German

Information for applicants and offer holders for our degree programmes in German. Herzlich willkommen!  

I’m delighted that you are interested in studying with us and very much hope that you will join our community.  

We’ve been teaching German since 1894, making it one of the first European languages to be offered at Edinburgh.  

Today, the University ranks 3rd in the UK for Modern Languages in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025, and offers German as a single honours degree or jointly with one of 18 other humanities subjects, including 6 additional languages.  

We hope that the information we’ve provided will help you choose the right university and degree for you.  

Professor Alex Thomson, Head of School

Degree programmes and structures

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

German degree programmes: 2025 entry

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below. 

 

German degree structures 2025/26

Why study German at Edinburgh?

For centuries, German-speaking cultures have had a profound international influence. Over one third of Europeans speak German as their first language, and the language ranks in the world's top 20. German speakers are highly sought after by UK employers, particularly those with links to the German economy, the fourth largest in the world.  

Study with us, and you will get the opportunity to develop advanced competency in German, gaining the skills to use the language daily in social and professional settings. In Year 1, our German courses are streamed according to how much of the language you already know, so you can start from scratch or with prior experience 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 18th century to contemporary times. 

Studying a language in context demonstrates that you are a good communicator and someone who is open to other cultures and new ideas; what employers value as Intercultural Competence. Our German graduates have gone on to careers in the private, public, not-for-profit, and for-benefit sectors around the world.  

Undergraduate degrees in German

On all of our undergraduate degree programmes, you will:  

  • Study over four years, giving you choice and flexibility to develop skills in all aspects of the humanities. If you love languages, and German is the only one you are studying with us, why not pick up another language while you’re here? We have more than 20 to offer and you can start from scratch. Alternatively, you can do something completely different! 
  • Study abroad. You will spend Year 3 in a German-speaking country, immersing yourself in German-speaking culture. If you’re taking German with another language as a joint degree, you’ll study elsewhere too. 
  • Learn at the heart of Scotland's capital city. When you are on campus, you’ll spend most of your time in the University of Edinburgh's Central Area; in class, in the library, or in one of our many social and support spaces.  
  • Get a chance to join societies related to what you’re studying. There are more than 300 to choose from, including The German Society. We also have a creative writing magazine for European languages, giving you the opportunity to write, edit and publish in German. 
  • Delve into fantastic libraries and collections, including the Karin McPherson Collection in our Main Library, a unique resource for the literature and culture of the German Democratic Republic.  

Have you applied for a joint honours degree? Don't forget to look at the information for each of your subjects. 

Not sure which School looks after the other subject of your degree? Check our School list for information on the subjects they manage. 

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences: Schools and subjects 


This article was published on