BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies
BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies
Award
BA (Hons)
Start Date
21/09/2026
Duration
1 year
Mode
Full-time
Location
University of Greater Manchester
UCAS Code
X722
English is central to global communication, yet using it effectively across cultures, industries and contexts is complex. This BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies Top-Up explores how language, culture and power shape communication in global and professional settings. Designed as a Level 6 top-up for varied backgrounds, it enables you to apply theory to your industry, collaborate across disciplines, and develop advanced academic, professional and research skills.
Please note:
This course is 'Subject to Approval' and has not yet completed the University’s approvals process.
Whilst we are confident that the course will be approved, there is the possibility that the course
may not run or may be subject to alterations. This course is due to be validated by March 2026 after
which we will write to all applicants who have applied for the course to let them know the
outcome and of any changes. In the event that a course is not approved the University
will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative course at the University.
Course Overview
English plays a central role in global communication, yet using it effectively across cultures, industries and contexts is rarely straightforward. This course is both practical and critical. You will develop strong skills in academic and professional English, digital communication and applied research, while also exploring the ideas and theories that make global communication complex and nuanced.The BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies Top-Up at the University of Greater Manchester examines communication as a social and professional practice. You will explore how English operates alongside other languages in different industries, including business, education, media and digital environments. The course recognises multilingualism and linguistic diversity as important resources in contemporary global communication.
Teaching is interactive and applied. You will work with real-world case studies, digital texts and professional communication tasks linked to your own subject area or industry. Alongside this, you will engage critically with research and current debates. Learning with students from different disciplinary backgrounds will help you understand how communication works across sectors and contexts.
As a Level 6 top-up programme, the course builds on your prior study and supports your transition to honours-level work. You will develop advanced skills in academic English, critical reading and writing, research and independent project work. Assessments connect theory to practice and prepare you for graduate employment or postgraduate study.
Highlights
- Strong focus on practical English for work and study, digital communication and applied skills
- Apply theory to real global and professional communication contexts
- Block teaching model with focused 5-week modules that build progressively over the year
- Study in Greater Manchester, a linguistically diverse and globally connected UK city-region
- Learn and collaborate with students from diverse subject backgrounds and industries
Key Features
- Interactive, seminar-based teaching that prioritises discussion, collaboration and the application of ideas to real communication contexts
- Innovative assessments built around authentic professional, digital and research communication tasks
- Strong focus on digital and multimodal communication, including the informed use of AI and other technologies
- Structured support for developing academic English, research skills and independent project work at honours level
- Access to the local area through trips, observation and research activities that engage with Greater Manchester’s linguistic and cultural diversity
Entry Requirements
- This course is designed as a Level 6 top-up programme for students who have successfully completed a relevant foundation degree or HND.
- You will normally be expected to have a foundation degree, HND or equivalent Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject area
- Applications from students with a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds are welcomed. Subject areas may include, but are not limited to, business, education, computing, engineering, media, social sciences and related fields.
- If English isn’t the applicant's first language, they will also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
This course prepares you for roles where advanced use of English, alongside strong communication, cultural awareness and critical thinking, is essential. Graduates develop the ability to use English confidently and effectively in professional, digital and academic contexts, while also understanding the complexities and nuances of language in practice, shaped by culture, power and context.
The BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies Top-Up equips graduates for work across a wide range of sectors, including business, media, education, public services, marketing, computing and engineering, as well as community and third-sector organisations. Graduates progress into roles involving communication, analysis, research, content creation and stakeholder engagement, or continue to postgraduate study in communication, education and related fields.
What can I do with this qualification?
• Professional, corporate or organisational communication roles
• Marketing, digital content and media-related roles
• Roles in education, training and academic support
• Communication-focused roles in computing, engineering and technical industries
• Research, policy and project support roles
• Community, charity and third-sector organisations
Some graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level in areas such as communication, education, linguistics, media or related technical fields.
Alternative career options
Graduates may also progress into a range of alternative career paths, depending on prior experience, interests and further training. These roles typically value strong English, communication, analytical and research skills, and may require additional professional experience or postgraduate study, examples include:
- Project coordination and management
- Policy, research and analysis roles
- Consultancy and advisory roles
- Technical communication and documentation
- Human resources and organisational development
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.
Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.
Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.
Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment
The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at the University of Greater Manchester for September entry, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Greater Manchester for any intake, you can apply directly
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.
A direct application to the University of Greater Manchester provides the following features:
Free of charge to apply
Secure, simple and streamlined
Contact us directly for any admissions queries
Regular updates on your application directly from the University
Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies (TU) STV - 21 September 2026
International Applicants
Thank you for your interest
In order to determine your suitability for this course as an international student and also to confirm you meet any initial eligibility criteria, we need you to answer a few short questions.
