More people speak German as their first language than any other in Europe and, worldwide, it is the third most popular language to learn.
This flexible programme gives you the opportunity to study German while developing your social scientific understanding of language.
German and Linguistics make an excellent joint honours choice by combining the study of:
a modern language in its cultural context
the expression and creation of meaning
On our programme, Linguistics options of particular relevance to language students cover:
sociolinguistics - the relationship between language and society
variation in the languages of the world
first and second languages acquisition
Global Englishes
German
Across all four years of our programme, your studies will give you the chance to gain professional skills in all aspects of German, including:
reading and listening
writing and translating
speaking and presenting
As well as language learning, you will also explore German-language literature, film and theatre. You will study these in the context of historical and political developments, from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.
On this programme, you will take one of the following as your first language course:
German 1A - for beginners or those with limited experience of learning the language
German 1B - for students with a high level of competency in German
By your final year, you will have developed linguistic, critical and analytical skills to the standard of completing a dissertation or long essay.
Linguistics
Linguistics examines how language works, describing how sounds, words, sentences and conversations combine to express and create meaning.
You will also study different aspects of language, including:
its uses in everyday life
how language use varies across society and evolves over time
how it is mastered by children
As you progress through the programme, you will have the opportunity to plan and test scientific hypotheses about linguistic phenomena using specialist linguistics and phonetics equipment.
Why Edinburgh
As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a modern language in its cultural context and alongside Linguistics. German has been taught here since 1894, making it one of the first modern European languages to be offered at the University.
Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs.
Additionally, we are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.
Programme benefits
Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.
Go abroad for the first of your honours years - Year 3.
Build up to fluency in one of Europe's most widely spoken languages, and specialise in different aspects of German studies and linguistics as you move through your degree.
Combine practical language learning with language science.
Explore fantastic libraries, collections and galleries at the University and in the city.
Join societies, attend events, and gain the skills and confidence for life after university.
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