Introduction
German at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation, top-rated for teaching, with broad, flexible and diverse programmes covering language, literature, history and culture, with five or four-year options. You will benefit from study periods abroad and many subject combinations for which a major European language adds huge advantage in today's world.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- R201
The 4-year programme is only open to students with a Higher qualification (or equivalent) in German.
German at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation and the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment.
You will gain a solid grounding in the German language whatever your level, taught by native speakers from German and Austria and a broad understanding of culture in the German-speaking world.
You will take courses in social, historical and cultural aspects of these countries and encounter the world of German artistic expression in the form of literature, film and art, together with a deeper understanding of Germany’s complex history.
You will also enjoy many informal opportunities to practise your growing language skills and cultural familiarity through German-themed societies, events and the student drama group.
This degree is offered as a 5-year option with an integrated year abroad consisting of study or work abroad (Mode A), or a 4-year option, in which students spend their fourth semester on a university exchange abroad (Mode B). For both the programme for first and second year is identical, so you don't need to decide until the December of second year. We strongly recommend that you apply for the Mode A option.
On graduation, you have many choices. Our German graduates secure a wide range of challenging jobs in the UK and abroad and recent graduates are working in industry, politics, EU administration, local government and teaching, while others have gone on to further study in the UK or abroad.
In Aberdeen, you will thrive in our friendly and dynamic international community, on our beautiful campus with great facilities for learning, sports and leisure and the many opportunities to develop extra skills and interests and to gain the competitive advantage for whichever career path you choose.
What You'll Study
At Aberdeen, you will have the opportunity to study the political, social and cultural matters of German-speaking countries. You will develop advanced communication skills that will help you prepare for careers in a wide variety of industries. Throughout the programme, you will study topics such as modern German culture, national socialism, film and text, and travel and tourism in German literature.
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
Advanced - for post-Higher candidates and those who have studied German for more than 4 years
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
-
This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- German Language 1 (GM1050)
-
15 Credit Points
This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course.
- German Language 2 (GM1550)
-
15 Credit Points
This module is designed for students with an SCE H in German or equivalent. The course develops receptive and productive oral and written German language skills. Students who are considering applying for entry to German Honours must take this course. The course builds on GM1050.
Optional Courses
Select ONE OR BOTH of the following:
- Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052) AND/OR Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
Plus further credit points from courses of choice to reach 120 credit points.
- Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about German 20th-century literature, dealing with the events that shaped German and European history. As in all good literature, we will discuss universal themes and topics covering all of the most important aspects of modern life.
- Modern German Culture 2 (GM1556)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about modern German history, culture and literature while also extending your skills in reading German texts.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
Second half session is to be spent in a German-speaking country.
- German Language 3 (GM2042)
-
15 Credit Points
This level two language course will build on and extend students' fluency and written skills in German.
- Modern German Culture 3 (GM2043)
-
15 Credit Points
Learn more about modern German history and culture while also extending your skills in reading German texts.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- German Junior Honours Language Study (GM3069)
-
15 Credit Points
This junior honours language course will build on and extend students' written skills and fluency in German.
Optional Courses
Select 210 credit points from level 3 and 4 courses in German are required across levels 3 and 4. Any credits from outwith the programme must be from level 3 or 4 modules
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- German Language Study for Senior Honours (GM4099)
-
30 Credit Points
Building on the skills gained during the Junior Honours language course and before, this module expands and refines German language expertise in writing, reading, speaking and listening, to an advanced level, for their final exit written and oral exam in German.
- Dissertation in German (GM4558)
-
30 Credit Points
Students engage in their first larger project of independent research. The dissertation is to be written in German and followed by a 20 minute Viva.
Optional Courses
210 credit points from level 3 and 4 courses in German are required across levels 3 and 4. A graduating curriculum must include 90 credit points at level 4.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Teaching is generally in small groups (seminars/tutorials), especially at Honours level. Assessment is by a mixture of continuous assessment and oral and written examination.
Learning Methods
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study German Studies?
- The highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment.
- A vibrant international community on campus and across the region, with many German-speaking students, staff and activities.
- Student-run German Society open to all students interested in German and the German-speaking countries, organising drama performances and other events with a German flavour, such as Kaffee and Kuchen, a German Stammtisch, film and video showings and visits by German-speaking guest lecturers and writers.
- The German Drama Group, a great opportunity to meet German students studying in Aberdeen, producing an annual play which puts widening language skills to the test, include in previous years works of 20th century dramatists Dürrenmatt, Borchert and Horváth.
- Your period abroad as a language assistant, visiting student or work placement in a German-speaking country: Aberdeen has official exchange scholarships with the Universities of Zurich, Kiel and Greifswald, and also participates in Erasmus networks. with Erasmus partner locations including Leipzig, Cologne, Bonn, Trier and Graz in Austria.
- The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with fabulous study facilities, state-of-the-art technology and an extensive German collection.
- A packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the popular annual May Festival which welcomes international figures, experts, authors and scientists to campus every spring, with an increasingly European flavour.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2023 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Financial support for your study year abroad
We provide funding to students starting in 2021/22 on degrees with a compulsory period abroad at the same level as the Turing funding. This financial support can be used towards rent in your new city overseas, general living costs, or travelling to see more of your new home country. Students going abroad will continue to pay their normal rate of tuition fees with no increased charges or need to change tuition fee arrangements to the host university. For a full overview of how the tuition fees work, you can check this helpful funding table on our website.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
The German department at Aberdeen places a strong emphasis on applied learning and produces graduates valued for their subject knowledge. The language and other transferable skills that you will learn on this programme will help you meet the requirements of top employers. German graduates from Aberdeen have an excellent employment record and our previous students have gone on to make direct use of their language skills in careers like teaching, travel and tourism. Others use the communication, analytical and evaluation skills that they have learned in a variety of related industries.
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
World Class Facilities
Based at the University's School of Language and Literature, you will have access to a wide range of resources that will help you throughout the programme. The University Library has a range of German holdings and you will benefit from having access to several specialist research centres, including the University's Language Centre, where you can advance your listening and speaking skills.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX