BA German Studies

BA German Studies is open to complete German language beginners (ab initio) and post-A-level standard German speakers.

In addition to the language component, this course integrates various subjects, including linguistics, and a wide range of German-language cultural and historical sources. Using these materials enhances not only your linguistic skills but also deepens your understanding of German-speaking societies and their histories.

Specialisms in German include historical and contemporary linguistics, literary studies, screen studies, gender and sexuality, modern cultural history, minority cultures and Holocaust studies.

In the third year, you'll spend time in a German-speaking country. You can opt for a work placement, teach English in schools through the British Council's assistantship program, or study at our prestigious partner institutions in Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Leipzig, Basel, Innsbruck, and Vienna.

Our teaching has been praised in both the Teaching Quality Assessment and by external examiners. It is supported by an innovative Independent Language Learning Programme, encouraging you to take charge of your own learning journey.

You will also benefit from our strong links with the Goethe Institute and the Austrian Cultural Forum, which sponsor a varied programme of cultural events.

The course unit details listed below represent the optional units available for selection.

Please note that these options are subject to change and reflect the current curriculum offering. While language units may appear as optional, they are mandatory components of your modern languages degree. You will take the units relevant to your level of language in each year of study and it is compulsory to study language at all levels of your modern languages degree.

• Provide you with a comprehensive grounding in the German language.
• Deepen your understanding of German culture, linguistics, history and literature.
• Equip you with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in a German-speaking environment.

Residence abroad

You have the opportunity to spend up to a year studying and/or working in a country or countries where your chosen language(s) are spoken, enhancing your communicative skills in an immersive, native-speaking environment.

Collaborations and partnerships

The University has links with language and cultural institutions across the city, including:

• Instituto Cervantes - a centre for Spanish culture;
• HOME - international and contemporary art, theatre and film;
• Manchester China Institute - promoting mutual understanding in UK-China relations through research, teaching, and activities;
• Alliance Française - home of French language and culture.

Societies

Within the University, you'll discover over 30 international and language-focused student societies . These offer a breadth of cultural activities and experiences, creating a diverse and engaging community.

You'll learn through a mixture of formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, spending approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions. 

For every hour of university study, you will be expected to complete a further 2-3 hours of independent study.

You will also need to study during the holiday periods. 

The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, revising for examinations or working in the University's Language Centre.

You will be assessed in various ways, including:  

• written and oral examinations; 
• presentations; 
• coursework (which may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research); 
• in your final year, a dissertation based on a research topic of your choice.  

Assessment methods vary from course unit to course unit - see individual course unit listings for more information.

The University Language Centre is home to many language resources, including a new interpreting suite, purpose-built recording rooms, and resources for more than 70 languages.  

The Centre also offers multilingual word processing, language learning software, off-air recording and AV duplication, multilingual terrestrial and satellite TV, and extensive support and advice for learners.  

Learn more at facilities.