We have a new Director for MA Intercultural Communication and Education

11 May 2026

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Cora Lingling Xu as the new Director for our Intercultural Communication and Education (ICE) programme.

Tell us about your research interests within the School of Education

My research explores how educational mobility—moving across regions, cultures, and countries—shapes young people’s opportunities and identities. I focus on issues of inequality, belonging, and social mobility, especially in relation to China and the UK. Much of my work examines international student experiences, academic mobility, and rural–urban and ethnic inequalities.

A central theme in my research is time inheritance—how young people “inherit” different amounts of time, stability, and temporal resources, and how this shapes their educational journeys. My new book, The Time Inheritors: How Time Inequalities Shape Higher Education Mobility in China (SUNY Press, 2025), draws on nearly a decade of fieldwork with over one hundred young people to show how time itself becomes a form of privilege or deprivation. The book has been awarded the 2026 Best Book Award by the Higher Education Special Interest Group of CIES.

I also lead the British Academy SHAPE Involve and Engage Award project Time Inheritance: Mapping Inequalities, Co‑creating Futures, which brings research and communities together to explore how time inequalities affect everyday life.

Across my work, I use creative, qualitative methods to understand lived experiences, and I enjoy supporting students who are curious about how education connects with culture, identity, and social justice. As Programme Director for the MA in Intercultural Communication and Education, I’m excited to bring these ideas into our teaching and to help you develop your own critical and globally informed perspectives.

What can students expect from their first few weeks in the School of Education?

In your first few weeks in the School of Education, you will experience the dynamic and diverse environment of the MA ICE programme and Durham more broadly. Through a range of orientation activities, you will have the opportunity to develop friendships with classmates from a variety of cultural backgrounds. This aligns closely with the ICE programme’s vision which promotes intercultural communication and fosters an inclusive, global learning experience. Although the first few weeks will be busy, they are a vital time for building connections and setting the stage for your academic journey. You will not only develop friendships that transcend cultural boundaries but also engage in collaborations that can enrich your learning experience, both at Durham and beyond.

What do you think makes the School of Education unique?

The School of Education at Durham is distinguished by its strong commitment to research-led teaching as reflected in our 1st rankings in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. Our students benefit from being taught by world-renowned scholars who actively contribute to educational research, bringing both expertise and passion into the classroom. Building on the School’s overall strengths, the MA ICE programme is particularly known for its emphasis on small-group teaching and the critical, in-depth discussions it fosters. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives, enriching their learning experience and aligning with the programme’s focus on intercultural communication.

What advice would you give someone thinking of studying in the School of Education?

My advice for anyone considering studying at the School of Education is to embrace the wealth of opportunities available. Engage deeply with your studies and don’t hesitate to share your ideas or explore topics in education that spark your interest. By actively participating in your studies and connecting with your peers, you’ll not only gain new perspectives but also forge lasting friendships that will stay with you long after your time at Durham.

What have your students gone on to do after graduating from Durham?

Our MA ICE graduates have gone on to work in various sectors. A few memorable examples include graduates becoming university lecturers in their home countries, pursuing PhDs at prestigious institutions, and starting or advancing their careers in the teaching profession within the school sector.

Find out more

Dr Cora Lingling Xu is an Associate Professor and the Programme Director for MA Intercultural Communication and Education. Visit her profile.
Our MA Intercultural Communication and Education programme provides an understanding of education and intercultural communication in the context of global movements of people and the internationalisation of education.
Our School of Education is ranked 65th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Visit our Education webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Durham University is a top 100 world university. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, we were ranked 78th globally.