Key information
The Languages and Intercultural Studies department at Heriot-Watt University has been one of the leading providers of language degrees in the UK for over 50 years – ranking 3rd in Scotland in the Guardian Good University Guide 2024. MA (Hons) Applied Modern Languages and Translating allows you to study two languages to degree level and spend a year abroad on placement with two of Heriot-Watt's partner universities, immersed in your studied languages and cultures.
- UCAS code
- RRC2/RRC4/RRF4/RACF/RACG/RACS
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
MA (Hons) Applied Modern Languages and Translating at Heriot-Watt University allows you to study two languages to degree level and spend a year abroad on placement with two of our partner universities, where you will be immersed in your studied languages and cultures. You can choose two languages from:
-
Chinese
-
French
-
German
-
Spanish
Our Applied Modern Languages and Translating programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguistics – we ranked 2nd for German and Iberian languages, and 3rd for French in Scotland by the Complete University Guide 2022.
This four-year degree will focus on practical language skills, communication studies, cultural studies, and linguistics/translation studies. You’ll be provided with opportunities to explore and develop links with potential employers, which will prepare you for employment in a variety of language-related careers. You’ll develop a critical understanding of the main theories, concepts and principles relating to the study of languages, including interpreting, and translating. You’ll be introduced to interpreting state-of-the-art booths which mirror the United Nations and European Parliament, and master translation skills in our language labs which use professional-standard computer-assisted translation tools.
You will study abroad during your third year at one of our partner universities, where you will be immersed in your chosen languages and cultures. In your final year, you’ll be given flexibility to tailor your studies to your personal interests and strengths by choosing specialised, optional courses.
You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the transferable skills and qualities necessary to embark on professional level employment in a wide range of careers.
Your student experience
You will be taught by a team of highly qualified researchers, educators and practising professionals who bring knowledge, expertise, and guidance to the classroom.
This blend of academic and professional expertise helps our programme maintain its position at the forefront of industry practice and ensures that you will gain practical insights into the careers of successful interpreters and translators on an almost daily basis.
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
NB: 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.
Mandatory September
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
Optional September
- French Intensive Beginners 1
- Chinese Intermediate 1
- German Intensive Beginners 1
- Spanish Intermediate 1
- French Intermediate 1
- German Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 1
Mandatory January
- Introduction to World History and Culture
Optional January
- French Intensive Beginners 2
- Chinese Intermediate 2
- German Intensive Beginners 2
- Spanish Intermediate 2
- French Intermediate 2
- German Intermediate 2
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 2
Programme Video
Languages at Heriot-Watt University
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,250 |
| International | £18,704 |
- 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.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (A in main language)
- A-Levels BBC - ABB (B in main language)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (HL 5 in main language)
- 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 main Language)
- A-Levels BCC (B in main 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
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.
Student life
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