What is German studies?
German studies is the field of humanities that researches, documents and disseminates German language and literature in both its historic and present forms. German studies at Nottingham includes German culture, history and politics, in addition to the language and literature component.
How will I study?
The department achieved 22 points out of 24 in an independent review of teaching quality. We are committed to teaching innovative programmes that build directly on our research excellence.
All our degree courses are modular, allowing you to select modules in areas that interest you. Language teaching takes place in small groups, and at least one hour a week is taught by a native speaker of German. Other modules are delivered through lectures and seminars with plenty of scope for class discussion. You will also gain practice in giving presentations in German and in English and will learn to prepare work in groups as well as individually.
We emphasise the development of language skills throughout the course. A varied menu of work in small groups develops speaking, listening, reading and writing skills and these are underpinned by a course in German grammar. Your oral skills will be assessed along with your ability to write German and to read a range of texts.
An extensive range of optional modules allows you to 'design your own course'. These cover areas such as modern and contemporary German and Austrian history, politics and society, and literature, culture and media. Optional modules in linguistics and Dutch language and culture are also available.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by coursework and exams or a combination of both. Your degree classification is determined by marks gained in the second and fourth year.
Studying abroad
We have one of the best organised and supported year abroad schemes in the country. During your time abroad you can either work as a language assistant in a school, go to one of our exchange universities (Berlin, Bremen, Heidelberg, Jena, Magdeburg, Mainz/Germersheim, Tübingen, Vienna) or engage in suitable work experience.
Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.
Career prospects
Our students are highly sought after by employers. Recent graduates now work for: Ernst and Young; Europa Publications; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Deutsche Bank; Cambridge University Press; Barclays Capital Graduate Training Programme; and Emirates Airlines, among many.
The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of German Studies was £18,600.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.
Application and interview
Offers are normally made without interview. Suitable applicants with non-standard qualifications will be invited for an interview.
Open days
UCAS visit days for students offered a place are normally held from late January to March. You are welcome to visit at other times – please contact us or for dates of our open days visit
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays