MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture
About this course
MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture, an undergraduate arts degree focused on language acquisition, intercultural communication and cultural studies. Core topics include Fieldwork. Students can undertake an optional placement year and an optional year abroad. The first year establishes core foundations through Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies, Introduction to Human Geography, Introduction to World History and Culture, and optional language study such as French Intensive Beginners 1 and Spanish Intermediate 1. Optional modules allow students to explore further topics like human geography, urban environments, professional development, and practical fieldwork observation. Subsequent years continue language training and cultural exploration through advanced study and immersive international experiences.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC (B in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway) IB: 30 points (HL 5 in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway) Highers: AABB (A in chosen language, unless studying Beginner Pathway) BTEC: DDM HNC: B in graded unit HND: BB
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What students say
Based on about 36 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Protective service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 75 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 5%
- South East: 1%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 68%
- Northern Ireland: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 65%
- Other HE qualification: 35%
Modules
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
- Introduction to Human Geography
- French Intensive Beginners 1
- Spanish Intermediate 1
- French Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 1
- Introduction to World History and Culture
- Human Geography & The City
- French Intensive Beginners 2
- Spanish Intermediate 2
- Becoming a Professional
- French Intermediate 2
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 2
- Scottish Geographies: Fieldwork Observation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £36,000.
What do graduates of MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 144 UCAS points.
Does MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Modern Languages, Communication and Culture at Heriot-Watt University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.