Applied Modern Languages and Translating: Chinese/German

Applied modern languages and translating in Chinese and German is a programme that takes two of the most significant and demanding languages in the world and combines serious linguistic study with professional translator training. Chinese and German represent very different linguistic challenges: Chinese requires mastery of a logographic writing system, tonal pronunciation, and a grammatical structure quite unlike European languages, while German demands precision with complex grammatical inflection and a rich literary and philosophical vocabulary. Developing real competence in both, and then applying that competence professionally through translation, produces a genuinely unusual and highly marketable graduate profile.

At Heriot-Watt University, this four-year, full-time MA with sandwich year includes work placement experience, combining linguistic study in Chinese and German with professional translation training using industry-standard technology. You will develop translation skills across different text types and domains, learning to work with translation memory software and other tools that are central to professional translation practice. The sandwich year provides real professional experience in a translation or language-related role.

Heriot-Watt's programme is consistently well regarded by students for its linguistic rigour and professional orientation. The typical entry tariff is 184 UCAS points.

Graduates from applied modern languages and translating with Chinese and German are well placed for careers as professional translators, interpreters, localisation specialists, and language project managers. The pairing of Chinese and German is commercially significant, given the major economic relationships between China, Germany, and the UK, and graduates with professional competence in both are genuinely rare. Roles in international business, diplomatic services, publishing, technical documentation, and content localisation are all natural destinations.

Postgraduate study in translation, interpreting, or applied linguistics is available for those who wish to specialise further.