MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Spanish/British Sign Language
The course
- UCAS code
- Q195
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) at Heriot-Watt University allows you to study Spanish and British Sign Language 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. The degrees focus on practical language skills, communication studies, European studies and linguistics/ translation studies.
In Year 3 of this course you will spend 1 semester abroad at one of our partner institutions immersed in the Spanish language. The other semester of Year 3 will be spent on an in-work placement in the UK signing community immersed in British Sign Language.
Accreditation
The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
Accredited by the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD) for the purpose of fulfilling the educational requirements to become a Registered Sign Language Interpreter.
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.
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
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
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £21500
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £22000
Jobs
These are the most common high skilled jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
Artistic, literary and media occupations
Teaching 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 / 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.
** '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
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.