Our MSc Chinese-English Translation and Interpreting programme at Heriot-Watt University is a dual-focus masters degree that will prepare you for an exciting, international career as a professional translator and interpreter working between Chinese and English languages.

Our specialist programme will allow you to develop the necessary balance of theoretical knowledge and professional language skills, with options to study intercultural communication or international politics and organisations alongside your translation and interpreting courses.

During the masters programme, you will gain a critical understanding of Translation and Interpreting Studies theories and concepts and their application to the processes of translating and interpreting between Chinese and English. You will develop analytical skills using theoretical concepts applied to practical problems of translating and interpreting between two languages and cultures to professional standards.

Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills. In addition to the core courses in Translation and Conference Interpreting, you can choose one optional course – including International Politics and Organisations, Intercultural Communication in the Workplace, Liaison and Public Service Interpreting, Translation Technologies and Subtitling. This will allow you to customise your learning and develop specific interpreting and translation interests. Your translation and interpretation dissertation will consist of an independent in-depth critical examination of a particular topic that falls within the scope of Translation and Interpreting Studies, which is of interest to you.

You will benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, with lifelong career opportunities after graduation. The masters programme will provide the transferable skills and qualities necessary to build a successful career in a variety of professional settings where Chinese language and intercultural knowledge is in demand. Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers as interpreters and translators but many have also gone on to be project managers, copywriters, editors, media specialists and educators. Beyond the subject-specific knowledge and skills, you will learn and practice transferrable skills such as presentation, communication, analytical and ICT skills.

We were ranked 2nd in Scotland and 8th in the UK for Modern Languages in the National Student Survey 2020. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

You will be taught by our team of experienced translation and interpreting practitioners, who possess the most up-to-date knowledge of the profession and maintain strong connections with industry to provide you with a curriculum rooted in current industry practices.

Our teaching team also includes leading researchers in the fields of translation, interpreting, and intercultural communication. Our specialised areas include medical interpreting, police interpreting, subtitling, translation ethics, machine translation, and literature and culture translation.

The professional and research relevance of this postgraduate program ensures that your studies remain cutting-edge and industry-focused, offering practical insights into the careers of successful interpreters and translators.