The course
- UCAS code
- RRF4
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Heriot-Watt University ranked as the Number 1 University in Scotland for Modern Languages in the National Student Survey 2018. We also gained the highest ranking in Scotland for employability from Modern Languages in the Guardian University Rankings 2019.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Our MA (Hons) Applied Languages and Translating (ALT) degree allows you to study German and Spanish to degree level.
Students with only one language at post-Higher/A-Level follow an accelerated intensive language course during Year 1 and join the mainstream language courses from Year 2. You will then spend a compulsory year abroad in Year 3 on placement at two partner institutions, immersed in your two chosen languages. This degree focuses on practical language skills, communication studies, European studies and linguistics/ translation studies.
Accreditation
The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
We are also official higher education partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists – a professional body that maintains the highest standards for practising interpreters and translators: Chartered Institute of Linguists
In addition, we are founding members of CIUTI, the world’s oldest and most prestigious international association of universities who train interpreters and translators: CIUTI
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
- Language 1: Intermediate (1)
- Language 2: Intermediate (1) or Language 2: Intensive for Beginners (1)*
- Elective unless taking Language 2: Intensive for Beginners (1)
Semester 2
- Introduction to European History and Culture
- Language 1: Intermediate (2)
- Language 2: Intermediate (2) or Language 2: Intensive for Beginners (2)*
- Elective unless taking Language 2: Intensive for Beginners (2)
Language 2: Intensive for Beginners is for students with little or no knowledge of a second foreign language and is the equivalent of two standard, 15 credit, courses. Those sitting this course do not take an elective in Year 1.
Language 1 = German or Spanish
Language 2 = German or Spanish
Year 2
Semester 1
- Societies and Institutions in Contemporary Europe
- Language 1: Advanced (1)
- Language 2: Advanced (1)
- Elective
Semester 2
- General Linguistics
- Language 1: Advanced (2)
- Language 2: Advanced (2)
- Elective
Language 1 = German or Spanish
Language 2 = German or Spanish
Year 3
Students complete two five-month study placements, one per language studied, in countries where their chosen languages are spoken such as France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico.
Year 4
Semester 1
- Dissertation (1)
- Translation and Language Proficiency (1)
- International Politics and Organisations
- Option
Options:
- Translation Technologies for Professional Translators
- Applied Linguistics
- Heritage International Perspectives
Semester 2
- Dissertation (2)
- Translation and Language Proficiency (2)
- Option
- Option
Options:
- Translation and Interpreting Studies
- Applied Linguistics 2
- Sustainable Development and Intercultural Context
- National Perspectives and EU Context
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.
Employability
In highly skilled work
- 50% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £19000
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £22000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Business and public service associate professionals
- Managers, directors and senior officials
- Artistic, literary and media occupations
- Teaching and educational professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB including main language at A (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BBC (including main language)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with main language at Higher Level 5)
- BTEC DDM (Main language at A-Level B or equivalent required)
- HNC B in graded unit (with main language Higher A or A-Level B grade or equivalent)
- HND BB
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC including main language at B (over two sittings)
- A-Levels BCC including main language at B
* 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
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.
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
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
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.
Fees
Status* | Scotland | England / Northern Ireland / Wales** | International*** |
---|---|---|---|
Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £15,384 |
* 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'Rest of the UK' (RUK) students entering at Level 1 receive a fee waiver of one year's tuition fee. Normally this will be the final year, or a year during which students study abroad (either at a partnership institution, or at one of Heriot-Watt's overseas campuses).
*** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
4 years for the price of 3
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, study with us and save £9,250 over your 4-year degree.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Featured scholarships
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2021
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 students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.