Key information
Our language programmes are ranked 2nd in Scotland by the National Student Survey 2025. The MA (Hons) Modern Languages, Communication and Culture programme at Heriot-Watt University gives you the chance to study a modern language of your choice from a beginner level to a proficient standard.
Find out more about our 3 year honours degree option.
- UCAS code
- C4CC/C4CF/C4CG/C4CS/C4CB
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3-4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture programme gives you the advanced communication, critical thinking and intercultural skills you need to thrive in a global career. You’ll study one main language - French or Spanish - with the option to start as a complete beginner and progress quickly through our proven accelerated pathway.
Alongside language learning, you’ll explore culture, society, politics, film and intercultural communication, gaining a deeper understanding of your own and others’ cultural identities. A semester or year abroad in your third year immerses you in real world language use and strengthens your confidence, independence and cultural awareness.
The programme offers flexibility to shape your studies around your interests, from business and sustainability to applied linguistics and cultural analysis. You’ll also build key transferable skills through academic writing, presenting, teamwork and independent research.
This degree equips you with the communication, cultural intelligence and adaptability valued across sectors including education, business, international development, public service, research and the creative industries, opening the door to a wide range of global career opportunities.
Your student experience
By studying our MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture degree, you’ll have access to an ever-growing international network of employers who recognise the high standard of skills and expertise of graduates from our Languages and Intercultural Studies department.
Our industry links contribute to our SWATI Day (Starting Work as a Translator or Interpreter) for our graduate students. This industry-focused conference brings key figures from the industry to Heriot-Watt University for a day of professional guidance and networking.
The specialist course content is designed and delivered by professionals with industry experience and respected academics with expert knowledge across various disciplines related to languages, communication and culture.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
European Exchange
Worldwide Exchange
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Language = French or Spanish
Elective is a choice of any course from across the university, with some exceptions. Those taking the more advanced 15-credit language courses, French: Intermediate, will take an elective in each semester
Language: Intensive for Beginners is for students with little or no knowledge of their chosen language. It is the equivalent of two standard, 15 credit, courses. Those sitting this course do not take electives in Year 1.
Students must choose one language Option and one non-language Option each semester. So, in September and in January, students should select either Critical Writing or Employability and Professional Skills, plus one language option.
Mandatory September
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
Optional September
- Chinese Intensive Beginners 1
- French Intensive Beginners 1
- German Intensive Beginners 1
- Spanish Intermediate 1
- Chinese Intermediate 1
- French Intermediate 1
- German Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 1
- Critical Writing
Mandatory January
- Introduction to World History and Culture
Optional January
- Chinese Intensive Beginners 2
- French Intensive Beginners 2
- Chinese Intermediate 2
- German Intensive Beginners 2
- Spanish Intermediate 2
- French Intermediate 2
- German Intermediate 2
- Employability and Professional Skills
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 2
Year 2
In September students must choose one language option plus either Intercultural Issues in Business and Management OR Introduction to Scottish Studies. In January, students should select their relevant language option. Students should also choose two elective courses, one in September and one in January. Global Communication (January course) is highly relevant to LCC.
NB. Students interested in teaching abroad in Year 3 must choose TESOL 1 and 2 as their Year 2 Elective courses.
Mandatory September
- Society and Institutions in Contemporary World
Optional September
- Intercultural Issues in Business and Management
- Spanish Advanced 1
- French Advanced 1
- German Advanced 1
- Introduction to Scottish Studies
- Chinese Advanced 1
Mandatory January
- General Linguistics
- Film and Cultures
Optional January
- Spanish Advanced 2
- French Advanced 2
- Chinese Advanced 2
- German Advanced 2
Year 3
Students spend at least part of stage 3 abroad, either studying at a partner institution or working in countries where studied languages are spoken such as China, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico. All students must spend one semester abroad but may spend the full year abroad if they wish. If one semester is spent abroad, students will return to Edinburgh to undertake supervised project work in the second semester.
In September, students must choose either Semester Abroad Placement (Teaching Practice & TESOL Project) or Semester Abroad Study Placement 1. In January, students choose either Foreign Language Research Project OR Semester Abroad Study Placement 2.
NB. The Year 2 Elective courses, TESOL 1 and 2 are prerequisites for teaching abroad in Year 3.
Optional September
- Semester Abroad Placement (Teaching Practice & TESOL Project)
- Semester Abroad Study Placement 1
Mandatory January
- Introduction to Research Skills and Methods
Optional January
- Foreign Language Research Project
- Semester Abroad Study Placement 2
Year 4
Students do 8 taught courses in total. Note that students must choose one language option in Semester 1 and the corresponding language option in Semester 2.
Mandatory September
- Comparative Social and Cultural Issues
- Honours Dissertation 1
- International Politics and Organisations
Optional September
- Chinese Translation & Language Proficiency 1
- Spanish Translation & Language Proficiency 1
- German Translation & Language Proficiency 1
- French Translation & Language Proficiency 1
Mandatory January
- Honours Dissertation 2
Optional January
- Sustainable Development and the Intercultural Context
- French Translation & Language Proficiency 2
- Spanish Translation & Language Proficiency 2
- Chinese Translation & Language Proficiency 2
- German Translation & Language Proficiency 2
- Applied Linguistics
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Languages at Heriot-Watt University
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (A in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- A-Levels BBC (B in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (HL 5 in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- BTEC DDM
- HNC B in graded unit
- HND BB
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (B in chosen Language)
- A-Levels BCC (B in chosen Language)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
Our language degrees include a compulsory year abroad at Level 3 so students typically enter in Year 1 for a four-year honours course. However, candidates with strong Advanced Highers or A-Level results will be considered. Applicants may be asked to complete a language assessment as part of the application process.
- A-Level: BBB with B in the language to be studied.
- Advanced Higher: BB with B in the languages to b studied and AABB at Higher.
Students who wish to study a language from Beginners' level must enter at Year 1.
Year 3
As our languages courses include a compulsory year abroad at Level 3, the normal entry route for all languages courses is to Year 1 of a four-year honours course. However, candidates with outstanding Advanced Highers or A-Level results may be considered on an individual basis.
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
- Finance Professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.