German Studies

MA (Hons) Modern Languages and Translation & Interpreting Studies (German and Spanish)

When I began my degree at the University of Aberdeen in 2022, I was fairly competent in Spanish but nevertheless had some apprehension, knowing I would have to learn another language as part of my degree. If you had told me then that four years later I would be graduating with a First-Class Honours degree, Distinction in Spoken German and Spanish, and the award for Best Extended Translation, I would never have believed you.

During my time at Aberdeen, my love for languages grew immensely, and I owe so much of that to the exceptional teaching within the Languages Department, particularly the German Department. I started my degree without knowing a single word of German, yet four years later, I have achieved a solid B2 level and spent six months living and studying in Leipzig as part of my integrated year abroad, following my first semester in Alicante, Spain. I am also now working towards C2 proficiency in Spanish, something I would never have imagined when I first arrived at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen has equipped me with far more than linguistic ability. The communication, organisational and critical thinking skills I developed throughout my degree have led me to where I am today. I am now learning my fifth language and will begin a PGCE in Modern Languages at the University of Oxford in September 2026. Looking back, choosing to study languages at Aberdeen was one of the best decisions I've made. The opportunities, support and skills I've gained have shaped both my academic journey and my future career path."

MA Accountancy and German

When I started studying German at Aberdeen, I was a complete beginner. I now work as a German-to-English translator, and I'm grateful for the foundation the degree gave me. Building my language skills from scratch via the Beginners pathway developed my critical thinking, attention to detail, and understanding of German-speaking cultures, all of which are central to my work today. During my year abroad, I had the chance to study German linguistics, which deepened my understanding of the language and continues to inform my work as a translator. My lecturers were incredibly supportive throughout my degree, and I particularly valued the chance to study literature, history and culture alongside language.”

Kirsty graduated in 2020 and works as a freelance German-to-English translator specialising in cosmetics, tourism, food & beverages, and marketing. She is a member of the German Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators, BDÜ.

MA German and Politics

I combined German with my Politics degree because I really loved languages at school. UoA's German department was always patient, careful and engaging. Their integration of German language, literature and culture ensured that we always felt immersed in our studies.

Though I moved to Scotland from England for uni, my year abroad in Germany felt like my first experience of adulthood and marked some key moments in my life. It instilled an important and lasting sense of independence as well as curiosity for me. Despite it happening in the middle of the pandemic, I still made a lot of friends and had so many exciting adventures. I massively improved my German speaking skills and developed greater confidence in my ability to live in a non-Anglophone location.

I still regularly visit Berlin, as it is now one of my favourite cities, so I practice my German every now and then with films and podcasts. I am unbelievably grateful to our German department for their hard work and support, and I feel very lucky to have learned such a fun language!”

Jan graduated in 2023 and now works in the Scottish publishing sector.

MA German and International Relations (5 years)

Enrolling in German and International Relations was one of my best decisions. Having already studied the language at school, I wanted to build on those foundations with the long-term goal of working for the EU institutions.

What stood out most was the close-knit nature of the programme. The small-group format created a real sense of community, and I was fortunate to be taught by exceptionally knowledgeable professors whose passion for language and literature was genuinely inspiring. Their encouragement motivated me to push myself and graduate with distinction in spoken German.

My year abroad in Karlsruhe was a highlight, allowing me to immerse myself in German culture daily. Through literature discussions, presentations, film screenings and translation, we interacted with German in a dynamic, engaging and never-repetitive way. Today, working in Brussels to support European innovation projects, I still draw on those skills – both professionally and personally with German-speaking colleagues and friends.”

Ivan graduated in 2022 and now works as a Programme Management Officer.

MA French and German Studies

“My name is Rossella, and I graduated in French and German Studies in 2025. I started at Aberdeen University as a beginner, and with effort, but also with the excellent support of the German Department, I was fluent by the time I graduated.

German has opened many opportunities during my studies; I won multiple scholarships, including the Santander Scholarship that allowed me to spend a month in Mainz for a summer course (twice!) and the DAAD scholarship, which offered me a one-month language course with the University of Dresden. During my year abroad, I spent three exciting months in Berlin, enhancing my translation skills and nine months in Lower Saxony, where I worked as an English Language Assistant for the British Council. Recently, the school contracted me to develop and work on a one-month project for them.

I have recently completed my PGCE, and I am ready to teach German at Ellon Academy!”