Thanks for visiting TopUniversities.com today! So that we can show you the most relevant information, please select the option that most closely relates to you.
Your input will help us improve your experience.
Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Already have an account? Sign in
We use Necessary cookies to make our website work. We’d also like to set optional Functional cookies to gather anonymous site visitation data and Advertising cookies to help us understand which content our visitors value the most. By enabling these cookies, you can help us provide a better website for you. These will be set only if you accept.More information about the cookies we use can be found here Cookies Policy
MSc Interpreting
Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
# 201-250QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgram duration
20,376 GBPTuition Fee/year
YesScholarships
Program overview
Main Subject
Linguistics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
The MSc Interpreting programme is one of the most established and respected interpreting degrees of its kind in the UK and offers professional standard training in Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
Our specialist programme is designed for those who want to work as professional interpreters. During the master’s programme, you’ll develop knowledge and critical awareness of the requirements of interpreting in a range of professional contexts, including those of conference interpreting, liaison interpreting, public service interpreting and interpreting for business contexts.
You’ll learn relevant transferable communication skills, including the skills of summarising, abstracting, note-taking for interpreting purposes and public speaking. You’ll be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the field, including colleagues and clients. You’ll master IT skills that are relevant to the work of a professional interpreter and will be able to use specialised databases.
Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in interpreting. You’ll have the opportunity to choose one optional course – including international politics and organisations, intercultural communication in the workplace, translation technologies and subtitling. This will allow you to customise learning and development goals to your specific interpreting interests. Your dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination of a particular topic that falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies.
You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the professional skills and qualities necessary to become an interpreter in a variety of professional contexts. Additionally, you will develop transferable skills that will help broaden your career horizons. Beyond the subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll also be given the opportunity to learn and practice transferrable skills such as presentation, communication and ICT skills.
Expertise
You will be taught by our team of highly qualified experts from the fields of interpreting practice, linguistics, research and education.
Our academic and professional expertise helps our programme maintain its position at the forefront of industry practice and means that you’ll gain practical insights into the careers of successful interpreters on a daily basis.
Your learning environment
Our MSc Interpreting programme uses state-of-the-art language labs and interpreting booths which will provide you with the ideal setting to develop your interpretation skills to professional standards.
You’ll be given the chance to develop your skills through regular practice in our refurbished interpreting booths, which are modelled on those used by the United Nations, the European Union and the Scottish Government. You’ll also have access to 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.
The MSc Interpreting programme is taught through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, self-study, practical laboratory work and individual/group work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers, the teaching staff and academics. You’ll be assessed by oral examinations, written examinations, projects, short and long translations and a dissertation.
Additionally, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Languages Society, which holds regular social events in a welcoming environment. They encourage a safe, culturally diverse community where you can explore language and linguistics.
Customise your learning
You’ll learn from eight courses on the syllabus (seven mandatory and one optional). The optional course allows you to focus on the area of interpreting that interests you the most. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.
You’ll explore a chosen area of interpretation in-depth through your dissertation. You will be required to undertake independent research into a topic that is relevant to the practical pursuit of interpreting and falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies. You’ll present your findings of the research in an appropriate academic form.
You can choose whether to study the programme full-time, part-time or per course. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle.
Industry
By studying MSc Interpreting, you’ll have access to an ever-growing international network of employers who recognise the high standard of interpreting graduates from Heriot-Watt University.
Our industry links contribute to our SWATI Day (Starting Work as a Translator or Interpreter) for our graduate students. This is an industry-focused conference which brings together key figures from the industry to Heriot-Watt University for a day of professional guidance and networking.
You’ll be given access to exclusive internship opportunities with organisations such as the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza in Spain (IAMZ), which provides four graduate students with a proficient level of Spanish the opportunity to take up partly European exchange-funded three-month Simultaneous Interpreting placements in Spain.
Accreditation
Heriot-Watt University is a member of Conférence Internationale permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI), which is an international association of university institutes with translation and interpretation programmes. CIUTI is dedicated to excellence in the training and research of both translation and interpretation. Membership of CIUTI requires fulfilment of strict quality criteria and is a distinct seal of quality.
Program overview
Main Subject
Linguistics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
The MSc Interpreting programme is one of the most established and respected interpreting degrees of its kind in the UK and offers professional standard training in Chinese, French, German and Spanish.
Our specialist programme is designed for those who want to work as professional interpreters. During the master’s programme, you’ll develop knowledge and critical awareness of the requirements of interpreting in a range of professional contexts, including those of conference interpreting, liaison interpreting, public service interpreting and interpreting for business contexts.
You’ll learn relevant transferable communication skills, including the skills of summarising, abstracting, note-taking for interpreting purposes and public speaking. You’ll be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with other professionals in the field, including colleagues and clients. You’ll master IT skills that are relevant to the work of a professional interpreter and will be able to use specialised databases.
Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in interpreting. You’ll have the opportunity to choose one optional course – including international politics and organisations, intercultural communication in the workplace, translation technologies and subtitling. This will allow you to customise learning and development goals to your specific interpreting interests. Your dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination of a particular topic that falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies.
You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped with the professional skills and qualities necessary to become an interpreter in a variety of professional contexts. Additionally, you will develop transferable skills that will help broaden your career horizons. Beyond the subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll also be given the opportunity to learn and practice transferrable skills such as presentation, communication and ICT skills.
Expertise
You will be taught by our team of highly qualified experts from the fields of interpreting practice, linguistics, research and education.
Our academic and professional expertise helps our programme maintain its position at the forefront of industry practice and means that you’ll gain practical insights into the careers of successful interpreters on a daily basis.
Your learning environment
Our MSc Interpreting programme uses state-of-the-art language labs and interpreting booths which will provide you with the ideal setting to develop your interpretation skills to professional standards.
You’ll be given the chance to develop your skills through regular practice in our refurbished interpreting booths, which are modelled on those used by the United Nations, the European Union and the Scottish Government. You’ll also have access to 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.
The MSc Interpreting programme is taught through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, self-study, practical laboratory work and individual/group work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers, the teaching staff and academics. You’ll be assessed by oral examinations, written examinations, projects, short and long translations and a dissertation.
Additionally, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Languages Society, which holds regular social events in a welcoming environment. They encourage a safe, culturally diverse community where you can explore language and linguistics.
Customise your learning
You’ll learn from eight courses on the syllabus (seven mandatory and one optional). The optional course allows you to focus on the area of interpreting that interests you the most. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.
You’ll explore a chosen area of interpretation in-depth through your dissertation. You will be required to undertake independent research into a topic that is relevant to the practical pursuit of interpreting and falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies. You’ll present your findings of the research in an appropriate academic form.
You can choose whether to study the programme full-time, part-time or per course. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle.
Industry
By studying MSc Interpreting, you’ll have access to an ever-growing international network of employers who recognise the high standard of interpreting graduates from Heriot-Watt University.
Our industry links contribute to our SWATI Day (Starting Work as a Translator or Interpreter) for our graduate students. This is an industry-focused conference which brings together key figures from the industry to Heriot-Watt University for a day of professional guidance and networking.
You’ll be given access to exclusive internship opportunities with organisations such as the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza in Spain (IAMZ), which provides four graduate students with a proficient level of Spanish the opportunity to take up partly European exchange-funded three-month Simultaneous Interpreting placements in Spain.
Accreditation
Heriot-Watt University is a member of Conférence Internationale permanente d'Instituts Universitaires de Traducteurs et Interprètes (CIUTI), which is an international association of university institutes with translation and interpretation programmes. CIUTI is dedicated to excellence in the training and research of both translation and interpretation. Membership of CIUTI requires fulfilment of strict quality criteria and is a distinct seal of quality.
Admission requirements
Exam Scores
Important Dates
- 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 BTuition fee and scholarships
Tuition Fee
Scholarships
Domestic Students
International Students
One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.
In this guide you will find:
Where to look for scholarship opportunities
How to apply to scholarships relevant to you
A list of available scholarships around the world
A scholarship application checklist
More programs from the university
Bachelor UG
Master PG
MBA
PHD
From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt. Here are just a few of them.
A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.
Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.
We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.
A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.
Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.
Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.
Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.
School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (5)
BEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
BEng (Hons) Structural Engineering
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology)
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Human Health)
BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
BSc (Hons) Geography
BSc (Hons) Marine Biology
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment
MBiol Biology
MEng Architectural Engineering
MEng Civil Engineering
MEng Structural Engineering
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (5)
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BEng (Hons) Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
BEng (Hons) Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling and Diploma in Industrial Training
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Physics
MChem Chemistry
MEng Aerospace Engineering
MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
MEng Mechanical Engineering
MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering
MEng Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems
MEng Chemical Engineering
MPhys Physics
Master of Chemistry Chemistry with Placement
School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (5)
BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Science)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Programming)
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)
BSc (Hons) Computer Systems
BSc (Hons) Computer Systems (Games Programming)
BSc (Hons) Financial Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Games Development and Production
BSc (Hons) Mathematical Physics
BSc (Hons) Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences
BSc (Hons) Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with French
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with German
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Spanish
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics
BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science
MEng Software Engineering
MMath Mathematics
School of Social Sciences (5)
BBA (Hons) Bachelor of Business Administration
BSc (Hons) Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Marketing
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management
MA (Hons) Accountancy
MA (Hons) Accountancy and Finance
MA (Hons) Applied Modern Languages and Translating
MA (Hons) BSL and Applied Language Studies
MA (Hons) British Sign Language (Interpreting, Translating and Applied Language Studies)
MA (Hons) Business and Finance
MA (Hons) Economics
MA (Hons) Economics and Business Management
MA (Hons) Economics and Finance
MA (Hons) Finance
MA (Hons) International Business Management
MA (Hons) Marketing
MA (Hons) Modern Languages (Interpreting and Translating)
MA (Hons) Modern Languages for Business Management
MA (Hons) Modern Languages, Communication and Culture
School of Textiles and Design (5)
BA (Hons) Communication Design
BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art)
BA (Hons) Fashion
BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design
Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.