English Language Qualifications
Have you completed an English Language qualification prior to application or have a valid exemption as per the list below? (The qualification/exemption must be uploaded with this application) E.g. Applicants from Nigeria/Africa must upload their WAEC or NECO certificate before the application is submitted for a prompt response and offer.
Acceptable English Language Tests – Undergraduate and Postgraduate
These tests must have been taken within 2 years of the start of the course
| Test | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (taken within 2 years) |
Undergraduate programmes 6.0 with no band below 5.5 Postgraduate programmes as per entry requirements |
| PTE Academic |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 No less than 59 in each component Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 No less than 76 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 18 Writing – 17 Listening – 17 Speaking - 20 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 20 Writing – 19 Listening – 19 Speaking 21 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 Must meet the following component scores: Reading – 24 Writing – 24 Listening – 22 Speaking 25 |
| Other qualifications we currently accept (which do not require an additional SELT) | |
| GCSE in English Language (from a UK awarding body) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade C/C3 (20 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade B/B3 (37 points) |
| Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade D/D2 (46 points) Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade C/C2 (66 points) |
| IGCSE English as a First language (for syllabus 0500 Listening and Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| IGCSE English as a Second language (for syllabus 0510 Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| Cambridge Advanced English |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 170 points with no component below 160 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 180 points with no component below 170 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 7.0 185 points with no component below 180 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus A) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 4 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 5 |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level English Language (Syllabus B) |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 5 Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 6 |
| European Baccalaureate English Language |
Undergraduate and Postgraduate requiring IELTS6.0 Grade 70% Postgraduate requiring IELTS 6.5 Grade 80% |
European qualifications
English component - obtained within the last 4 years
| Country | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Austria | Reifeprufungszeugnis/Maturazeugnis at 2.0 |
| Belgium | Diplome d'acces a l'enseignment superieur/Diplome van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs at 75% |
| Bulgaria | Diploma Za Sredno Obrazovanie at Grade 3 |
| Croatia | Svjedodzba o Maturi at grade 4.0 |
| Cyprus | Apolyterion at 15 |
| Czech Republic | Maturitni Zkou'ce/Maturita at grade 2.0 |
| Denmark | Studentereksamen/HF/HHX/HTX/IBB /Diplomingenior at grade 9 |
| Estonia | Riigieksamitunnistus or Gümnaasiumilõputunnistus at 70% |
| Finland | Ylioppilastutkintotodistus or Studentexamensbetyg at grade 5 |
| France | Baccalauréat (le bac) or the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat at grade 12.5 |
| Germany | Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife or Abitur or a Fachgebundene Hochschulreife at grade 2 / gut |
| Greece | Apolyterion at grade 15 |
| Hungary | Erettsegi at grade 4 |
| Italy | Diploma di Esame di Stato at grade 8/80% |
| Latvia | Atestats Par Visparejo Videjo Izglitib at grade 8 |
| Lithuania | Brandos Atestatas at grade 8 |
| Malta | Matriculation Certificate at grade C |
| Moldova | Diploma de Bacalaureat or Atestat de Studii Medii de Cultura Generala at grade 9 |
| Netherlands | Diploma Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs (MBO) or Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) at grade 8 |
| Norway | Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering at grade 4 |
| Poland | Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci / Matura at grade 70% |
| Portugal | Diploma de Ensino Secundario at grade 14 |
| Romania | Diploma de Bacalaureat (English with all components at B2) |
| Slovakia | Vysvedcenie O Maturitnej at grade 2 |
| Slovenia | Maturitetno Spricevalo at grade 4 |
| Spain | Titulo de Bachillerato at grade 8 |
| Sweden | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg Fran Gymnasiesk at grade C |
| Switzerland | Maturitatszeugnis or Maturite Federal at grade 5 |
| Ukraine | Aтестат про повну загальну середню освіту at grade 10 |
Acceptable International Regional qualifications
Must be obtained no more than 4 years before the proposed start date of the course
| Country | Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Bahamas | General Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Botswana | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C/4 in English |
| Brunei | Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
| Cameroon | GCE O level | Grade C in English |
| Hong Kong | HKCEE | Grade C in English (Syllabus B) |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE | Grade 4 in English |
| Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Malaysia | Malaysian 1119 | Grade 6C in English - IELTS 6.0 |
| Singapore | Singapore Cambridge O Level | Grade C6 in English |
| South Africa | South Africa National Senior Certificate | Grade 5 in English |
| Tanzania | Certificate of Secondary Education | Grade C in English |
| Uganda | Certificate of Education | Grade 6 |
| Zambia | Zambia School Certificate | Grade 6 in English |
| Zimbabwe | General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level | Grade C in English |
| Caribbean Examination Council | General proficiency Grade III in English | |
| Nigeria/Ghana | WAEC/NECO | Grade C6 in English |
I understand the English Language Qualifications/Exemptions. I will upload the evidence with this application or when I obtain the certificate or exemption.
