Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating) Chinese/French
Modern languages with a focus on interpreting and translating is a highly specialised professional programme designed to develop practitioners who can work between two languages with the fluency, accuracy, and cultural understanding that professional interpretation and translation demand. Chinese and French are a particularly powerful combination: Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world and of enormous geopolitical and economic significance, while French is a major world language with global reach across Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.
At Heriot-Watt University, which has a strong reputation in languages and translation teaching, this four-year full-time programme develops both languages to a high level alongside professional skills in interpreting and translation. You will study the theory and practice of translation, develop advanced simultaneous and consecutive interpreting skills, and work with industry-standard tools and professional workflows. A sandwich placement year gives you professional experience in a language-related setting, and work placement opportunities are built into the programme, ensuring you develop real-world professional competence before you graduate.
The typical entry tariff of 184 points reflects the demanding nature of a programme that requires both linguistic ability and professional skill.
You will develop the linguistic precision, speed of processing, cultural depth, and technical competence that professional interpreting and translation require, alongside the research skills and professional awareness needed to work in language services at an international level.
Graduates pursue careers as translators, conference interpreters, court interpreters, localisation specialists, and language consultants in government, international organisations, the EU and UN, multinational corporations, and specialist agencies. Postgraduate study in conference interpreting or specialised translation is a natural route for those seeking the highest levels of professional qualification.