German and Classics

Classics explores the languages and literatures of the ancient Greeks and Romans. German literary culture has been profoundly influenced by the reading of such works since the Middle Ages.

German

Across all four years of this joint honours programme, including a year abroad, your studies will give you the chance to gain professional skills in all aspects of German, including:

• reading and listening

• writing and translating

• speaking and presenting

On joining us, you will take one of the following language courses:

• German 1A - for beginners

• German 1B - for students with more experience of learning the language

As well as language learning, you will explore German-language literature, film and theatre. You will study these in the context of historical and political developments, from the eighteenth century to contemporary times.

You will be able to engage with significant works that demonstrate the classical influence, such as works by the great German writers Goethe and Schiller.

German universities have a very strong tradition in teaching Classics, which means you will have an excellent choice of destinations for your year abroad in Year 3.

By your final year, you will have developed the linguistic, critical and analytical skills to the standard of completing a dissertation or long essay.

Classics

You will explore the highly influential scholarship and literature of the classical world that gave rise to Western society, opting to take a Latin, Ancient Greek or non-language pathway through Classics.

Why Edinburgh

As a world-leading historic, festival and capital city, Edinburgh is a fantastic place to study a modern language in its cultural context and alongside Classics.

Classical languages have been taught at the University since its foundation in 1583. German has been taught here since 1894, making it one of the first modern European languages to be offered at the University of Edinburgh.

Studying over four years enables you to choose courses, including from other disciplines, 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.

We are unique in Scotland in offering students a full academic year abroad within the four-year honours programme, regardless of whether you spend the year studying or working.

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 your subjects. 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 studying abroad, gaining lived experience of German-speaking culture. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to German and Classics.

Programme benefits

• Learn in an historic capital city where German has been taught for over a century.

• Study over four years, including one abroad.

• Become fluent in one or more languages.

• Try out different subjects in your first two years.

• Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

• Try your hand at creative writing and publishing.