The course
- UCAS code
- R100
- 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
-
Contact
Course Enquiries
-
Telephone
+44 131 451 8250
Overview
Our MA (Hons) Applied Language Studies (ALS) degree is designed to allow students to 'major' in French, German or Spanish, whilst also studying a range of complementary subjects.
This is our most flexible language degree as it allows you to specialise in the study of French while delving deeper into subjects that complement your interests and career aspirations, or a further language, through optional courses and electives.
Year 3 is spent abroad, immersed in your chosen language. You will have the choice of studying at one of our partner institutions or teaching English as a foreign language. Year 4 allows you to refine your professional profile further through specialist optional courses.
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
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.
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
- French: Intermediate (1)
- Elective
- Elective
Semester 2
- Introduction to French History and Culture
- French: Intermediate (2)
- Elective
- Elective
Year 2
Semester 1
- French Society and Comparative Studies
- French: Advanced (1)
- Option
- Option
Semester 2
- General Linguistics
- French: Advanced (2)
- Option
- Option
Through options in Semester 1 and 2 students can study a second language or choose from a variety of subjects such as Economics,Marketing, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Year 3
Students complete two study placements at partner universities or teaching English in countries where their two chosen foreign languages are spoken.
Year 4
Semester 1
- Dissertation (1)
- Applied Language Studies (1) or Interpreting and Translation Skills (1)
- International Politics and Organisations
- Option
Options:
- Translation Technologies for Professional Translators
- Applied Linguistics 1
- Heritage: International Perspectives
- Business Management options
Semester 2
- Dissertation (2)
- Applied Language Studies (2) or Interpreting and Translation Skills (2)
- Option
- Option
Options:
- Translation and Interpreting Studies
- Applied Linguistics 2
- Sustainable Development and Intercultural Context
- National Perspectives and EU Context
- Business Management options
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
Work and study
This is what our MA (Hons) French and Applied Language Studies students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 65% are working
- 10% are studying
- 10% are working and studying.
In highly skilled work
- 70% 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:
- Artistic, literary and media occupations
- Business and public service associate professionals
- 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.