German Studies and Geography
Entry requirements
A level
A level Geography is recommended, or alternatively one of the following subjects: Anthropology, Classics, Economics, English Literature, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, World Development. A level German, or if this is to be studied from beginners’ level, AS grade B or A level grade B in another foreign language, or GCSE grade A in a foreign language. Native German speakers will not be accepted on this scheme.
Access to HE Diploma
In a related subject but may additionally require a supporting A level in Geography or alternative cognate subject at grade B. We further require appropriate evidence of language ability. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Including 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects, Geography or alternative cognate subject at HL grade 6 and appropriate evidence of language ability.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
In a related subject but may additionally require a supporting A level in Geography or alternative cognate subject at grade B. We further require appropriate evidence of language ability. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
Gain an in-depth understanding of the German language, culture and society, while developing your geographical skills, learning from world-renowned lecturers and taking part in exciting international fieldtrips.
This exciting programme will allow you to gain a detailed understanding of geography, while giving you the skills and knowledge to engage with the discipline in preparation for a placement year overseas in a German speaking country. During the four years, you will be able to draw on expertise from two specialist departments: Languages and Cultures; and Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC).
Situated between the idyllic rural settings of the north and the bustling cities of Liverpool and Manchester, Lancaster’s location enables us to explore some of the most unique areas of geographic interest in the UK. You will gain a wealth of hands-on experience with field trips to places such as the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbrian coast and Lake District, as well as international locations such as Croatia.
You will develop a fundamental understanding of human geography in your first year Geography modules. These modules equip you with a well-rounded introduction to some of the key themes in geography, as well as providing you with the skills used by geographers to analyse problems in both the human and physical aspects of the discipline. In addition, you will take language classes, determined by your current level of ability. These are taught by native speakers and will ensure you have a solid grasp of the written and spoken language.
Specialisation begins in second year, enabling you to choose topics that match your particular interests. Core modules will focus on practical work, equipping you with a range of analytical and research skills, while optional modules feature cultural and political geography. You will also benefit from specialist German modules, which will develop your communication skills further and broaden your social, political and cultural understanding of Germany.
Additionally, you will also take a specialist module that will prepare you for your year abroad. This module will allow you to select what activities you will take part in, explain the British Council English Language Assistantship scheme, and introduce you to academia and work overseas. You will also gain valuable employability skills, as well as advice on welfare and wellbeing.
You will spend your third year working or at one of our partner institutions in a German speaking country, where you will practise and develop your language abilities, while continuing to enhance your geographical skills and knowledge. This year, you will analyse the social, cultural, political and economic issues related to the area, complementing both your German and geography studies.
Returning to Lancaster for your fourth year, you will undertake an extended essay, guided by your academic supervisor, which offers a chance to investigate, in depth, a topic of your choice related to both aspects of your joint degree. While completing the essay, you will use the key research, analytical and academic writing skills you have learnt throughout your degree.
You will also be offered further optional module choices, which could include the study of Global Consumption, Urban Infrastructure in a Changing World, and the Geographies of Health, and there will be fieldwork opportunities in locations such as Croatia.
In addition to your subject knowledge, you will gain communication and IT skills, and will become familiar with data handling and environmental sampling and analysis.
**Beginners Languages**
Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.
The Uni
Lancaster University
Languages and Cultures
What students say
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German and scandinavian studies
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After graduation
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German and scandinavian studies
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This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
It's often said the UK doesn't produce enough modern language graduates, and graduates from German courses have a lot of options available to them when they complete their courses. The unemployment rates last year was lower than graduates in general. Nearly a quarter of working graduates from 2015 got jobs outside the UK — mostly as English teachers — which is much higher than for most subjects. The relative strength of the German economy means there will continue to be opportunities there in the future. But more graduates went to work in London, and those who want to stay at home to work find jobs anywhere where good communication skills are a must, particularly in education, in marketing, in the arts and in business and finance as teachers, writers, personnel officers, financial advisors, analysts, sales people and marketers.. But remember — whilst employers say they rate graduates who have more than one language, you need to have them as part of a whole package of good skills.
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
German and scandinavian studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
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