Key information
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.
- UCAS code
- C4CC/C4CF/C4CG/C4CS/C4CB
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture programme is taught by global leaders and is a clear example of our career-focused approach to language studies. Heriot-Watt University ranked 2nd for German and 3rd for French in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2022. We are also accredited as a higher education partner by the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
This degree allows you to choose either Chinese, French, German or Spanish. Language skills are combined with advanced communication skills and studied alongside the societies, cultures, and political systems of the countries where your chosen language is spoken.
In your third year, you’ll spend at least one semester working or studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This is a great opportunity to further develop your language skills, as you will be immersed in the language and culture you are studying.
This degree can be studied by individuals with no prior language learning, using Heriot-Watt's tried and tested beginner pathway for language learning, which allows you to catch up during your first year and join standard language courses by year two of the degree.
There is sufficient flexibility in the programme structure to allow you to select courses in areas of specific interest, such as business, economics, and intercultural studies. Beyond the subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn and practice transferrable skills such as presentation, communication, analytical and ICT skills.
You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. This degree will provide you with opportunities for a global career. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with transferable communication and language skills that are required to enter the employment market in a strong position.
Your student experience
Our MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture degree is taught by intercultural communications specialists who are experienced, leading academics. In many cases, they have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.
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 = Chinese, French, German 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.
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
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.
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
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
Programme Video
Languages at Heriot-Watt University
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,535 |
| International | £19,456 |
- 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 - ABB (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 the normal entry route for all language degrees is to Year 1 for a four-year honours course. However, candidates with outstanding Advanced Highers or A-Level results may be considered on an individual basis.
- A-Level: ABB with A in main language
- Advanced Higher: BB with B in main Language and AABB at Higher
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're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
- Finance Professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
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