We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.
Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland.
The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university. The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.
REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.
School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (5)
MSc Advanced Structural Engineering
MSc Brewing and Distilling (online)
MSc Building Services Engineering (online)
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management
MSc Civil Engineering and Construction Management (online)
MSc Civil Engineering with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying (online)
MSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Construction Project Management
MSc Construction Project Management (online)
MSc Construction Project Management with Industry Placement (2 years)
MSc Energy (online)
MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy
MSc International Marine Science
MSc International Marine Science (online)
MSc International Marine Science (online)
MSc Marine Renewable Energy
MSc Mature Field Management
MSc Petroleum Engineering
MSc Petroleum Engineering (online)
MSc Real Estate
MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition
MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (online)
MSc Reservoir Evaluation and Management
MSc Safety and Risk Management (online)
MSc Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering (online)
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development
MSc Subsurface Energy Systems
MSc Urban Strategies and Design
Master of Architecture
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (5)
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Application
MSc Analytical Science for the Biosciences Industries
MSc Brewing and Distilling
MSc Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship
MSc Energy
MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship
MSc Food Process Engineering
MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
MSc Global Sustainability Engineering with Industrial Application (2 year)
MSc Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
MSc Robotics
MSc Robotics with Industrial Application
MSc Toxicology
School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (5)
Applied Cyber Security
Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years)
Artificial Intelligence (2 years)
Data Science (2 years)
Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences
MDes Games Design and Development
MSc Actuarial Management
MSc Actuarial Management with Data Science
MSc Actuarial Science
MSc Actuarial Science and Management
MSc Advanced Computer Science
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences
MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling
MSc Artificial Intelligence
MSc Computational Data Science
MSc Computational Mathematics and Data Analysis
MSc Computer Science for Cyber Security
MSc Computing (2 years)
MSc Data Science
MSc Information Technology (Business)
MSc Information Technology (Software Systems)
MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine
MSc Mathematics
MSc Mathematics of Sustainable Finance
MSc Network Security
MSc Software Engineering
School of Social Sciences (5)
Business Analytics and Consultancy with Advanced Practice
Digital Marketing with Advanced Practice
International Business Management with Advanced Practice
MPhil Psychology
MSc Accountancy
MSc Applied Psychology
MSc Business Analytics (online)
MSc Business Analytics and Consultancy
MSc Business Psychology
MSc Business Psychology with Coaching
MSc Business Psychology with Human Resource Management
MSc Business Psychology with Intercultural Communication
MSc Business Strategy, Leadership and Change
MSc Business and Organisational Psychology (online)
MSc Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting
MSc Digital Marketing
MSc Economics with Data Analytics
MSc Economics, Banking and Finance
MSc Energy and Economics
MSc Finance
MSc Finance and Management
MSc Financial Management (online)
MSc Human Resource Management (HRM)
MSc Intercultural Business Communication
MSc International Accounting and Finance
MSc International Banking and Finance
MSc International Business Management
MSc International Marketing
MSc International Marketing with Consumer Psychology
MSc International Master in Industrial Management (IMIM)
MSc International Sport Management
MSc Interpreting
MSc Interpreting and Translating
MSc Investment Management
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
MSc Operations Management
MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI)
MSc Social and Behavioural Research Methods
MSc Sport Psychology
MSc Strategic Project Management
MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics (Online)
MSc Sustainable Finance with Fintech
MSc Translating
Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accelerated)
School of Textiles and Design (5)
MA Digital Design and Innovation
MA Fashion and Textiles Design
MA Fashion and Textiles Design with Industry Placement
MA Interior Architecture and Design
MPhil Textile Design and Clothing Manufacture
MSc Design Management
MSc Fashion and Textiles Management
Online/Distance MBA (1)
MBA Essentials (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Business Analytics (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Business Psychology (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Finance (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (online)
MBA with a Specialism in Strategy (online)
Master of Business Administration (online)
School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (5)
PhD Construction Management and Innovation
PhD Sustainability and Carbon Management
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (5)
PhD Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering
PhD Institute of Chemical Sciences
PhD Institute of Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering
PhD Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences
School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (5)
PhD Mathematics
School of Social Sciences (5)
DBA Business Administration
PhD Accounting
PhD Economics
PhD Finance
PhD Intercultural Research
PhD Logistics
PhD Marketing
PhD Psychology
PhD Strategy, Operations and Leadership
School of Textiles and Design (5)
PhD Textile Design and Clothing Manufacture