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Modern Languages, Communication and Cultures with French
- MA (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
The MA in Modern Languages, Communication & Cultures allows students to study one language to degree level (either Chinese, French, German or Spanish), in conjunction with courses that develop their communication skills more generally, as well as their knowledge and understanding of societies, cultures and political systems. Levels 1, 2, and 4 take a mixture of mandatory and optional courses. In Level 3 students spend one semester abroad but may spend the full year abroad if they wish. There is sufficient flexibility in the programme structure to allow students to select courses in areas of specific interest. It is a requirement of the programme that a period of time is spent abroad in the third year, as on all LINCS UG programmes (except BSL where students undertake a mandatory placement year in the UK).
Level 1
Students take language courses (1 per semester) at Intermediate level (for those with Post-Higher/ A-level qualifications in the language of study) or they will follow an accelerated intensive beginners course. Mandatory courses explore management in a global context, intercultural issues, the history and culture of countries where the chosen language is spoken, and academic or professional skills. Those who take Intermediate level language courses can also choose two courses from a range of electives.
Level 2
Level 2 moves into the advanced study of the students’ chosen language. Students will take two language courses, one mandatory course on general linguistics, and they further their understanding of the principles underlying the key aspects of cultures, societies and political systems in contemporary Europe and the wider world. Two elective courses can be chosen from a range of electives offered in LINCS.
Level 3
Students will spend at least one semester working or studying abroad but may spend the full year abroad if they wish. If one semester is spent abroad, students will return to Edinburgh to undertake supervised project work in the other semester.
Level 4
Level 4 comprises one language course in each semester, two mandatory courses on international politics and social and cultural issues from a comparative perspective, as well as two optional courses from a selection including, for example, applied linguistics and sustainable development. Students will also complete an Honours Dissertation in the course of the year.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees’
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
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:
- C4CF
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
including B in French for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: BBB including French.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Applicants must demonstrate language level equivalent to Higher / A-level / IB in French for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject and applicants must demonstrate language level equivalent to A Level French at A.
Scottish Higher - BBBB
including B in French.
Scottish Advanced Higher - BB
plus Highers at BBBB for entry to Year 2. Advanced Highers must include B in French.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
including French at HL 5 for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: 34 points including French at HL 6.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish HNC - Pass
with B in graded unit and meet language requirement in French for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
with BB in graded units and meet language requirement in French for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
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
A level - BCC
with B in French.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Applicants must demonstrate language level equivalent to Higher / A-level / IB in French.
Scottish Higher - BBBC
with B in French.
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
-
Scottish HNC - Pass
with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
with BC in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
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
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £20080 | Year 1 |
| International | £20080 | 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.
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
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Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
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