Course content
Detailed course guide
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
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).
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.
