Applied Modern Languages & Translating: French/Spanish

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

Heriot-Watt is 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). As Scotland’s top producer of CEOs (Novuna, 2025), their programmes focus on giving you real-world experience and strong industry links to help you kick-start your career success story. You'll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service with guidance on CV tailoring, careers fairs and job applications.

They guarantee accommodation for students on their safe, green parkland campus, with all energy and Wi-Fi bills included. For students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Heriot-Watt provides a free semester of accommodation to help you with the costs of starting university.

You’ll also be living and studying in a top 2 UK student-friendly city (QS Best Cities, 2026) – Edinburgh. With a vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green spaces, it's a great city to be a student.

At Heriot-Watt University, you can choose to study flexibly with a 3-year honours degree, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years while still enjoying the full student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and support from your Personal Tutor. This can save you both time and tuition fees while allowing you to graduate at the same time as students across the rest of the UK.

Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team