MA Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating)
About this course
MA (Hons) in Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating), focusing on French and Spanish. Intensive language support is available in the first year, and the third year is spent studying abroad. The course includes simultaneous interpreting and advanced translation practice in later years, and students complete a dissertation on a topic related to languages, interpreting and translation.
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 main language) IB: 30 points (HL 5 in main language) Highers: BBBB BTEC: DDM HNC: B in graded unit HND: BB
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 96%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
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
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Introduction to Language and Intercultural Studies
- French Intensive Beginners 1
- Spanish Intermediate 1
- French Intermediate 1
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 1
- Introduction to World History and Culture
- French Intensive Beginners 2
- Spanish Intermediate 2
- French Intermediate 2
- Spanish Intensive Beginners 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) 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. The £29,500 median after five years is £3,500 less than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of MA Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) 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 (Interpreting and Translating) at Heriot-Watt University?
98% 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 (Interpreting and Translating) at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 202 UCAS points.
Does MA Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) 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 (Interpreting and Translating) at Heriot-Watt University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.