Continuing Professional Development
The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies (LINCS) offers a dynamic portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for language professionals, recent graduates, and organisations seeking targeted upskilling.
Our short courses are available online, in person, or delivered at your organisation by arrangement. We combine cutting-edge research with practical skills training, and our courses are taught by leading academics and industry professionals.
Our training engages professionals working across international organisations, public services, education, NGOs, and global businesses, reflecting the diverse contexts in which multilingual and intercultural communication are essential.
Designed for individuals, organisations, and international partners, our CPD portfolio spans specialist short courses, international programmes, and bespoke training across several key areas:
- Professional English Language Development – Targeted courses to build confident, effective professional English for working in the UK. Ideal for international professionals needing workplace communication and cultural fluency.
- Intercultural Training for Business – Courses designed for you to learn how to communicate effectively in global organisations by developing skills in navigating cultural diversity, collaborating in international environments, and engaging in digital and technology‑mediated settings.
- Interpreting and Translation - Programmes from beginner to advanced level in interpreting, translation, and translation technologies, alongside specialist workshops for organisations and tailored training for researchers in the field.
- SIGNSHWU – Workshops and professional training delivered by the SIGNSHWU research team at Heriot-Watt University. Led by researchers, professional interpreters, and Deaf professionals, these sessions draw on expertise in Interpreting Studies and Deaf Studies and explore topics such as ethics, cross-sector collaboration, and interpreting practice. Training in International Sign is also available.
- Short-Term Study Abroad – Customised language and cultural learning programmes combined with intercultural experience on a multilingual campus, popular with US partners and open to global collaboration. Programmes offer rich Scottish and wider British cultural immersion, including engagement with local communities, history, arts, and contemporary social issues.
- Bespoke Training and Development – Tailored programmes designed in collaboration with organisations to address communication challenges, workforce development needs, and strategic goals. Training may include intercultural communication, language development, interpreting and translation practice, and accessibility in multilingual and deaf-inclusive environments.
All our programmes are designed and delivered by experienced practitioners and academics, bringing together research excellence and real-world insight. From beginner to advanced levels, participants benefit from rigorous, industry-aligned learning that translates directly into professional practice. Our CPD courses create space to deepen expertise, expand career pathways, and engage with an international community of peers.
Upcoming CPD Opportunities 2026
- Intercultural Awareness in the Workplace, 11 May 2026
Elevate your professional impact with essential intercultural insights designed for today’s multicultural workplaces. This course strengthens team cohesion, collaboration, and trust through a dynamic blend of theory, real‑world case studies and hands‑on activities.
- Advancing Interpreting Practice Through Digital and AI‑Supported Tools, 22 August 2026
Modernise your interpreting practice by integrating digital and AI-enhanced tools that support accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability.
- Advancing Translation Practice Through Digital and AI‑Supported Tools, 23 August 2026
A practical course for professional translators seeking to integrate AI‑enhanced CAT tools into their workflow. Learn how to select the right software, engineer effective prompts, and streamline post‑editing for higher accuracy.
Short-Term Study Abroad
- Magic and Witchcraft in Scotland, 5-31 May 2026
Explore the language, legends, and cultural heritage of Scottish witchcraft through immersive storytelling, creative writing, and site-based learning in Edinburgh’s hauntingly historic landscape.
Developed in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, this programme is designed for US undergraduate students seeking general education credits in writing, Professional Writing and Literature.
Sold Out!
- ASL-BSL Comparative Analysis, TBC May 2027
This course offers an immersive exploration of ASL and BSL, alongside American and British Deaf cultures, grounded in direct experience. Students build on their prior ASL learning by applying their skills in real-world contexts through structured signing assignments, engagement with Deaf communities, and guided observation.
Developed in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the course carries 3 US academic credits. While designed collaboratively with Pittsburgh, students from other universities are also welcome to apply. Contact Stacey Steen for more information.
Enquiries
Join us to build on your existing expertise, expand your professional network, and grow in a vibrant multilingual and multicultural learning environment.
Course listings highlight our upcoming training opportunities. Many programmes are delivered in partnership with organisations and professional groups, allowing us to tailor training to specific workforce needs. Individual professionals are also encouraged to get in touch, as we may be able to place them into sessions delivered for partner organisations where appropriate.
Organisations interested in bespoke training or partnership opportunities are warmly invited to contact us to discuss potential collaboration.
Please contact Dr Stacey Steen at S.Webb@hw.ac.uk for more information.
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