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Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/Spanish at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

Heriot-Watt University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/Spanish

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Heriot-Watt University has been teaching languages for a professional purpose for over 50 years.We were ranked as the Number 1 University in Scotland for Modern Languages in the National Student Survey 2018 with the highest overall student satisfaction. We also gained the highest ranking in Scotland for employability from Modern Languages in the Guardian University Rankings 2019. MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) is a clear example of our career-focused approach to language studies. Combining the two areas of language studies for which Heriot-Watt University is best known, this degree allows you to develop highly employable interpreting and translating skills to a professional standard. You will study Chinese and Spanish to an advanced level, learning in small class sizes in our unrivalled interpreting and translating teaching facilities. Our facilities include recently refurbished interpreting booths, which are modelled on those used by the United Nations and European Parliament, and computer labs with state-of-the-art Computer Aided Translation tools, as used by professional translators. In Year 1, if it is necessary, we offer intensive courses to help bring you up to speed in your second non-native language (Chinese or Spanish). This tried and tested approach ensures you will be able to use your interpreting and translating skills in two non-native languages by the time you graduate. Year 2 introduces regular classes on simultaneous interpreting and Year 3 is spent abroad, on two Erasmus placements at partner institutions, immersed in your chosen languages and cultures. In Year 4 you will study advanced interpreting and translating skills and learn about political contexts and organisations. This degree will prepare you for careers requiring the practical application of advanced language, communication and intercultural skills and it will teach you about the wider professional contexts in which you will use these skills.For example, you will learn about the unique interpreting approaches required for various professional contexts, such as: health care situations, business situations, legal contexts, or for conferences. Accreditation The Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies is a member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). We are also official higher education partner of the Chartered Institute of Linguists – a professional body that maintains the highest standards for practising interpreters and translators: Chartered Institute of Linguists In addition, we are founding members of CIUTI, the world’s oldest and most prestigious international association of universities who train interpreters and translators: CIUTI.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
RLCS
Institution code:
H24
Campus name:
Edinburgh Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories: Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets. Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.

HWU English Language Requirements

https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
80%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
95%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £19456 Year 1
International £19456 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/Spanish at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS