German language and literature (in Universities) Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

German language and literature (in Universities) Studies in The United Kingdom

German at a UK university is a degree that can be started from scratch. Several departments run beginners' and advanced routes side by side, and both lead to the same final degree. Students combine language classes with German-language literature, history and culture, usually within a Modern Languages degree, and most spend a year abroad. Universities also set an English language requirement for international students. This directory lists 22 schools in the UK for the subject, four of them in London and two in Edinburgh.

How the degree is organised

In England German is mostly taken as one language within a four-year Modern Languages degree. The BA Modern Languages at the University of Bristol and at Royal Holloway, University of London, and the Modern Languages and Cultures BA at The University of Sheffield all last four years. At Bristol the degree can be followed with German alone or with two or three languages. Sheffield's degree is built around two languages, with an optional third. At Newcastle University a student may take a single language only if it is French, German or Spanish at post-A-level standard, and students of German can later add Dutch from beginners' level.

In Scotland the honours degree is the four-year MA. The German MA (Honours) at the University of St Andrews lasts four years. In the first two years students take German alongside at least one other subject. In the Honours years they can specialise in areas such as German literature and culture from earlier periods to the present day.

Other universities in this directory with German include King's College London, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, The University of Warwick, Cardiff University and the University of Oxford.

Beginners and advanced routes

St Andrews states that no prior knowledge of German is necessary for its MA. Beginners and students with a National 5 or GCSE follow an intensive language programme in first year, continue with their own intensive courses in second year, and join the advanced students for literature and culture. The university adds that its modules are not designed for speakers whose first or habitual language is German.

Bristol offers beginners' and post-A-level routes in all its languages. Royal Holloway has a beginners' and a post-A-level pathway in the first year, and from the second year all students take the same language modules. Sheffield's module descriptions show the starting points: German Beginner Intensive works towards CEFR level A2+, and German Advanced assumes a good A level in the language or an equivalent.

The year abroad

The third year is normally spent in a German-speaking country. At Royal Holloway students spend it studying, working or both, usually for at least nine months. Sheffield states that all its Modern Languages students spend the third year studying or working abroad. At Newcastle the year is optional, and the degree can be completed in three years without it. At St Andrews an integrated year abroad, working or studying in a German-speaking country, is also optional.

Admission and language requirements

Applications go through UCAS, with up to five choices. For 2027 entry the equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time, and 15 October for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. UCAS notes that many universities accept international applications later in the year.

Typical A-level offers are ABB at Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle, ABB-BBC at Royal Holloway and AAB at St Andrews. Royal Holloway asks for grade B in the language for the advanced pathway and has no language requirement for the beginners' pathway.

Students whose first language is not English need an English certificate: IELTS 7.0 overall at Bristol and 6.5 at Royal Holloway for these courses. For the Student visa, degree-level study requires English equivalent to CEFR level B2.

Fees and visa

International fees per year are £26,500 at Bristol (first year, 2027 entry), £25,350 at Newcastle (first year, 2027 entry), £24,600 at Royal Holloway (2027-28) and £34,910 at St Andrews (2027 entry). Home students pay £10,050. At Royal Holloway international students pay 20% of the fee for the year abroad.

International students normally need a Student visa. According to GOV.UK (checked in October 2026), the application costs £558 from outside the UK plus the healthcare surcharge, and applicants must show £1,529 per month for courses in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months.

Careers

A German degree is not tied to one profession. Royal Holloway reports that its modern languages graduates have entered fields such as international management, media and publishing, banking, the Civil Service, teaching, and translating and interpreting, and that others have gone on to advanced study.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study German at a UK university as a beginner?

Yes, at several universities. St Andrews states that no prior knowledge of German is necessary, and Bristol and Royal Holloway offer beginners' routes.

How long does a German degree take in the UK?

Usually four years, including a year abroad. At Newcastle the Modern Languages BA can be completed in three years without the year abroad.

Can a native German speaker take the degree?

Check with the university. St Andrews says its modules are not designed for speakers whose first or habitual language is German.