Why German?
‘Deutschland – Land der Dichter und Denker.’ Studying German will enable you to appreciate German culture as part of the world heritage. With a good knowledge of German you could also access courses at Germany’s excellent universities, and work for a globally recognised German company like Siemens, Volkswagen or Adidas. Finally, you will develop transferable skills and enhance your language learning strategies.
Some of our students have chosen to study German or a wide range of subjects with German at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, or indeed abroad. Students go on to have successful careers in fields such as banking, accountancy, law, and teaching.
The department is equipped with a modern language laboratory; we also have a native language assistant who conducts speaking practice. Students will have many opportunities to engage with the language, including a possible study trip to Berlin and theatre and cinema trips in London.
Course content
In year one, aspects of the social context are studied, including the changing nature of the family, and the digital world, together with highlights of artistic culture in the German-speaking world, including festivals, art, and cultural life in Berlin. In the second year, topics include multiculturalism, and aspects of political life, including Germany and the EU, politics and youth, and German reunification. You will also study in depth a literary text and a film. Finally, you will have the opportunity to undertake an individual research project and explore a key question of personal interest.
Mark scheme
Exam - 2 hours 30 mins - 50%
Listening, reading and writing - 100 marks
- Listening and reading tasks
- 2 translations, one into English,
and one into German
Exam - 2 hours - 20%
Writing - 80 marks
- 2 essays, one on the set literary
text, and one on the set film
Oral Exam - 21–23 mins - 30%
Speaking - 60 marks
- A discussion based on a stimulus
card, and a presentation and
discussion of the individual
research project