MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Spanish/British Sign Language

Course content

Year 1

Semester 1

• Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
• Spanish: Intermediate (1)
• British Sign Language: Intensive for Beginners (1)

Semester 2

• Introduction to European History and Culture
• Spanish: Intermediate (2)
• British Sign Language: Intensive for Beginners (2)

British Sign Language: Intensive for Beginners is the equivalent of two standard 15 credit courses. 

Year 2

Semester 1

• Societies and Institutions in Contemporary Europe
• Spanish: Advanced (1)
• British Sign Language: Advanced (1)

Semester 2

• General Linguistics
• Spanish: Advanced (2)
• British Sign Language: Advanced (2) 

Year 3

Students taking BSL and a European language also complete two five-month placements. One placement is in the country where their foreign language is spoken (France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico). The other placement is work-based within the UK signing community with an organisation in the field, further developing sign language skills and cultural awareness. 

Year 4

Semester 1

• Dissertation (1)
• Translation and Language Proficiency (1)
• Advanced Interpreting Skills (1)
• International Politics and Organisation

Semester 2

• Dissertation (2)
• Translation and Language Proficiency (2)
• Advanced Interpreting Skills (2)
• Option

Course options

• Translation and Interpreting Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• Sustainable Development and Intercultural Context
• National Perspectives and EU Context

Employability

In highly skilled work

• 80% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.

Salary

• The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £20000
• The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £19000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:

• Artistic, literary and media occupations

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

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Status*	Scotland	England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland**	International***
Fee	Paid by SAAS	£9,250	£16,000

* 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) and Republic of Ireland 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. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

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

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.