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Heriot-Watt University: Languages and Intercultural Studies
About Languages and Intercultural Studies at Heriot-Watt University
Our postgraduate programmes in Languages and Intercultural Studies at Heriot-Watt are designed to deepen your understanding of language, culture, and communication in a global context. Whether you aspire to work in translation, interpreting or international relations, our courses combine rigorous academic training with practical and real-world application.
Heriot-Watt’s School of Social Sciences integrates theory with hands-on experience, preparing you to navigate complex challenges in multilingual and multicultural environments. Alongside core studies in translation and interpreting, we offer programmes with specialist pathways in areas such as business communication, applied linguistics, and intercultural engagement.
Our experienced academics are at the forefront of research, influencing policy and practice in fields such as multilingual communication, cultural mediation, and language technologies. Their work addresses global issues like cross-cultural negotiation, accessibility, and the role of language in international development.
Graduates from our programmes progress into careers in international organisations, government agencies, education, media, and global business. Employers value the advanced linguistic proficiency, intercultural awareness, and analytical skills developed through our programmes.
Why Edinburgh?
Set within 380 acres of beautiful parkland, Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus offers the perfect balance of space to think, study, and enjoy life - all within easy reach of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.
Edinburgh is a festival city, alive with culture every day of the year. From music, film, theatre, and comedy to world renowned events like the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, the city is a global focal point for art, creativity, and entertainment. With medieval lanes, modern architecture, museums, and buzzing nightlife, there’s always something new to discover.
On campus, you’ll benefit from exceptional teaching facilities and strong industry links that make studying here both fulfilling and stimulating. Our £7m purpose‑built Postgraduate Centre is a hub for advanced learning and research, while the cutting‑edge GRID facility provides space to explore ideas, collaborate, and innovate.
You’ll also have access to Scotland’s £33m national Sports Performance Centre, Oriam, alongside a wide range of clubs and societies. Whether you’re pursuing academic excellence, sporting achievement, or new friendships, Edinburgh offers an inspiring environment to reach your full potential.
Accreditation
Our Interpreting and Translating programmes are regarded as one of the strongest degree programmes of their kind within the industry. This is cemented by memberships of CIUTI (Conférence Internationale permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes), a multinational organisation of universities which is dedicated to upholding a standard of excellence in the teaching of interpreting and translating.
Our training is supported by SCIC, the Directorate-General for Interpretation of the European Commission, through a cooperation agreement. This cooperation translates into virtual classes, pedagogical assistance missions and training for trainers delivered by SCIC trainers, as well as study visits to Brussels.
Facilities
We have made significant investment in our language learning and translation and interpreting facilities - modelled on those used in the European Parliament - so that our students benefit from learning in a state-of-the-art environment. Our facilities include:
- Two fully-equipped interpreting teaching labs
- Two language laboratories
- Self-study laboratory
- Computer labs
- Audio-visual teaching equipment
- Facilities for closed-circuit television
- Satellite broadcasting reception
- Recording studio
Real world-impact
Heriot-Watt’s School of Social Sciences doesn’t prepare you to make a difference. Our postgraduate programmes are designed to give you the advanced knowledge and practical skills, to influence change in languages, interpreting and society from day one.
With Heriot-Watt ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025), our Languages and Intercultural graduates join a tradition of excellence in applying language studies to real-world challenges.
Programmes
MSc Translating
MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
MSc Interpreting and Translating
MSc Intercultural Business Communication
MSc Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting
MSc Intercultural Business Communication
More information is available on our website.
Graduate testimonials
Mo's story
Graduate, MSc Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting
‘I really enjoyed the weekly mini-conference. In these sessions, we created a real working environment in the interpreting labs so that we know what we are going to face as professionals. By bringing students together from different language combinations, we learnt from each other's interpreting.’
Jordan’s story
Graduate, MSc Interpreting and Translating
‘Being a student of the MSc Interpreting and Translating at Heriot-Watt University has been an incredible experience! From the hands-on structure of the degree, the valuable experience and skills of the teaching team, to the diversity and drive of fellow classmates. Beyond the degree, the Languages and Intercultural Studies department at the university has managed to create a flourishing ecosystem for aspiring linguists, and I can only recommend it to anyone wanting to embark on an interpreting and translating journey.
Studying at Heriot-Watt also gave me the opportunity to participate in the Model European Union (MEU) in Strasbourg in November 2023. I interpreted in the locals of the European Parliament alongside interpreting students from all around Europe. Being able to familiarise myself with the European decision-making process, and to learn from fellow interpreters in a truly diverse and inclusive context was the icing on the cake and testament to the effort put in by Heriot-Watt and the Languages and Intercultural Studies department in offering the best career prospects to their students.’
Manuel’s story
Graduate, MSc Translation and Interpreting
“The multilingual debate (live translated debate, facilitated by our students) was my favourite module of the entire degree, as it was the perfect platform to test myself and improve my skills. I participated in every session and found myself wishing it could have been available throughout the entire year! As I progressed through the second and third sessions, I recognised how much it enhanced my skills. Not only did I have the opportunity to practice my passive languages, but I also gained experience in consecutive and simultaneous interpretation modes. Additionally, it provided a valuable social experience as I interacted with students from different language pairs and exchanged insights with fellow teachers, ultimately contributing to my development during my time at Heriot-Watt University.”
Available courses
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