Program Overview

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German and Language & Linguistics (5 years), MA

Introduction

German and Language & Linguistics at Aberdeen is a great combination that adds value to highly-developed language skills and cultural knowledge in a major European language. The programme offers a fascinating exploration of how human language evolved, how we learn languages and how they differ and change over time. You will gain both a language and the all-round knowledge and transferable skills to open up a wide variety of career option, both international and specialist.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 60 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: RQ21

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Language Structure and use (LN1507)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following options:
  • Beginner: German for Beginners 1 (GM1054), German for Beginners 2 (GM1554), Background to German Beginners 1 (GM1049) AND/OR The Global City (LA1501)
  • Advanced: German Language 1 (GM1050), German Language 2 (GM1550), Modern German Culture 1 (GM1052) AND/OR The Global City (LA1501)
  • Plus two courses from the following LN courses:
    • Living language (LN1005)
    • Language Myths (LN1006)
    • English Past and Present (LN1008)

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Modern German Culture 3 (GM2043)
• Language in Society (LN2008)
• Elements of English (LN2515)
• The Global City in Text and Film (LA1501)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following options:
  • Beginner: German Language (Advanced Introductory) 1 (GM2040), German Language (Advanced Introductory) 2 (GM2540)
  • Advanced: German Language 3 (GM2042), German Language 4 (GM2542)

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• Academic year spent in a German-speaking country.

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• German Junior Honours Language Study (GM3069)

Optional Courses

• Select a further 45 credits of German courses at level 3, plus 60 level 3 credits of Language and Linguistics courses.

Year 5

Compulsory Courses

• German Language Study for Senior Honours (GM4099)

Optional Courses

• Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
  • Dissertation in German (GM4052)
  • Dissertation in Language and Linguistics (LN4501)
• Plus select further courses in Level 4 German and Level 4 Language & Linguistics to make up 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study German and Language & Linguistics?

Why German

• A vibrant international community on campus and across the region, with many German-speaking students, staff and activities to get involved in and practise your language skills.
• German Society open to all students interested in German and the German-speaking countries, organising drama performances and other events such as Kaffee and Kuchen, a German Stammtisch, film showings, and visits by German speakers and writers.
• German Drama Group providing a great opportunity to produce an annual play, widen your language skills and meet other German students studying in Aberdeen.
• Opportunities to study the rich literature and culture of Austria and Switzerland in addition to Germany.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the popular annual WayWORD festival, welcoming international figures, experts, authors and scientists to campus.
• Your period abroad as a language assistant or visiting student - we have exchange scholarships with the Universities of Zurich, Kiel and Greifswald, and Erasmus partners including Leipzig, Cologne, Bonn, Trier and Graz in Austria.
• The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, with fabulous study facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and an extensive German collection to inspire your studies.

Why Language and Linguistics

• A vibrant linguistics research and teaching community, and the benefits this study brings to other subjects such as modern languages, anthropology, sociology and history.
• Researchers revealing new insight into how spoken English is changing, including evidence gathered from tracking TV and radio soaps over the years.
• Major research partnerships such as the study of witness testimonies following the 1641 Irish Rebellion, with language revealing the social, economic, cultural and political situation in 17th century Ireland, giving clues on sectarianism today.
• Award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library with top-class study facilities and literary treasures collected over 500 years charting the power of the written word from ancient papyri and medieval manuscripts to contemporary e-books and other media.
• A packed campus programme of events, exhibitions, invited speakers and the annual WayWord literary festival, attracting internationally acclaimed authors, broadcasters and public figures to discuss the written and spoken word in various languages.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £20,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.