Multilingual Digital Communication (Non-Thesis) (M.Sc.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Technology & Innovation
Degree: Master of Science Applied
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.Sc.(Applied) in Multilingual Digital Communication; Non-Thesis is an online 45-credit professional, transdisciplinary and cross-industry program that focuses on transversal competencies in translation, research, project management, copywriting and multilingualism management. Two streams are available, which relate to localized global communication and multilingual communication technologies.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please refer to Visual Schedule Builder. A technical issue is causing the "Terms offered" field to incorrectly report "this course is not currently offered" for many courses in the Course Catalogue.
Required Courses (25 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 616 | Research Methods in Professional Communication | 3 |
Research Methods in Professional Communication Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to applied research for communication and language industry professionals in a variety of business situations. Overview of research design types. Qualitative methods, with an emphasis on interviews, focus groups and usability tests, as well as quantitative methods, with an emphasis on survey research, summative benchmark studies and web analytics, including exposure to big data analytics. Examination of the fundamental aspects of data collection and data analysis (including essential statistical techniques). Overview of report writing and research ethics. | ||
| CMDC 618 | Language Technologies. | 3 |
Language Technologies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Overview of language technologies for translation, including computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools (translation memories, terminology databases, translation and editing environments), project management systems, machine translation engines, and quality assurance and assessment tools, from single-purpose solutions to augmented translation environments. Introduction to industry standards and the role of artificial intelligence in the field of language technology. Theoretical and practical analysis of the principles of creating and managing translation memories and terminology databases. Practical exploration of translation editing environments. Introduction to translation management systems and the benefits of integrating language technology tools under one platform. | ||
| CMDC 620 | Project Management for Global Content. | 3 |
Project Management for Global Content. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of important theoretical concepts and best practices in project management, with a focus on global content and localization. Analysis of localization approaches based on different asset types. Study of all phases of the translation and localization project management lifecycle. Review of project management tools for global content, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools. In-depth analysis of the role of the project manager in a multilingual environment. Stakeholder management, risk management and business intelligence strategies. Application of quality assurance frameworks and tools. The execution of a full-fledged translation or localization project | ||
| CMDC 630 | Multilingual Desktop Publishing. | 2 |
Multilingual Desktop Publishing. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to software commonly used to create and localize visual digital content in multilingual contexts. Design principles and the use of various typefaces and fonts are examined and applied to create visual content. Various design software, as well as other content editing software will be reviewed. Execution of a complete Desktop Publishing (DTP) brief – from the initial client request to invoicing. | ||
| CMDC 650 | Multilingual Content Management in Enterprise Solutions. | 2 |
Multilingual Content Management in Enterprise Solutions. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Overview of multilingual content structuring approaches in enterprise solutions and their impact on localization and translation processes. Review of content storage and extraction for translation in a selection of enterprise systems such as content management systems, web content management systems, product information management systems, and e-learning and e-commerce platforms. Examination of benefits of integrating enterprise solutions and translation management systems to automate content extraction and integration, and review of key factors to assess feasibility. | ||
Capstone Experience
12 credits from either practicum, internship or project courses from the following:
Practicum
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 694 | Practicum 1. | 6 |
Practicum 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Supervised non-research project in the student’s stream of choice. Supervised by an academic staff member and/or external partner. | ||
| CMDC 695 | Practicum 2. | 6 |
Practicum 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Supervised non-research project in the student’s stream of choice. Supervised by an academic staff member and/or external partner. | ||
OR
Internship
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 696 | Intermship 1. | 6 |
Intermship 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. In-person or remote work directed by an external qualified professional in the internship setting and supervised by an academic staff member. | ||
| CMDC 697 | Internship 2. | 6 |
Internship 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. In-person or remote work directed by an external qualified professional in the internship setting and supervised by an academic staff member. | ||
OR
Practicum
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 698 | Applied Research Project 1. | 6 |
Applied Research Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Preparation of applied research proposal and start of research under supervision of an academic staff member. Collaboration with an industry partner is optional. | ||
| CMDC 699 | Applied Research Project 2. | 6 |
Applied Research Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Completion of research project. Submission of research project findings to the supervising industry partner or submission for publication is optional. | ||
Complementary Courses (20 credits)
6 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 610 | Approaches to Multilingualism Management. | 3 |
Approaches to Multilingualism Management. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical examination of the concept of multilingualism, its management and its social and economic consequences for the public and private sectors. Different models of institutional and corporate multilingualism management, as well as their effects on the language and communication industries will be analyzed. Implications of language technology developments on multilingualism management. | ||
| CMDC 612 | Writing Effective Copy . | 3 |
Writing Effective Copy . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Advanced copywriting techniques in English are explored through application of the principles of copywriting for business, marketing and technical contexts. Concepts and principles of effective writing considering audience, purpose, organization and style. Planning, composing and editing business, marketing or technical copy to communicate online, such as web content, blog posts, social media content for various platforms, online articles, internal/external email newsletters, plans and reports. Emphasis on reader-centred writing and the principles of plain language. | ||
