Heriot-Watt University

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.

Find out how to apply More about this subject area

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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.

Detailed course information

Course content

Detailed course guide

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

Employability

Work and study

This is what our MA (Hons) Applied Languages and Translating (German/ Spanish) students are doing six months after graduating:

  • 75% are working
  • 10% are studying
  • 10% are working and studying.

Managerial/professional position

  • 70% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Salary

  • The average salary of students six months after graduating: £20000
  • The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £19000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:

  • Business and public service associate professionals
  • Business, research and administrative professionals
  • Artistic, literary and media occupations

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements
  • Highers AAAB including main language at A (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels BBB (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)

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

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

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (by residency status)
Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales*** International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £15,080

* 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.

** European Union countries (not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales).

*** '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).

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 2020

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:

Merit Awards for international students starting undergraduate degree courses in 2020

If you are an international fee-paying, self-funded offer holder you may be eligible for:

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.