About

This German and History (Hons) degree at the University of Nottingham, combining history with degree-level study in German language and culture, is open to beginners in German as well as post-A level students. 

Beginners’ German students follow an intensive language course designed to take them to degree level within four years, while post-A level students take language classes at an advanced level. Absolute beginners, GCSE, AS (all beginners’ pathway), or A level students (advanced pathway) in German are warmly invited to apply. All students graduate with the same degree, our BA in German and history.

Year one 

The German core language course develops the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Beginners will work intensively on a structured language programme to enable rapid progress. In addition, you will take a core German Studies module introducing you to the study of German linguistics, literature, history and film. Post-A level students take further optional modules.

In history, the Learning History core course introduces you to the discipline's practical and theoretical elements and you will take modules from the early medieval period to the 20th century.

Year two

Your German language skills will be consolidated to prepare you for the year abroad. In German, you will take modules in literature, history, politics and society, and may opt for modules in German linguistics, culture and media.

The core element in history is provided by the Contemporary World since 1945, which deals not just with global developments, political and economic, social and cultural, environmental and demographic, but also explores key historical debates concerning the immediate origins of the world in which we now live. 

Year three

Your third academic year is spent in Germany or Austria doing one of the following:

• a programme of studies in a higher education institution

• working as an assistant in a school

• a work placement.

Options available to you may depend on the details of the Brexit settlement negotiated by the UK government. For more information, see our Year Abroad page and the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies statement on Brexit and our year abroad provision.

Year four

Former beginners and post-A level students take the same German language classes, and graduate at the same level in German. You will develop your command of German to a high level and use it in increasingly sophisticated contexts. You will also study optional modules drawn from the areas of literature, history, politics, society, media and linguistics and you may choose to write a dissertation.

Careers

You will have undertaken independent, in-depth study in your Special Subject, working with primary sources. You will have a broad knowledge of German history and culture, and will have acquired a high level of expertise in written and spoken German. Your international experience will demonstrate to employers that you are adaptable, flexible and able to cope in challenging situations.