The School of Modern Languages aims to develop and educate its students to become ‘global citizens’. By studying German you will gain a wealth of transferable skills and knowledge beneficial to the world of employment, making you competitive and attractive in an increasingly global workforce and opening the doors to a variety of career paths.     

German is the native language of nearly 100 million people. To speak German is to be part of a vibrant cultural, economic and political world.   A recent survey by the UK's leading employers' organisation, the CBI, rated German as the language most valued by UK managers. Germany is considered to be the lynchpin of the European Union, making knowledge of the language as important in Brussels as in Berlin.

We offer German for both advanced students and beginners. The linguistic skills you acquire will give you direct access not only to contemporary society, but also German history, literature, drama, music and film.

In terms of language acquisition, this course will enable you to develop your writing, oral and aural skills through a range of learning activities, and using a variety of audio-visual materials. 

In your first year, in addition to your language tuition, an Introduction to German history and culture module seeks to provide a solid foundation for more specialised studies. From the second year onwards, you choose from a variety of optional modules that, as a supplement to German-specific topics, normally include modules on comparative literature and cultural history, as well as Business German and translation theory and practice.

Your understanding of the language will be further developed and refined during your year abroad, when you will experience life in a German-speaking country at first hand.       

In the final year, you have the opportunity to write a dissertation, which stimulates initiative, and can serve as a useful preparation for postgraduate study.

It is important to remember that studying languages is not just about the language itself. It involves exploring many aspects of a country. We aspire to offer a genuinely broad programme that offers challenging and stimulating modules covering not only history and language expertise, but also the practical skills of Business German and Translation Studies 

On completion of this four-year programme, you will have a high level of proficiency in the language, as well as a critical understanding of key aspects of German history, culture, literature, politics and contemporary society. 

Our core offerings are supplemented by a wide variety of extracurricular activities including a film series, workshops, conversation groups, and Goethe Institute language exam preparations.  The student-run German Society organises a programme of seasonal social events and trips, which presently includes an annual trip to Germany.

Distinctive features

• the option to begin your study at either beginner or advanced level (meaning an A-level in your chosen language may not be required)  
• optional modules in film, literature, history of art, politics and history
• emphasis on strengthening reading, writing, oral and aural skills through regular classwork exercises, written work, use of video and audio material, and interaction with native speakers (including Erasmus students hosted by the department)   
• core language modules delivered by native speakers
• the chance to spend your third year either studying or working in a country that predominantly operates in your chosen language of study