| CMDC 614 | Translation Literacy in the Digital Age. | 3 |
Translation Literacy in the Digital Age. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. In-depth examination of the specificities of digital communication in translation. Review of research techniques and tools, as well as translation methods, strategies and procedures best suited to a variety of selected translation challenges concerning digital content. Translation exercises involving different text typologies and genres, ranging from the creative to the technical, each requiring varying degrees of adaptation. Meta-reflection exercises. Ethics and professional best practices. | ||
14 credits from Stream 1 or Stream 2:
Stream 1: Localized Global Communication (LGC)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 622 | Current Trends in Multilingual Digital Communication. | 3 |
Current Trends in Multilingual Digital Communication. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Theoretical and practical examination of the principles, techniques and challenges of digital communication in a multilingual global context. Study of the role of digital communication in integrated communications including advertising, public information and public relations, social media and content marketing. Review of the use of content management systems and marketing automation tools. Overview of digital communication channels and platforms for different locales, and outline of the content created for each. Analysis of the role and use of machine translation and other artificial intelligence (AI)-driven applications in the creation and management of integrated digital communications in multiple languages. | ||
| CMDC 642 | Social Media & Community Management in Multilingual Contexts. | 3 |
Social Media Community Management in Multilingual Contexts. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. | ||
| CMDC 644 | Multilingual Search Engine Optimization and Web Analytics. | 3 |
Multilingual Search Engine Optimization and Web Analytics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Organic and paid search engine optimization (SEO), multilingual SEO, and the relevance of both for communication and language professionals working with multilingual digital content. Keyword research process and tools. Selection and adaptation of keywords and other search information to write qualified traffic-generating content for each target market and language. Creation of SEO-optimized content (natively created, localized or transcreated content) in multilingual contexts as part of a larger data-driven multilingual SEO program. Analysis of multi-language website strategy and the overall benefits of implementing a multilingual SEO program. Multilingual SEO metrics and analytics. | ||
| CMDC 646 | Global Digital Communication and Localization Strategies. | 3 |
Global Digital Communication and Localization Strategies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Study and application of the analytical frameworks for strategic communication in a global context to outline a global communications plan that includes a localization strategy. Analysis of key concepts including globalization, internationalization, localization, translation and transcreation. Analysis of culture-specific content localization for different locales, as well as key considerations regarding technologies and channels, content and engagement, access, and usability of a product or service across cultures. | ||
| CMDC 652 | Transcreation Lab | 2 |
Transcreation Lab Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A detailed examination of the specificities of the transcreation process, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) keyword research, the transcreation client brief and the quoting process for transcreation projects. Execution of a full-fledged transcreation project for a product or brand. | ||
Stream 2: Multilingual Communication Technologies (MLT)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMDC 623 | Artificial Intelligence in Multilingual Communication | 3 |
Artificial Intelligence in Multilingual Communication Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), with the goal of understanding the technology, its applications and its impact on professional practices and organizational workflows. How algorithm correctness is attained and how language technology experts can evaluate algorithm bias and contribute to adjusting and optimizing AI applications. Overview of current AI applications in multilingual communication and organizational processes. Analysis of the applicability of current developments, as well as their impact on the multilingual digital communication industries, society and the human-machine experience. | ||
| CMDC 643 | Technical Writing. | 3 |
Technical Writing. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Best practices and principles in technical writing, including document design. Application to technical writing/communication genres, including product descriptions and specifications, end-user instructions, how-to and troubleshooting guides, user acceptance tests, standard operating procedures, technical reports and white papers. | ||
| CMDC 645 | Advanced Language Technology: Evaluation and Implementation. | 3 |
Advanced Language Technology: Evaluation and Implementation. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. In-depth examination of computer-assisted translation tools and translation management systems beyond core functionalities, delving into the advanced features that distinguish these systems. Empirical comparative research on language technologies and evaluation methods explored via practical exercises on the best tool, asset and system configuration selection, including IT infrastructure factors. Introduction to software implementation methodologies adapted to language technologies. The key concepts of business analysis and overview of various language technology implementation plans, main risks and mitigation measures, including change management. | ||
| CMDC 647 | Translation and Large Language Models. | 3 |
Translation and Large Language Models. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Review of machine translation research, along with its history, status, strengths, limitations, user cases and impact on the multilingual digital communication industries and society at large. Examination of selected natural language processing applications (e.g., neural machine translation, generative artificial intelligence), including engine customization options (e.g., glossaries, machine learning, rule adaptation). Review of the literature on the nature, techniques and best practices associated with machine translation, and application of techniques using large language models on a variety of document types. The use of evaluation metrics to assess the benefits of different translation technologies and processes in different scenarios. | ||
| CMDC 653 | Data Structure for Language Professionals. | 2 |
Data Structure for Language Professionals. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Localization and internationalization core concepts, processes and best practices as a background to the implications of common data-related pitfalls (e.g., in encoding, multi-byte characters, text directionality, text extraction and file format conversion). File pre- and post-processing, specifications and validation tools, with an emphasis on tagged files (e.g., XML, HTML), industry standards (e.g., XLIFF, TMX, TBX) and advanced desktop publishing formats, as well as file manipulation strategies (e.g., regular expressions, file converters, macros, scripts, basic database queries). | ||