German and Scandinavian Studies

This unique joint honours programme is your opportunity to study the languages and cultures of two neighbouring and influential parts of modern Europe.

Over one-third of Europeans speak German as their first language, while the languages of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have long had a considerable impact beyond the Nordic region.

Through intensive language study, including a year abroad, you will have the opportunity to acquire advanced spoken and written skills in both German and a Scandinavian language - either Danish, Norwegian or Swedish. No previous knowledge of any of the languages is needed.

In addition to your language classes, you will explore aspects of German-language and Scandinavian culture. Courses cover literature, cinema, history, society, politics, and languages in themed and comparative contexts.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study languages in their cultural context.

We are the only university in Scotland, and one of only two in the UK, to offer undergraduate programmes with joint honours in Scandinavian Studies. We are the proud home of the Northern Scholars Scheme which fosters cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries and Scotland.

As well as being distinctive in our subject offering, we are also unique in Scotland in integrating a full academic year abroad into the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses that match your own interests, expertise and employability needs. It gives you the blend of specialist skills and intercultural awareness valued in a range of careers around the globe.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years, including a year abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.

Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in German and your chosen Scandinavian language, and in the study of German-language and Scandinavian history and culture.

In addition to your core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses from a range of disciplines. This may enable you to change the focus of your programme.

Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of different cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to German and Scandinavian Studies. You will also further develop your language and translation skills and write either a long essay or dissertation.

Programme benefits

• Take the only programme of its kind in Scotland.

• Learn in an historic, capital city with excellent cultural and research links to Germany and the Nordic nations.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in two languages.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.