technical tutorial, but it is also meant to foster methodological discussion based on an example of the research process.
Advanced statistical analysis
The aim of the course is to enable the students to use the statistical theory and quantitative analysis software (SPSS) together with online surveying software (LimeSurvey) to conduct their own statistical analysis for typical purposes of social science. The course is design in two parallel paths: the laboratory work with the data and software and the theoretical workshops for the statistical theory. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are used for a comprehensive understanding of the quantitative inquiry. The elements of data collecting and preparation are included so that the students are able to understand the whole process of data analysis, including the understanding of the role of the design of the measurement tools and data sources. The laboratory work will utilize both the students’ own data collected during the course and the data collected in the lecturer’s projects.
Basic Concepts of Multicultural Communication
The course provides students with knowledge related to culture and typologies of cultures and builds students’ intercultural competences based on the knowledge of specific ways of nonverbal and verbal communication in different cultures. Moreover, the objectives are focused on enriching students’ knowledge related to negative phenomena (racism, religious oppression, microaggressions, nationalism and xenophobia) and improving students’ interpersonal skills with a view to participants’ functioning in various cultural environments.
Advantages of Studying Intercultural Communication
Intercultural Contact
Opole, located in the centre of Europe, with its complicated and mixed German, Polish, Bohemian and Silesian heritage on the one hand and you – a group of students coming from all over the world on the other – create a perfect environment for studying and developing intercultural communication. We also provide you with an opportunity to spend up to the half of the programme (a whole year) at one of our partner universities in Europe – with Erasmus+ scholarships available to the vast majority of students.
We strongly advise you to use scholarships also for your internships – we will provide you with our contacts around Europe so you could spend your summer holiday or even, thanks to rescheduling your semester, part of the academic year, getting some extra experience. The training scholarships are also available to you for up to 12 months after your graduation.
Experienced Researchers, Teachers and a Friendly Atmosphere
Here at the University of Opole we cherish our relationships with students. We will host no more than 15 students in a group, so you will never be anonymous to us. The city is a very friendly, lively and student oriented place, charming and quiet, with all the University buildings within walking distance. It combines characteristics of a city with an ambience of an academic town. You can meet your professors at cafés and parks as well as in libraries or just doing research in this multidimensional city at the crossroads of Europe.
We carry out research projects in Poland and Europe and other continents. Our interests range from migrations, urban sociology, economic relations, gender issues, social inequalities, and minorities to new communication technologies and digital media ecology.
Career Possibilities
There is a great demand for graduates with skills we teach: analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, project work, team work, not to mention communication and understanding of the other.
If you are into a corporate culture, you can just join one of the multinational companies in Opole. They will be more than happy to recruit you and the Polish language is no longer a must in their international environment.
You can also try your chances in whole of the EU – with our diploma, even coming from a non-EU country, you are eligible to work here. We also believe that if you return to your home country you will be a valuable employee for anyone looking for a communication and research expert who is able to think out of the box, be intellectually independent and who has immense international experience.
Work Opportunities and a Further Education Option
Prospective jobs, sectors and skills
During the programme students acquire such skills as analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, project work, team work, English language proficiency, knowledge of the corporate culture, EU and non-EU countries, research, international experience, which can be applied while working for the multinational companies, NGOs, governmental structures, small business enterprises, international departments of educational institutions. Students can have traineeships in different International organizations, NGOs, public administration in Poland as well as abroad under the terms of the Erasmus+ placement.
The PhD Programme in English Literature and Language
The programme offers qualified candidates a unique opportunity to develop their research projects in the field of linguistics and literary studies. Doctoral students pursue an intensive and individualized course of study with experienced professors who are committed to facilitating the students’ intellectual development and scholarly achievements. The professors are ready to share their expertise in a wide range of linguistic, literary, and cultural fields, such as historical linguistics, corpus linguistics, lexicography, literacy studies, second language acquisition, literary criticism and theory, as well as English, Irish, American or Australian literature.
Erasmus Programme
Erasmus+ Study Mobility
Erasmus+ Training Mobility
Contact Details
For further information please contact the programme coordinator:
Michał Wanke, PhD
E-mail: michal.wanke@uni.opole.pl
Institute of Sociology
Katowicka 89
Tel: +48 77 452 74 86
E-mail: soc@uni.opole.pl
Web: http://socjologia.whp.uni.opole.pl/intercomm/
Please direct any inquiries connected with registration to the Office for International Study Programmes: hello@uni.opole.pl
Admission requirements
The BA diploma (or equivalent) constitutes the basic admission criterion. We require English language skills at B2 level tested in an oral interview (also online interview, e.g. Skype).
English Summer School
There is a possibility to join our intensive course in English in the summer.
Accommodation
Apartments for rent can be found in the city. At the university we can host you in one of our modern halls of residence. For further details go to: hello.uni.opole.pl/accommodation
How to enroll?
Tuition Fees
1160 EUR per year.
EU citizens study free of charge.
Citizens of Poland and the Pole’s Card holders study free of charge.
Started on April 24
