German Studies

Germanic Studies embraces the language, history, society and culture of well over 100 million people. In the 20th century, Germany has had a bigger impact on world history than any other European country. Today, it is the political and economic powerhouse at the heart of the European Union.

Year abroad in Germany.

At Sheffield we believe that language and culture are two sides of the same coin. You can only become genuinely fluent in a language if you understand the culture of that language; and you can only understand the culture if you are genuinely fluent. We also recognise that cultures are always interconnected: German culture is bound up with the other cultures of Europe and beyond.

More on the German community at Sheffield


Undergraduate degree combinations

To see how our degrees can be structured and combined, please visit the following:

BA Modern Languages & Cultures (BAMLC) - this course allows you to choose between one and three languages to study.

Dual degrees with a non-language - these options allow you to take a language (or two, in some cases) alongside a non-language subject.


Why study German at Sheffield?

We asked some of our students why they chose to study German at Sheffield:


Course

Post A-level Course

You can take German in a variety of subject combinations, and you can choose from a range of optional modules.

At the centre of all our programmes are your language modules. They form the bedrock of your education in German. Post A-level students normally take three hours of language teaching per week. In addition, we offer digital learning opportunities and a lively social and extra-curricular programme with other students and German-speakers. 

Alongside your compulsory language programme, you choose from a range of optional modules, which focus on German culture in the broadest sense (society, history, film, literature and philosophy). Our staff has extensive expertise in these areas and this is reflected in our teaching. Depending on your degree programme, you may also choose from a number of School-wide optional modules.

Beginners' German

If you are new to the German language, your programme will entail four weekly hours of intensive language teaching. This will rapidly develop your German. In addition, you will be introduced to German Studies covering German society, history, film, literature and philosophy.

In your Second Year, you will have three hours a week of language teaching, while also deepening your knowledge of German Studies by choosing one or more culture-focused optional modules. 

In your final year – which is the year after your Year Abroad – you will as a rule be able to integrate fully with your fellow students on the post-A level strand.


Modules

German Beginners

TitleCreditsCore/Optional

German Beginner Intensive 

This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a elementary level, orally and in writing, with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2+).

20Core

Understanding German History and Culture

This core German content module will introduce students to the history, society, politics, and culture of the German-speaking world. You will focus on the major historical events (such as the building of the Berlin Wall, and the importance of the Greens to contemporary Germany) and key texts and visual material. You will also acquire a theoretical toolkit that will enable you to analyse these major events and cultural forms. The module complements the core German language modules (which also cover some aspects of culture) studied at Level 1, in addition to serving as the solid foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at Level 2 and onwards.

20Core
   

German Post A Level:

TitleCreditsCore/Optional

German Advanced

Assuming a good A level in the language or equivalent, this unit aims to provide an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2-).

20Core

Understanding German History and Culture

This core German content module will introduce students to the history, society, politics, and culture of the German-speaking world. You will focus on the major historical events (such as the building of the Berlin Wall, and the importance of the Greens to contemporary Germany) and key texts and visual material. You will also acquire a theoretical toolkit that will enable you to analyse these major events and cultural forms. The module complements the core German language modules (which also cover some aspects of culture) studied at Level 1, in addition to serving as the solid foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at Level 2 and onwards.

20Core 
   

* For language classes, you will be placed in an appropriate group for your level.

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Information last updated:


Students walk outside a red-bricked university building

Results and Clearing 2025

The University of Sheffield has some places for additional high achieving students available through Clearing this year.