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Undergraduate

Languages and Intercultural Studies

Languages can open a world of possibilities for your career. For over 50 years, we have produced graduates of the highest professional standards to work in every corner of the globe.

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Languages students in interpreting lab

Languages for a professional purpose

At Heriot-Watt University we don't just teach languages, we teach languages for a purpose.

With our degrees, you can combine your language with career-focussed skills in interpreting, translation, business management, communication or cultural studies. 

Study BSL, Chinese, French, German or Spanish from beginner or intermediate level and learn from established academics and professionals with years of experience.

All students benefit from a friendly community environment and state-of-the-art language labs with interpreting equipment modelled on the European Union and United Nations. 

Our Graduates

Languages and Intercultural Studies

Since graduating from Heriot-Watt University, Hayley, Hana and Amelia have discovered that their language degrees have opened up a world of career opportunities. From writing strategy for NatWest to running programmes for the United Nations, watch as our graduates discuss the value of studying languages and reflect on their time at university.

Undergraduate Languages and Intercultural Studies programmes

Professor Jo Drugan
"Welcome to the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to training skilled intercultural communicators who, after graduation, go off and make their mark in many different professional contexts across the world. Today, these skills are more important than ever. We look forward to welcoming you into our global community and working with you to help you set out on an exciting, worthwhile career."

Professor Jo Drugan ,
Head of Languages and Intercultural Studies

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Why Heriot-Watt?

Ranking (Modern Languages, National Student Survey 2020)

We are ranked 2nd in Scotland and 8th in the UK for Modern Languages in the National Student Survey 2020

Living in Edinburgh

Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.

Multilingual Debate

Heriot-Watt University's Multilingual Debate is an annual event that showcases the interpreting skills of students

Exchange programme

If you're studying at any of our UK campuses, you can transfer to Dubai or Malaysia for a semester, a year or longer through our Go Global programme. We also offer European and international study exchange destinations.

Edinburgh Campus facilities

At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!

Health and wellbeing

Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.

We are accredited by the following organisations

At Heriot-Watt University we develop degrees that are relevant for the world of work. We work with Professional bodies and Institutes to gain appropriate Accreditations and Professional Memberships for your industry. Find out below how this degree aligns to industry.

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