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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate An introduction to intercultural competence short course
Intercultural competence is more than learning facts about other countries. It involves seeing the world through others’ eyes and developing cultural knowledge, curiosity, empathy and self-awareness. In this online CPD course, you’ll reflect on your own experiences and explore global case studies to examine how language, identity and culture shape professional interactions. You'll explore how cultural backgrounds influence working styles, collaboration and communication. Strengthening your intercultural competence will help you adapt more effectively in diverse teams and improve your communication across the modern workplace. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital badge to share online or use as a certificate.
You’ll explore a different thematic focus across ten units, each one relevant to developing intercultural competence at work:
Unit 1 unpacks complex and seemingly broad concepts like culture, communication and intercultural communication. A clear understanding of the impact of these is central to analysing authentic professional interactions and dynamics in the workplace.
Unit 2 focuses on different properties and expectations of non-verbal communication that are relevant at work, such as body language and its potential meaning or interpretation.
Unit 3 focuses on the concept of identity. You’ll develop a critical understanding of national culture and national identity as well as the concepts of ‘othering’ and belonging.
Unit 4 aims to give you a deeper understanding of the processes of enculturation and acculturation at work and in society. It also shows how to recognise stereotyping and you’ll discuss why it is so common and how it can be avoided.
Unit 5 introduces the concept of ‘face’ – or the image or status we claim in a social setting - and discusses cultural variations and expectations of how politeness is expressed, also with regards to gender. It invites you to test your own unconscious biases.
Unit 6 examines different strategies of cultural adjustment and language policies when working abroad. It also unpacks rather abstract requirements like a ‘global mindset’ through the discussion of concrete examples.
Unit 7 discusses the impact of cultural differences on intercultural collaborations both online and in face-to-face encounters. You are also invited to try out one of the suggested team-building exercises via the course forum.
Unit 8 unpacks what intercultural conflict competence entails and what practices it requires to resolve conflict while being considerate of intercultural competence to result in a productive outcome for all.
Unit 9 focuses on the importance of changing perspectives and critically reflecting on worldviews that are treated as ‘normal’. The focus here lies on the categories of ‘East’ and ‘West’.
Unit 10 provides a summary of the key course content illustrating and reinforcing the skills you have acquired throughout the course.
Please note that although this CPD course is non-accredited, it can be used towards the module Making your learning count (YXM130) to gain OU credits.
By the end of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, you will:
The course is taught entirely online, with the aid of a learning adviser to offer support where needed. You will have access to online forums that you are strongly encouraged to participate in, as they are an excellent source of support and information. These forums combine peer support with input from the specialist learning adviser(s). Other support is available via the StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
The course is made up of 10 units, with each unit expected to take about 4 hours to study. In total, you’ll need around 40 hours to complete the course.
You can begin at any time during the life of the course and study at your own pace. The course will be open to you for a time period of between 6 and 18 months depending on your course registration date and you will be advised of the specific time limitations upon enrolment.
All learning materials are delivered entirely online and there is no formal tuition for this course.
Your study is self-directed and you’ll have access to a course website, which includes:
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no entry requirements for this course.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact us.
The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LG004 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
StartEngland fee
At anytime before 31/07/2026£195
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
If this course is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could ask your employer to sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. Your sponsor just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
The fee information provided here is valid for short courses starting in the 2026/27 academic year. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
You can start this course anytime.
You can start this course anytime.
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