Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Applied Modern Languages & Translating: French/Spanish
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 3 to 4 years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
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) Applied Languages and Translating allows you to study French and Spanish to degree level and spend Year 3 abroad studying at partner universities, immersed in French and Spanish languages and cultures.
This degree focuses on practical language skills, communication studies, European studies and linguistics/ translation studies. You will be introduced to interpreting in state-of-the-art booths which mirror the United Nations and European Parliament and learn translation skills in language labs with professional-standard CAT tools.
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.
In Year 3 you study abroad, immersed in your chosen languages and cultures and in Year 4 you are given flexibility to tailor your studies to your personal interest and strengths.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees
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
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- RRC4
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
including main language at B for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: BBB to include French and Spanish
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.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit (with main language Higher A or A-Level B grade or equivalent) for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HigherBBBB
including main language at B.
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)
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 30
with main language at Higher Level 5.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
in relevant subject (with main language at A-Level B or equivalent required) 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.
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
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
including main language at B for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: BBB to include French and Spanish
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.
Scottish HNC Pass
HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit (with main language Higher A or A-Level B grade or equivalent) for entry to Year 1.
Scottish Higher BBBC
including main language at B.
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).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) MMM
in relevant subject (with main language at A-Level B or equivalent required) 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.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English 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, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
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.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £20080 |
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
Subject to confirmation
Related courses
At Heriot-Watt University
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