German

With the closer integration of Europe, the importance of German - the most widely spoken language in the European Union - has never been greater. Our German Department has an impressive reputation for teaching and research. You will follow a curriculum designed to introduce you to many aspects of German studies. As well as following a structured language teaching course, you will study literature, history, thought, politics, linguistics and culture. The degree provides a wide range of options that allow you to pursue your own interests.

German courses

Single honours

BA German (R200)

Joint honours

Why study German at Bristol?

Germany is the UK's biggest European trading partner; some 1,000 British firms have German subsidiaries; and British political and cultural history is closely intertwined with that of Germany. Germany remains central to the European economy, guaranteeing high demand for the increasingly rare commodity of advanced fluency in the German language and familiarity with the diverse nature of the culture, history, politics and lifestyle of the German-speaking world.

You can study German as Single Honours, or if you have no prior knowledge of German it can be studied from beginner's level as part of a Joint Honours degree with another language or subject, including an intensive language course in the first year. All German degrees last four years and include a period of residence abroad during the third year in a German-speaking country. You can also study part-time, over six or seven years, including a period of residence abroad.

Our units are taught via discussion groups, seminars and lectures. All applicants should demonstrate a proven capacity for language learning. For Joint Honours, this usually includes an A-level at grade B or higher in one of the languages to be studied; for degrees involving French, French A-level at grade B or higher is always required

What kind of student would this course suit?

The German courses at Bristol will suit you if you have an enquiring mind, a love of language and a passion for exploring the culture of another country and society. Studying a modern language in the context of its speakers’ history, literature, experience and outlooks opens horizons and challenges preconceptions, including about one’s own language and country. German at Bristol aims to ensure that you achieve mastery of the language, but also to develop your skills of investigation and analysis which can be deployed in a range of graduate employment opportunities.

The Bristol German department has always been a close community with an active student society and extra-curricular events. You can expect an equally personal approach from your tutors who help you plan your work and review your progress. The year abroad is a particular opportunity for you if you would relish the challenge and enjoy the satisfaction of living in a different language and culture.

How is this course taught and assessed?

In addition to a central language teaching programme, in the first year you will follow a course designed to introduce you to a range of disciplines. We offer a broad range of options in later years, so that you can find a pathway through the course which suits your personal interests. In the final year there is the opportunity to pursue an independent study option. A small part of our course is delivered in lecture format, but all of the language teaching and most of the other elements take the form of seminar-style classes. Classroom teaching is supported by the provision of online learning resources.

Language work is assessed by a regular programme of exercises and written and oral exams. Other elements of the course may be assessed by essays, projects or exams. Some courses include student presentations. Many courses enable you to agree essay or presentation titles with the tutor so that the assessment is geared to pursuing research into your own interests.

What are my career prospects?

Many German language graduates want the opportunity to use their language after graduation and a high proportion either immediately or soon afterwards find employment in jobs where their languages are advantageous. A significant number of our graduates even return to Germany to live and work. In this era of the global economy, mastery of a foreign language is an asset in many jobs, including the EU, finance, consultancy, publishing, Civil Service, marketing, travel and tourism.