German can be studied over four years in equal combination with another subject chosen from an exceptionally large range. We offer both a post-A-level course and a Beginners' pathway.
Language study forms a core element throughout all years of the programme and is taught in small groups. We aim to help you develop a high level of competence in the four main language skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading, as well as in translation.
A foundation phase, covering the first three semesters, offers accessible introductions to the main areas of German Studies, including modern German history, politics, literature, film and linguistics. This foundational stage provides our students with the knowledge and skills to pursue these interests in greater depth in the later stages of the course, when we offer a wide range of options taught by the Department's specialist academic staff.
Further details
Programme contents year-by-year
Joint Honours combinations with German
(UCAS codes in brackets)
NB: Joint Honours programmes involving two languages are now offered as part of the BA Modern Languages programme.
Teaching methods
Our teaching methods maximise student participation. Most of your work will take place in small seminar groups of 8-12 students, in which you are encouraged to discuss ideas together. Formal lectures are confined mainly to the First Year.
An important aspect of the course is intensive oral work in all years with our Language Assistants from Germany and Austria. We are well equipped with language-learning resources, including a digital language lab, several IT clusters and satellite TV and Audio-Visual facilities, located in the purpose-built European Resource Centre.
The University Library is one of the finest in the country and its rich German collections, unusually open system of access and helpful, specialised staff will rapidly make the Library the indispensable centre of your private study.
Assessment methods
Work is assessed by a combination of formal written examinations, orals and continuous assessment. The latter method predominates in the Second Year and during the Year Abroad. You have the option in Final Year to offer a research-based dissertation on one module in place of a written examination.
Student life & accommodation
The student-run Deutscher Verein is at the heart of the Department's social life. The DV organizes film showings and a wide range of sporting and social events. It also stages an annual play performed in German. A Stammtisch at a local pub provides a regular meeting place for students of German and the many students from Germany who come to the Birmingham campus every year. The student-chaired Staff-Student Committee helps to ensure that your voice is heard in the running of the Department's affairs.
The University has several halls of residence and blocks of self-catering flats, the majority on a lake-side site near the campus. It is University policy to offer accommodation to all First Year students who firmly accept a place in the Spring before coming into residence.
In Second and Final Years, a number of students remain in halls or university flats, but others prefer to take private accommodation in the city, very often in houses shared and run jointly with friends. Birmingham offers an unusually large amount of such accommodation, most of it very close to the University. Compared with many cities, rents are very reasonable.
Further information
University Accommodation
The University Campus
About the City of Birmingham
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Joint Honours German are normally 280-320 UCAS Tariff Points, including a minimum of 260 points achieved in Year 13 from three Advanced levels or equivalent, with German at grade B or above.
If you are offering the International Baccalaureate, you will normally need 30-34 points including German at HL. Other qualifications are also considered.
For further information please contact:
Mr Robert Evans
Department of German Studies
The University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK
Tel: 0121 414 5996
Email: german@bham.ac.uk
