Course summary
German and Politics at Aberdeen adds to your highly-developed skills in a modern European language and culture with in-depth exploration of national, European and global politics, putting you at the forefront of contemporary world issues. You will be taught by highly-regarded experts regularly commenting in the media on events unfolding in the world today. You will gain the perfect foundation for a wide range of careers in Europe, politics, media and many other fields and professions. You will gain a solid grounding in the German language whatever your level, in a programme with the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment. You will also develop a broad understanding of culture in the German-speaking world, with courses in social, historical and cultural aspects of these countries and encounter the world of German artistic expression in the form of literature, film and art, together with a deeper understanding of Germany’s complex history. In Politics, you will be right at the front of debate on current world events – including Britain’s relationship with its European neighbours and movements of regionalisation within the UK. You will explore voting behaviour, different political systems, making and implementing policy, nationalism, concepts of democracy, and ever-present concerns of conflict and peace. You can also take advantage of unique options made possible by the research pedigree of our academic team with a strong track record in publishing international papers and articles. The combination of language, analytical and intellectual skills you will develop and their transferability will be a great foundation for any career including opportunities in European business and organisations, NGOs, charities and international development, government service, marketing and much more. As an integral part of your 4-year programme, you will spend half of year three developing your language skills as a teaching assistant or visiting student in a German-speaking country. **German at Aberdeen has an outstanding reputation with the highest possible rating of ‘Excellent’ in the last national Teaching Quality Assessment. We are ranked 8th in the UK for Politics by the Guardian University Guide 2023.**
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability. Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- R2L2
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that students budget £1,023 per month to cover their living costs. International students who require a Student visa to study in the UK also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £470 per year of study, plus £235 (any additional period of 6 months or less is charged at the rate of half the annual amount) when applying for a visa. International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note that this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php#faq2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £20800* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £20800* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
EU/International Fees have not been set for Academic Year 2025-26. The fee detailed above was for Academic Year 2024-25.
EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen. View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX