German Studies and English Language

This joint degree provides you with a solid grounding in the core mechanics and usage of language, and will enable you to write and speak confidently in German.

Join our friendly and dynamic Department of Modern Languages and European Studies and study in a lively, multilingual community with staff and students from all over the world. You will master the fundamental elements of the language, to the point where you will graduate with a near-native command of it. Our small language classes, led by native speakers, and direct access to expert staff for help and feedback ensures you develop your language skills to the best of your ability.

In addition to language, the German side of the degree offers optional modules with a particular focus on modern Germany, including current developments in German society. Through the study of a wide range of topics in history, film, literature and linguistics you will gain a deep understanding of German culture, including the profound impact of the unification of East and West Germany in 1989. 98% of our research overall in modern languages and linguistics is rated as world leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (Research Excellence Framework, 2014), which feeds directly into your learning.

You will also be able to pursue your own interests beyond the language you're learning through a wide range of comparative modules. If you really enjoy German cinema, for example, then you can opt to take modules in European and World cinema and gain an even broader knowledge of the medium.

Our Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has been a leader in the field for 50 years. In English language, you will analyse language, its use in different social contexts and settings, on and off line, and how it is acquired and used by children and adults. During the degree you will develop your knowledge of grammar and phonetics in order to become a highly skilled user and analyst of the English language. Our method of applying the theory you learn to real-life situations will help you to understand that theory – and also show how the subject is directly relevant to many key issues in twenty-first-century society and the workplace.

An integral part of the course is the opportunity for you to spend up to a year in a German-speaking country, either studying at a partner institution through the Erasmus+ programme, undertaking a work placement or working as a British Council language teaching assistant. It allows you to directly immerse yourself in the culture and considerably develop your knowledge of German at the same time. The core language module in the second year will prepare you for your time abroad, equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to work and live in a different culture.

We provide accelerated learning in German, meaning that you can start at intermediate level if you have only learnt it up to GCSE or AS level. Regardless of which level you join the course at, all students achieve the same standard of written and spoken German by the final year. Please check the entry requirements for more details on entry points.

**Careers**

By the time you graduate, you will be able to write and speak confidently in German, an immensely useful skill to have given that there is currently a great shortage of well-qualified linguists in the UK. As such, 98% of graduates from the Department of Modern Languages and European Studies are in work or further study six months after graduating (DLHE survey, 2015-16).

You will also develop transferable skills in analysis of language data, problem solving, team working and presentation skills. Our graduates have an excellent record of gaining employment or progressing to further study. Many go on to put their linguistic skills to practical use by working for companies with a German connection. Recent graduates have gained employment with Sony Europe, the Civil Service, Oxford University Press, Dow Jones and PwC.