Thank you for your interest
Please secure an approved English language qualification and then apply for the next intake.
backQuestion
Have you ever received a visa refusal for entry into the UK or any other country?
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we would be unable to sponsor under the Student Route Visa. If you do not require a visa to study in the UK please email us for further advice: intadmissions@greatermanchester.ac.uk
backYour Funding
Do you have full funding in place to cover your full tuition fees and living costs as required by UKVI? Please click here for more information.
Question
Have you read and understood the course entry requirements and confirm that you fully meet the requirements? (Please click on Entry Requirements tab above to ensure you comply with all the requirements for this course)
You may also refer to the following pages for information about International Qualifications equivalency: https://www.greatermanchester.ac.uk/international/your-country-entry-requirements/
For further assistance with international qualifications equivalency (paid service) – please refer to the ECCTIS website (previously known as NARIC): https://ecctis.com/Qualifications/FindTheServiceForYou.aspx
Thank you for your interest
Unfortunately we will be unable to proceed with your application as all entry requirements must be met.
backFinal Terms & Conditions
Please read the following:
- I understand that the university reserves the right to withdraw their offer at any stage once the quota for the course has been filled.
- I understand that I will be required to pay specific fees before CAS issuance is considered by the university.
- I must declare any agent or consultant at the start of my application and they must be on the list of approved agents. (We also have Branch Offices in Africa, South Asia, Middle East and Central Asia who fully manage applications in their respective regions.)
- I am able to complete the course in the normal duration.
- I am able to arrive on time for the published start date.
- I confirm that I will be 18 years old or more on the start date of the course.
-
I understand that the following documents will be uploaded as part my application:
(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity before start of course.
(b) Personal statement (written by myself).
(c) CV if applicable.
(d) Previous qualifications.
(e) English language certificate or proof of exemption.
(f) Professional references if applicable.
(g) Bank Statements and TB Certificate if applicable at the CAS issuance stage. - I have read and understood all questions and answered them correctly and truthfully to the best of my ability and knowledge.
Congratulations
Based on the information supplied, we would like to invite you to apply for this course.
Apply Online
The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.
How you apply is determined by your current location and what you are choosing to study:
- Apply direct to the University. Links for the next available intakes of this course are shown below. Please click the link which will direct you to the online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this.
- Apply via one of our approved in-country referral partners. A list of our partners may be found on the International pages of this website.
- Apply via UCAS for courses starting in September only – visit www.ucas.com.
Should you have any queries please contact the International Team on +44 (0) 1204 903110 or email international@greatermanchester.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies (TU) - 21 September 2026
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Greater Manchester Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Greater Manchester
For valued members of the University of Greater Manchester Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.
For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk
-
Apply online: University of Greater Manchester BA (Hons) Global Communication Studies (TU) STV - 21 September 2026
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching on this course is interactive, applied and research informed. You will take part in seminars, workshops and guided activities that encourage discussion, collaboration and the practical application of ideas. Teaching is organised through a block model, with focused 5-week modules that build on each other to support sustained development of knowledge, skills and confidence.
Alongside taught blocks, the course includes enrichment weeks that provide additional opportunities for learning and professional development. These weeks may include guest speakers from relevant industries, specialist workshops, and trips linked to language, communication and cultural diversity in the local and wider region. Enrichment activities allow you to extend your learning beyond the classroom and connect theory to professional practice.
Assessment is innovative and practice based. Rather than traditional exams, you will complete authentic tasks that reflect real communication challenges, including analytical work, research-informed projects and digital or professional communication outputs. Assessments support the development of advanced academic and professional English, critical thinking and research skills, while enabling you to apply theory to your own subject area or industry.
Alongside timetabled sessions, you will be expected to engage in independent and guided study. Online learning materials support preparation, reflection and consolidation of learning throughout each block. Academic staff provide structured feedback to support your development across the course and prepare you for graduate employment or postgraduate study.
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
Programme Contacts
Kathryn Cridland
Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in Education
K.Cridland@greatermanchester.ac.uk
+44 (0)1204 903164
Disclaimer: The “Greater Manchester Way” represents our preferred teaching and learning approach; however, not all courses follow a block-teaching model. While course structures and delivery patterns may vary to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, all courses benefit from the GM Way approach to curriculum design and assessment. Applicants and students should refer to individual course specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.





