German

German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and holds a central place in the continent's cultural, economic, and intellectual life. From the philosophy of Kant and Hegel to the literature of Goethe and Brecht, German-speaking countries have shaped global thinking across centuries, and today Germany and Austria rank among the world's most significant trading nations. Studying German at degree level means engaging seriously with language as a living system while also gaining access to an extraordinarily rich literary and cultural tradition.

At Queen Mary University of London, this four-year programme allows you to develop high-level linguistic proficiency in German alongside a deep understanding of the societies and cultures in which the language is embedded. You will study the grammar and structures of the language at an advanced level, work with literary and non-literary texts, and explore themes such as identity, history, memory, and politics through German-language sources. The programme draws on London's remarkable cultural resources, including its institutions, communities, and international connections, and you will be encouraged to engage with German-speaking culture beyond the classroom.

You will develop skills in close reading, critical analysis, and written and oral communication that are prized far beyond language study itself.

This is a four-year degree studied full time. Completing the programme at this extended length gives you the time needed to reach a sophisticated level in a complex language while exploring the wider cultural and historical contexts that give it meaning. You will graduate with genuine bilingual competence, the ability to think across cultures, and a versatile set of transferable skills.

Careers open to German graduates span a wide range of fields, including international business and finance, diplomacy and the foreign service, journalism, translation and interpreting, teaching, publishing, and roles within European institutions. Further study at postgraduate level, including translation studies, European politics, and comparative literature, is also a natural progression.