Course summary

This four-year degree is provided jointly by our Department of Linguistics and English Language and our Department of Languages and Cultures. A year abroad gives you the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and culture, and you don’t need to have studied German before as we offer an intensive course for beginners. In German Studies we aim to help you become truly fluent. We offer courses on German history, culture, politics and social background. You’ll also learn how the English language functions, studying traditional linguistic areas such as lexis, grammar and phonetics. In the following year you’ll study core modules such as English Phonetics and Becoming German, and develop your German language skills. You’ll also be able to choose from options ranging from Corporate Communication to Discourse Analysis. The aim of your third year, which is spent living abroad, is to deepen your intercultural sensitivity and your command of the language. You can study at a partner institution or carry out a work placement and practice your language skills in a real-world context. Staff members within the department will work with you to secure accommodation, and help to ensure that you are ready for your year in Germany. On your return to Lancaster, your fourth year allows you to develop your German to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages C1/C2 levels. You can also specialise in particular fields of study. Modules could include Psycholinguistics, Images of Austria or Languages and Identity. You could also choose to complete a dissertation on a topic you would like to explore in-depth. Given the range of expertise within our department, our academics will be able to supervise most topics that fit your interests. Beginners Languages Studying a language from beginners level is somewhat intense in nature so we only allow students to study one language from beginners level. Please bear this in mind when looking at our first year module options. If you apply to study a degree with a language from beginners level, your optional modules will only include higher level languages and modules in other subject areas.