German Studies - 2025 entry
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.
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.
Modules
German Language Modules:
| Title | Credits | Core/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+). | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
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-). | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
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. | 20 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
| Languages and Cultures Essential Skills | 0 | Core (if you are studying one or two languages and cultures) Optional (if you are studying three languages and cultures) |
* For language classes, you will be placed in an appropriate group for your level.
In your second year, whilst continuing to develop your spoken and listening language skills, you will also deepen your understanding of political, social, and cultural contexts. You will also have the opportunity to engage with more specialised thematic modules which explore the relationship between language, culture, and identity. Modules could include:
- Arts of Persuasion
- Why Read?
- Translation
- That is not my (Hi)story
- Language and the Self
- Languages of Gender and Sexuality
- Revolutions and Revolutionary Trends
You'll spend your third year abroad, immersed in your chosen language and culture.
Your final year on the BA Modern Languages and Cultures is about deepening the language and cultural expertise you have developed through your previous study and year abroad. You will then apply this learning to contemporary global issues and a range of career-relevant scenarios. Modules could include:
- A Languages and Cultures dissertation or translation
- Social Approaches to Multilingualism
- Tales of Cities
- Comparative Critique of Consumer Culture
- Migration and its Representations
- Global Careers in Languages
- Music and Performance
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:
Results and Clearing 2025
The University of Sheffield has some places for additional high achieving students available through Clearing this year.