Intercultural Communication

University	INGENIUM European University
Field of Study	Humanities
Description	This microcredential aims to develop students' intercultural communicative competence, enabling them to understand how cultural backgrounds, values and perspectives influence communication. It seeks to strengthen cultural awareness, critical reflection, empathy and the ability to communicate effectively in culturally diverse academic, professional and social contexts. The course is jointly developed by INGENIUM partner universities and offered in parallel at the participating institutions. This joint delivery model explains the existence of several student groups, each corresponding to a participating university. Each group is supported by local facilitators and follows the same learning outcomes, teaching framework and assessment criteria. This approach ensures academic consistency across the institutions while allowing students to explore intercultural communication from their respective cultural and educational contexts. Teaching combines theoretical foundations with practical and experiential learning. Activities include an introduction to intercultural communication, cultural awareness and self-reflection, analysis of intercultural situations, communication exercises and independent study. The blended format combines interactive sessions within each local group with online learning resources and autonomous work. Assessment consists of an intercultural case study analysis (40%), practical activities (10%) and an individual reflective report and action plan (50%). This shared approach ensures consistency across the participating universities while encouraging students to explore intercultural communication from different perspectives.
Format of Learning Material	Video, Audio, Pdf, Power point, etc
Instructor	Helen Braund, Kristin Brogan, Susan Horgan
Target Group	University students
Type of Learning	Blended
Keywords / Tags
Learning Outcomes	LO1. Explain key concepts of culture and their relevance to communication in different social, academic and professional contexts. ESCO 1: Social and communication skills and competences. LO2. Demonstrate awareness of deep-rooted assumptions and reactions relating to one's own culture and other cultures. ESCO 2: Life skills and competences. LO3. Communicate effectively in multicultural contexts. ESCO 3: Life skills and competences. LO4. Identify and address common miscommunications in intercultural contexts. ESCO 4: Life skills and competences. LO5. Identify and analyse critical incidents related to intercultural communicative competence (ICC). ESCO 5: Social and communication skills and competencies.
Contents and Methods	1. Key concepts and definition of culture (35%): values, diversity, identity, stereotypes, cultural standards, language, perception, globalisation and ethnocentrism. 2. Underlying dimensions of culture (35%): layers of culture and the cultural dimensions of Hofstede, Hall and Trompenaars. 3. Intercultural communicative competence (ICC), critical incidents and international customs (30%): self-awareness, communicating across cultures, acquiring cultural knowledge, sense-making, perspective-taking, relationship-building and social responsibility. The focus is on appropriate communication in encounters with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Type of Assessment	Virtual / Hybrid
Study Materials	The microcredential will use the virtual learning environments and digital resources provided by the participating INGENIUM universities. Students will have access to learning materials, presentations, videos, case studies and online communication tools. Face-to-face sessions will take place in suitably equipped classrooms with internet access and audiovisual facilities. The available resources will support lectures, interactive workshops, group discussions, practical exercises and individual assignments. No specialised equipment or additional infrastructure is required.
Prerequisites to Enrol	The module is open to university students at all levels, including Erasmus, exchange and international students. An equivalent course may also be offered to INGENIUM staff. Spoken English at B2 level is required when the module is taught in English; delivery in a local language may be offered by participating universities. The enrolment fee is €35. Payment instructions will be sent once your place has been confirmed. Fees are non-refundable, except when the course is cancelled or the University is responsible for the inability to provide the course. Pre-registration period from 10.11.2026 to 10.12.2026.
Type of Credential	credits
ECTS	5
Registration	https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/cKJ9JHqyPZ
Contact Details	kristin.brogan@mtu.ie
Number of Study Places	25
ISCED	31