Interpreting

Entry requirements

Strand A

• Native / near-native command of English plus native / near-native command of Chinese, French, German, or Spanish
• Good degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

Strand B

• Native / near-native command of English plus an excellent command of two from French, German, Spanish or Chinese.
• Good degree or equivalent in a relevant subject

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our masters degree in Interpreting is designed for those who have native/near-native command of English and one other language from:

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Spanish

You will be taught by experts from the fields of interpreting practice, linguistics, research and education and given the chance to bring your skills to a professional standard through regular practice in our newly-refurbished interpreting booths, which are modelled on those used by the United Nations and the European Union.

This programme is designed for those who want to work as professional interpreters and has been thoughtfully designed to give you expertise to use in a range of contexts including:

• Conference interpreting
• Health-care interpreting
• Legal interpreting
• European exchange
• Simultaneous interpreting
• Educational interpreting

This practical interpreting programme provides around 15 hours of academic contact per week in our language labs including weekly multilingual mock-conferences in our interpreting labs.

Language Labs

Studying an MSc Interpreting degree at Heriot-Watt University will give you access to our excellent translation and interpreting facilities which include our recently refurbished interpreting labs modelled on those used at the UN and EU.

In these labs you will find state-of-the-art interpreting booths, digital resources, and a range of professional-standard software packages. Gaining experience and confidence in using these facilities is a key part of this degree programme.

Language combinations

In the practical translating and interpreting courses our students can opt for Strand A or Strand B, corresponding to their chosen languages:

Strand A

Study of English + one other language from Chinese, French, German or Spanish. Students work in both directions between English and their chosen language.

Strand B

Study of English + two foreign languages from Chinese, French, German or Spanish. Students on this strand work from the two chosen languages into English.

Information for international students

Non-native speakers of English must provide evidence of their English language ability. This must be IELTS 7.0, or equivalent, with at least 6.5 in all components. A score of 6.0 in writing may be accepted if the applicant performs well at interview and test.