Key information
The MA (Hons) Modern Languages for Business Management programme at Heriot-Watt University gives you the chance to study a modern foreign language from a beginner level to a proficient standard, whilst developing transferable skills in business and management.
- UCAS code
- C4BC/C4BF/C4BG/C4BS/C4BB
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The MA (Hons) Modern Languages for Business Management programme at Heriot-Watt University gives you the chance to study a modern foreign language from a beginner level to a proficient standard, whilst developing transferable skills in business and management.
It combines our expertise in applied language studies with specialist business courses from Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Business School – one of the largest and most respected business schools in Scotland with proficiency in finance, marketing, economics, and management. You can choose to study at least one of the following languages to degree level – Chinese, French, German, or Spanish. Complementary courses explore the countries in which your chosen language is studied, with a focus on their societies and business cultures. You’ll also study the core principles of business management and their application in global workplaces.
The MA (Hons) Modern Languages for Business Management programme is a clear example of our career-focused approach to language studies, and Heriot-Watt University ranked 2nd for German, 2nd for Iberian Languages and 3rd for French in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2022. We are also accredited as a higher education partner by the Chartered Institute of Linguists.
Our Modern Languages for Business Management degree will open opportunities for a global career. It will provide you with the specialist business knowledge and transferable communication and language skills required to enter the employment market in a strong position. European and international markets present great opportunities for multilingual graduates with business and management skills, so learning a language as part of a degree in business and management can be the foundation of a truly rewarding career.
In your third year, you’ll spend at least one semester working or studying abroad at one of our partner universities. This is a great opportunity to further develop your language skills, as you will be immersed in the language and culture you are studying.
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 a wide range of skills to embark on professional level employment in a variety of careers.
Your student experience
You will be taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.
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
If starting for beginner level, students will follow our tried and tested accelerated intensive beginner pathway (30 credits per course). Students with Post-Higher/ A-level qualifications in the language of study will take one language course per semester at intermediate level (15 credits per course) plus an elective.
Mandatory courses explore history and culture, intercultural issues, and management in a global context. Students will have the opportunity to develop their critical writing skills and employability through optional courses. Those who take Intermediate level language courses can also choose two courses from a range of electives.
Mandatory September
- Management in a Global Context
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
Optional September
- Chinese Intensive Beginners 1
- French Intensive Beginners 1
- German Intensive Beginners 1
- Chinese Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intermediate 1
- French Intermediate 1
- German Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 1
Mandatory January
- Introduction to World History and Culture
- Becoming a Professional
Optional January
- Chinese Intensive Beginners 2
- French Intensive Beginners 2
- German Intensive Beginners 2
- Chinese Intermediate 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 | £9,535 |
| International | £19,456 |
- 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 chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- A-Levels BBC - ABB (B in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (HL 5 in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway)
- 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
- A-Levels BCC
* 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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