German
German is one of Europe's most significant languages, spoken by over ninety million people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and as an important minority language across central and eastern Europe. It is the language of a philosophical, literary, musical and intellectual tradition of extraordinary depth and influence, from Kant and Goethe through Nietzsche, Freud and Thomas Mann to the vibrant contemporary cultural life of the German-speaking world. Studying German at a high level opens not just a language but a whole way of engaging with ideas, culture, history and the societies that have shaped modern Europe.
At the University of St Andrews this four-year, full-time MA (Hons) programme develops your German to a high level of proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and listening, moving through grammar and translation toward advanced engagement with authentic texts and contemporary spoken language. You will explore the rich cultural heritage of the German-speaking lands through a broad range of course options in literature, film, history, cultural theory and contemporary society, following the particular interests and questions that draw you to the subject. The programme includes a year abroad, which is an essential and transformative part of any language degree, giving you the opportunity to live and study in a German-speaking environment and to develop fluency and cultural understanding that cannot be acquired in a classroom.
German graduates are valued across many professional sectors for their language skills, analytical ability and cultural intelligence. Careers include translation and interpreting, diplomacy and the foreign office, international business and trade, finance, law, journalism, broadcasting, education, publishing, the civil service and international organisations. Germany's position as Europe's largest economy means that German-language capability is a genuine professional differentiator in many commercial and governmental contexts.
Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in German, European studies, linguistics, international relations or a related field.