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 or those with limited experience of learning the language

• German 1B - for students with a high level of competency in German

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.

Programme benefits

• Study over four years, giving you the choice and flexibility to try out different things.

• Go abroad for the first of your honours years - Year 3.

• Build up to fluency in one or more languages, and specialise in different aspects of German and classics as you move through your degree.

• Learn in an historic capital city, drawing on our long tradition of teaching both German and classics.

• Delve into fantastic libraries, collections and galleries at the University and in the city.

• Join societies, attend events, and gain the skills and confidence for life after university.