Master of Arts in Digital Linguistics and Intercultural Communication [MADLIC] – Chinese Programme and English Programme

The Master of Arts in Digital Linguistics and Intercultural Communication (MADLIC) is designed to cultivate students’ intercultural and multicultural awareness while strengthening their ability to use digital tools and applied linguistic knowledge to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The programme combines theoretical coursework with hands-on training, integrating applied linguistics, digital technologies, and intercultural communication strategies. Students will explore how language is shaped and interpreted in digital environments, and how computational and communication technologies (e.g., digital writing, language resources, and online interaction platforms) can support translation, meaning-making, and collaboration across cultures in professional workplaces. Through guided practice in professional discourses and real-world communicative scenarios, students develop the skills to analyse linguistic needs, evaluate digital communication practices, and produce context-appropriate and nuanced intercultural communication outputs.

1. Programme Objectives

The MADLIC aims to provide a comprehensive and industry-relevant postgraduate education that goes beyond traditional master’s programmes. It equips students with the academic foundations of applied linguistics, strong competence in digital technology, and professional insights to respond to the rapidly evolving communication needs of the global and digital era. More importantly, the programme enables students to develop effective intercultural communication capabilities in diverse workplace contexts by applying the principles of digital linguistics, such as language data analysis, digital communication practices, and the use of language technologies, to understand and support meaning-making across cultures. 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 in the digital era

• Apply knowledge of linguistic theories and translation methods to make independent and professional judgments in professional and intercultural communication in the digital era

• Perform as a competent communicator capable of explaining professional discourse and meeting professional standards of workplace communication in a cross-cultural and digital contexts

• Utilise specific digital technologies to conduct studies of languages, cultures and social interactions, and to facilitate effective communication activities in professional settings

2. Programme Structure

The MADLIC 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 for English Programme (A1M148 & C2M068/Medium of Instruction: English); while the primary language of instruction is Chinese (mainly Putonghua), but English is also incorporated as needed for Chinese Programme (A1M158/Medium of Instruction: Chinese). This MA programme puts a strong emphasis on applied linguistics, digital technology and intercultural communication. The curriculum is composed of four core courses and four elective courses. The core courses build a foundation in language and communication research, focusing on intercultural communication and translation in professional settings. Students also learn how technology supports translation and how linguistics informs intercultural interaction in multilingual societies in the digital age. The elective courses introduce key theories and concepts related to intercultural communication while offering students opportunities to develop practical language and translation skills across diverse professional discourse contexts. Students can also choose electives that explore digital applications for language studies and translation, including computer-assisted and AI-supported approaches, as well as translation for digital media and entertainment. In addition, the curriculum covers sociolinguistics, discourse in both written and spoken forms, multimodal communication, and the roles of conflict, culture, and negotiation in communication.

In this programme, students are required to successfully complete EIGHT courses, consisting of four core courses and four electives(for both Chinese and English programmes) or four core courses plus two electives and a dissertation (for English programme ONLY). Some of the elective courses will be shared with other established MA programmes in Faculty of Humanities (FHM). Students of English programme 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 for English programme (A1M148 & C2M068/Medium of Instruction: English):

The following table provides an overview of the programme structure for Chinese programme (A1M158/Medium of Instruction: Chinese):

Disclaimer: 

Any aspect of the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents 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 if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

In 2027/28, 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.

3. Entrance Requirements

Applicants who meet the University’s general requirements for postgraduate programmes are eligible to apply for the MADLIC. Details can be found at http://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/EnReq(Pg). Additionally, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Journalism and Communication, Cultural Studies, Education, or related disciplines; 
• (For A1M148 & C2M068/Medium of Instruction: English ONLY) Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution in a non-English speaking system should normally fulfil one of the following minimum English proficiency requirements: 
  • IELTS (academic test) 6.0 with no subtest lower than 5.5; or
  • TOEFL (internet-based test)#:
    Score of 80 (for tests taken before 21 January 2026)
    Score of 4.0 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards); or
  • Band 6 in the College English Test (CET-6) with a minimum score of 430; or
  • other equivalent qualifications.

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.

#The test should be taken in test centres, and the result should be valid within two years.

The results of IELTS/TOEFL/CET6 provided should be within two years (i.e., for the 2027/28 intake, the IELTS/TOEFL/CET6 test must be obtained on or after 1 January 2025); and TOEFL Home Editions, TOEFL MyBest Score, IELTS Indicator, IELTS Online, IELTS One Skill Retake, Duolingo and National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (全國碩士研究生招生考試) are NOT acceptable.

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/. 

Application Deadline

Application Deadline (Full-time/Part-time mode) - September 2027 intake:

Non-local students: 4 January 2027
Local students: 4 January 2027

Applicants are advised to login their online application account (http://www.eduhk.hk/acadprog/online) to view their application results. Successful applicants will receive individual notifications by email / post. Those who do not receive an admission offer in the main round may be put into our waiting list or their applications are being processed in the subsequent round(s).

For details of the admission schedule, please refer to Registry’s website.

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4. MADLIC 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 the courses and course offerings (including, without limitation, the contents 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 if necessary. Without limiting the generality of the University’s discretion to revise the courses and course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors including staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements, curriculum changes, and other factors caused by change of circumstances. Tuition fees, once paid, are non-refundable.

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

Phone: (852) 2948 7372 / (852) 2948 7609

E-mail: madlic@eduhk.hk