German

German at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, having been rated 'Excellent' (the highest possible rating) in the most recent national Teaching Quality Assessment.

Why Aberdeen?

• The University Library has extensive German holdings, and a range of resources of the Language Centre.
• The Department takes a multi-disciplinary approach with courses covering German film and visual culture, gender studies, literature and history.
• Courses focus on Austria and Switzerland as well as Germany.
• A small, friendly department with a flourishing German Club and a Drama Group that puts on an annual play in German.

Programmes

Study Abroad

All students taking an Honours course in German are required to spend at least half an academic session in a German-speaking country. Aberdeen has official exchange scholarships with the Universities of Zurich, Kiel and Greifswald, and also participates in ERASMUS networks. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards scholarships on a competitive basis.

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. There is an Honours degree and a Designated degree in German. The length of the programme is normally 5 years, which includes spending up to a year in a German-speaking country.  

First and Second Year

German for Beginners provides an intensive introduction to the German language for students with no previous knowledge of German, or with qualifications beneath Higher or A Level standard. This course may be taken alone or in combination with courses on social, political and cultural aspects of the German-speaking countries. Students who successfully complete this course may proceed to level 2 courses and thereafter to Honours.

For students with a Higher or A-Level qualification in German, German Language courses deal with advanced aspects of German grammar and vocabulary, designed to improve students’ command of both written and spoken German. Courses on Modern German Culture provide lectures on political, social, and cultural matters of the German-speaking countries in the twentieth century, together with the study of modern German texts.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

Level 3 and 4 courses offer students considerable flexibility in choosing a programme from a variety of modules. Courses Currently on offer include: Berlin, City of the Twentieth Century; Images of Childhood in German Literature; The 20^th Century German Novel; National Socialism; Film and Text; VIENNA 1900; Travel and Tourism in German Literature; and many more. 

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is generally in small groups (seminars/tutorials), especially for language classes. Assessment is by a mixture of continuous assessment and oral and written examination. Students have approximately four hours of taught classes per week in first year. This rises to approximately 10-12 hours per week for Single Honours students in third and fourth year.

Careers

The Department produces graduates valued for their subject knowledge, including an excellent command of spoken and written German and also for the transferable skills that a degree in German from Aberdeen offers. Aberdeen German graduates have an excellent employment record.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in German.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 15 points HL*
ILC - BBB*

*There is no formal requirement for entry to the German beginners' course. A pass in German at SQA Higher, GCE A Level or equivalent is necessary for entry to the German non-beginners course.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide