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German MA (Honours) 2024 entry

As an MA (Hons) student of German, you will develop language and communications skills to a high level of proficiency. By studying German at St Andrews, you can follow your own particular interests by choosing from a broad range of course options that reflect and explore the rich cultural heritage of the German-speaking lands, including: 

  • medieval studies 
  • film, television and visual culture 
  • intellectual history 
  • literature and society from the 18th century to the present day. 

The MA (Hons) in German uses a specially designed language teaching programme to support both students who have already studied German as a main subject at school and beginners. 

UCAS code
R220
Start date
September 2024
End date
September 2028
Duration
Four years full time
School
School of Modern Languages
“I love the wide range of modules available within the German department ranging from medieval Germany to contemporary German film. All of the modules are taught in small and friendly classes which allow me to gain a great deal from every session through interaction with other students and the staff. There’s always something new to learn and I always look forward to going to class.”
A girl in sunglasses in front of a river in Leinz
Eleanor
- Lancashire, England

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject-specific entry requirements as outlined on their pages.

  • Standard entry grades:
    AAAB
    Minimum entry grades:
    AABB
    Gateway entry grades:
    Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.
  • Standard entry grades:
    AAB
    Minimum entry grades:
    ABB
  • Standard entry grades:
    36 (HL 6,6,5)
    Minimum entry grades:
    36 (HL 6,5,5)

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

  • SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing science
    • Geography
    • Lifeskills Mathematics (A grade)
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.
  • GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computing Science
    • Geography
    • Mathematics
    • Physics
    • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

No prior knowledge of German is necessary. Modules are not designed for native speakers.

Alternative study options

Students interested in this course may also be interested in the following:

Integrated year abroad

Students may choose to spend an additional year working or studying in a German-speaking country. Find out more about the integrated year abroad for this course.

Study abroad

Students studying German can apply to participate in the University-wide St Andrews Abroad programme. You may also have the opportunity to participate in the School Abroad exchange programme. For information about study abroad options, please see the study abroad site.

Working abroad

Completing a work placement abroad is a good opportunity to gain work experience in another culture or language and to enhance valuable skill sets. As part of specific degree programmes in modern languages, you may apply to undertake a work placement abroad for credit.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. Find out more about approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

The MA (Hons) in German is a four-year course run by the School of Modern Languages. The course is available to both students who are beginners in German and to more advanced students who have studied German to A-Level, SQA Higher or equivalent. 

In the first two years, students will take modules which complement their level of German entering the degree. Students of all levels will build on existing skills in German and are offered a broad view of German literature and culture. 

Alongside German, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year, you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two. Find out more about how academic years are organised. 

During your third year, you have the opportunity to study at one of the University’s partner institutions in a German-speaking country. In this case, study undertaken in another country replaces equivalent study in St Andrews. Studying abroad is optional. You may also choose to spend an integrated year abroad working or studying in a German-speaking country and return for two Honours years.  

In your Honours years, you will take modules focused on communication skills and can choose to specialise in a number of areas such as German literature and culture from earlier periods to the present day, and on German intellectual history and thought. 

Graduates in Modern Languages from St Andrews can expect to have not only a high level of competency in language skills, but a highly developed appreciation for other cultures and peoples as well as a more critical understanding of their own perspectives and cultures. Other transferable skills, including analysis, synthesis and communication skills, will prepare you for a career in almost any industry. 

The University of St Andrews operates on a flexible modular degree system by which degrees are obtained through the accumulation of credits. More information on the structure of the modules system can be found on the flexible degree structure web page.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours), you will take the required modules in German along with modules in at least one additional subject. 

Typically, you will take three modules per semester during your first two years, and three or four modules per semester during your third and fourth year (known as Honours). 

Two different types of modules are offered in first year: 

  • intensive foundation courses for beginners or students with an SQA National 5 or GCSE in German 
  • advanced language and literature courses for those with higher entrance qualifications such as an SQA Higher or GCE A-level.  

Students who are beginners or who have studied German to National 5 or GCSE-level are required to take the following compulsory modules in their first year: 

  • First Level German B 1: provides the first half of an intensive language programme for beginners and those with a National 5 or GCSE. 
  • First Level German B 2: provides the second half of the intensive language course for beginners and those with a National 5 or GCSE, as well as an introduction to German literature and culture. 

Students who have an SQA Higher or a GCE A-level in German are required to take the following compulsory modules in first year: 

  • First Level German A 1: lays the foundation for study of German language, literature and culture at university level. 
  • First Level German A 2: builds on the foundation study of German language and literature in First Level German A 1. 

First-year literature and culture teaching will focus on The Making of Today’s Germany and Austria 1945 to the Present, and will foreground a diverse range of perspectives on post-war and contemporary German-speaking Europe. 

Students coming from first year beginners’ modules have their own intensive language courses. Non-language elements are integrated at this level: ex-beginners and ex-advanced students jointly extend their studies of German culture including modern and medieval literature. 

  • The Age of Goethe 
  • Unification to the First World War 
  • Medieval German Language and Literature 
  • Weimar Republic: 1918-1933 

In your third and fourth years, you will choose from a variety of advanced options which incorporate literary, historical and cultural studies into language learning. Students of all language levels take the same core modules in German language, including advanced oral, writing and communication skills. Modules at Honours level include (but are not limited to): 

  • Masculinities in Contemporary German Film, TV and Literature 
  • Medieval Things 
  • Shakespeare: The German Catalyst 
  • The Nazi Past in German Cultural Memory 
  • Writing Nature: German Environmental Thought (1800 - 2000). 

In fourth year, students have the option (subject to approval) of undertaking a dissertation of up to 10,000 words, written in English, on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees. 

The compulsory modules listed here must be taken in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above. A full list of all modules appropriate to the programme for the current academic year can be found in the programme requirements.

Teaching

All modern language modules involve a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical language classes. Lectures provide information, stimulate thought, and suggest directions for further reading and personal study. Small language tutorials allow you to actively work together with your tutors to practice language skills, present papers, and discuss texts and issues relevant to the course. 

Sub-honours German modules are delivered through lectures (typically 20 to 40 students), seminars (typically 10 students), language classes and oral classes. 

At Honours level, you will attend small seminars and language classes (typically 10 to 18 students). 

When not attending lectures, seminars and language classes, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve: 

  • working on individual and group projects 
  • undertaking research in the library 
  • preparing coursework assignments and presentations 
  • preparing for examinations. 

Modules in German are assessed by a combination of coursework and end-of-semester examinations, with the balance varying between modules. 

Coursework can include: 

  • advanced language exercises 
  • discursive essays 
  • oral presentations 
  • other creative or research-based tasks. 

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand. Examinations are either entirely in written format or comprise both written and oral components. 

Tutors advise you closely on the preparation of written work and give individual assessments of your performance. 

The Department aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments. 

Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module. To gain access to Honours-level modules, students must achieve the relevant requisites as specified in the policy on entry to Honours and in the relevant programme requirements. To find out the classification equivalent of points, please see the common reporting scale.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team with expertise and knowledge of the German language. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of language classes and seminars under the supervision of the module leader.  

You can find contact information for all German staff on the School of Modern Languages website. 

The University’s Student Services team can help students with additional needs resulting from disabilities, long-term medical conditions or learning disabilities. More information can be found on the students with disabilities web page.

Fees

Scotland
£1,820

England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
£9,250

Channel Islands, Isle of Man
£9,250

EU and overseas
£30,160

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Joint Honours degrees

You can also take German as part of a joint Honours degree in which you will take core modules of your chosen subjects.

Course name UCAS code
Master of Arts (Honours) Ancient History and GermanRVG1
Master of Arts (Honours) Ancient History and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVF1
Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and GermanRT26
Master of Arts (Honours) Arabic and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)RTF6
Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and GermanRV23
Master of Arts (Honours) Art History and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVF3
Master of Arts (Honours) Biblical Studies and GermanRV26
Master of Arts (Honours) Biblical Studies and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVFP
Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and GermanCH07
Master of Arts (Honours) Chinese Studies and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)CW07
Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and GermanQR22
Master of Arts (Honours) Comparative Literature and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)QR2F
Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and GermanLR12
Master of Arts (Honours) Economics and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)LRC2
Master of Arts (Honours) English and GermanQR32
Master of Arts (Honours) English and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)QRH2
Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and GermanPR32
Master of Arts (Honours) Film Studies and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)PR3F
Master of Arts (Honours) French and GermanRR12
Master of Arts (Honours) French and German (With Integrated Year Abroad)RRC2
Master of Arts (Honours) German and International RelationsLR22
Master of Arts (Honours) German and International Relations (With Integrated Year Abroad)LRF2
Master of Arts (Honours) German and ItalianRR23
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Italian (With Integrated Year Abroad)RR32
Master of Arts (Honours) German and ManagementNR22
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Management (With Integrated Year Abroad)NRF2
Master of Arts (Honours) German and MathematicsR2G1
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Mathematics (With Integrated Year Abroad)GR21
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Medieval HistoryRV2C
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Medieval History (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVFC
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Middle East StudiesTRP2
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Middle East Studies (With Integrated Year Abroad)TR62
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Modern HistoryRV21
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Modern History (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVGC
Master of Arts (Honours) German and PersianR2T6
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Persian (With Integrated Year Abroad)R26T
Master of Arts (Honours) German and PhilosophyRV25
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Philosophy (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVF5
Master of Arts (Honours) German and PsychologyCR82
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Psychology (With Integrated Year Abroad)CR8F
Master of Arts (Honours) German and RussianRR27
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Russian (With Integrated Year Abroad)RRF7
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Social AnthropologyLR62
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Social Anthropology (With Integrated Year Abroad)RL26
Master of Arts (Honours) German and SpanishRR24
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Spanish (With Integrated Year Abroad)RRF4
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Sustainable DevelopmentF888
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Sustainable Development (With Integrated Year Abroad)F884
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Theological StudiesRVG6
Master of Arts (Honours) German and Theological Studies (With Integrated Year Abroad)RVF6

Joint subject degree exception

German and Management MAhas specific conditions attached.

Triple subject degree options

It is also possible to take German as part of a Modern Languages Honours degree including either three modern languages or two modern languages and one additional subject. Find out more about the German MA triple subject combinations

German and Management has specific conditions.

"With" degrees

You can take German as part of a "with" Honours degree in which the majority of the course deals with the first name subject. St Andrews offers the following "with" degrees in German:

  • Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with German (With Integrated Year Abroad) - UCAS code L1RF
  • Master of Arts (Honours) Economics with German - UCAS code L1R2

"With" degrees taken with German are also available 'With Integrated Year Abroad'.

Careers

Modern Languages graduates have an extremely good record of employment after graduating, not only in all sectors that require advanced language skills but also in professional environments that demand good communication and analytical skills. 
Employers value language graduates because they demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and intercultural skills. 

Many graduates whether in the UK, in Germany, Austria or elsewhere, go on to: 

  • specialise in translation and interpreting services, in language teaching, journalism or other sector-specific careers 
  • join international institutions, charities and enterprises, working in international development departments, human resources, administration, media and communication jobs 
  • start a career in the banking and financial sector 
  • join the civil service, particularly in positions within the Foreign Office 
  • continue to study at postgraduate level across a range of academic and vocational subjects. 

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Undergraduate visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online or in-person visiting days.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 3663
Email
germanhod@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
Department of German
Buchanan Building
Union Street
St Andrews
KY16 9PH

Department of German website

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